RADWIMPS deliver a fierce critique of political power with ‘Shabadaba’. The provocative new single sees frontman Yojiro Noda openly express his frustration with those in authority. Released digitally on October 28th through Muzinto Records / EMI, the song doubles as the theme for Fuji TV drama PoliticaLupin.
Written and composed by Yojiro Noda, ‘Shabadaba’ uses unusually blunt language, comparing the state to a legally sanctioned criminal organisation and questioning why people must support leaders who disregard them. Noda portrays politicians enjoying lavish meals at the public’s expense while those in power squeeze ordinary citizens for everything they can, seemingly concerned only with keeping them alive enough to maintain control.
The lyrics mock second- and third-generation politicians for treating the country’s finances like their own piggy bank, then joke that Lupin III never turns up. Elsewhere, Noda suggests even ChatGPT could devise better ways of governing and questions the public’s willingness to accept the status quo. Despite his direct criticism, he never names a political party or serving politician.
Yet ‘Shabadaba’ is not solely an angry protest. Its English-language bridge introduces personal regret, while the closing lines soften the song’s anger as Noda questions whether he can become a kinder person and finds comfort in having someone by his side.
The track was commissioned for PoliticaLupin, starring Satomi Ishihara as a master thief who infiltrates political circles to steal money connected to questionable dealings. Producer Hiraku Kitano and screenwriter Akiko Nogi wanted a theme that challenged the conventions of television drama music. In a statement published by Fuji TV, Noda explained:
“When we first received the offer, I was genuinely surprised that a subject like this would be presented as entertainment in a modern television drama.
Yojiro Noda, RADWIMPS (translated from Japanese)
Producer Kitano and screenwriter Nogi also gave us the challenging request to create a song that would smash the conventional idea of a drama theme song, something thoroughly edgy. I threw myself into writing it, fired up by the challenge, using the irritation and indignation festering inside me as fuel.
The result is a song that seems by far the least likely to sell among this season’s drama themes, perhaps even this year’s. But we’ve made a song that we can proudly stand behind as one of the coolest of our career, and I hope you’ll enjoy it alongside the drama. Shabadaba.”
Nogi described the finished song as three times more provocative than she had imagined, but praised the sense of love that comes through despite its harsh criticism. Kitano, who had envisioned a sharp, rap-influenced theme, cited earlier RADWIMPS songs ‘Oshakashama’ and ‘DADA’ as influences.
A provocative campaign in Tokyo
The promotional campaign carried the song’s message into the heart of Japanese politics. On 26th October, posters appeared at Kokkai-gijidomae, Kasumigaseki, and Nagatacho stations, near the National Diet, Prime Minister’s Office, and several government ministries.
Featuring the single’s artwork, the advertisements asked ‘Kimi no rinri, daijōbu so?’ (‘Are your ethics OK?’), a question taken directly from the lyrics. They also revealed the single’s digital release date.
Having premiered on October 7th, PoliticaLupin marks RADWIMPS’ first original theme song for a Fuji TV serial drama.
About RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS are a Japanese rock band formed in Yokohama in 2001. Known for combining alternative rock, pop melodies, rhythmic experimentation, and emotionally direct songwriting, the group made their independent album debut in 2003 before signing to Toshiba EMI and making their major-label debut with '25kome No Senshokutai' in November 2005. Led by vocalist, guitarist, and pianist Yojiro Noda, their early releases established an audience in Japan, with songs such as 'Futarigoto', 'Yushinron', and 'DADA' becoming enduring parts of their catalogue. The band reached a much wider international audience through their work with filmmaker Makoto Shinkai. RADWIMPS composed music for the animated film Your Name. (2016), including 'Zenzenzense', 'Sparkle', and 'Nandemonaiya', before returning for Weathering with You (2019). They subsequently worked with composer Kazuma Jinnouchi on the music for Suzume (2022), including the song 'Suzume' featuring Toaka. These projects brought their songwriting to cinema audiences worldwide, while their studio discography continued to move between guitar-led rock, piano ballads, orchestral arrangements, and electronic textures. RADWIMPS' current membership is Noda and bassist Yusuke Takeda, alongside drummer Satoshi Yamaguchi, who has remained on hiatus from live band activity since 2015. Longtime guitarist Akira Kuwahara left the group on October 17th 2024. On stage and in recording, Noda and Takeda have continued the band's work with supporting musicians. Their international touring expanded significantly in 2023, including a five-date European tour visiting London, Barcelona, Cologne, Paris, and Berlin, alongside performances across North America, Asia, and Australia. In 2024, the band continued their international activities with a world tour spanning Latin America and Asia. In 2025, RADWIMPS celebrated the 20th anniversary of their major-label debut with the studio album 'Anew' and an anniversary arena tour.
