Mao Abe Talks About Personal Growth and Self-Discovery in New Singles ‘Ding-dong’ and ‘Buddy’

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Mao Abe has kicked off 2026 with the release of two new songs: “Ding-dong” and “Buddy.” In an interview with Billboard JAPAN, she discussed the creative process behind “Buddy” and “Ding-dong,” which serves as the opening theme for the anime The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife. She also shared insights into her songwriting journey.

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How did you feel when you were tapped to make the opening theme song for the TV anime The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife?

When creating a song for someone else’s project, I strive to embody the passion shared by everyone involved, from the original creator to the fans and production team. A typical song lasts four to five minutes, but the part featured in the opening credits is only about 89 seconds long. I aim to capture the essence of the work in that limited timeframe. This makes the creative pursuit very fulfilling. More than feeling honored to contribute to an anime, I’m pleased to write a song that connects well with The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife.

It’s a romance between an invisible man and a blind woman, right?

The concept is remarkable. The main character, the invisible man, struggles with being unseen, but this doesn’t matter to the woman, who can’t see at all. She perceives him through sound and smell. This extraordinary connection is rare. The material is beautifully crafted, encapsulating the joy of meeting someone and being able to be yourself. I aimed to convey this joy in the song, celebrating the deepening of bonds between two individuals in any relationship.

It’s a gentle, laid-back country song that brims with the joy and happiness of finding someone you can be yourself with.

I wrote it in 2024 while immersing myself in country music. The genre felt like a perfect fit for this project. The art from the original comics is stunning, particularly the cover’s coloring, which inspired my choice of sound. A rock or even a J-pop approach didn’t seem suitable. I wanted to evoke a nostalgic feel, making country an obvious choice.

Touching on the song’s title, where did the idea of a ringing bell theme come from?

You know how they say when you meet your soulmate, a bell rings? Initially, I developed the melody and added random English lyrics as placeholders before refining the lyrics to match my vision. The characters frequently go on evening dates after work, coinciding with the chimes of 5:00 p.m. bells. I combined this imagery, suggesting that a bell ringing signifies returning home to a special someone and also symbolizes meeting the right person.

The music video is wonderful, too. You look so cute wearing all those different outfits.

We filmed it in Hakodate over two days in mid-November, waking up at 3:00 a.m. in the cold. I collaborated with the director on the concept, which involved showcasing different outfits as if preparing for a date or returning home. This approach felt aligned with the anime’s aesthetic. I envisioned a scenic location surrounded by nature, and the results surpassed my expectations.

Have you seen the song actually matched up with the anime?

Yes, I have! The opening credits were adorable and genuinely moved me. The creative effort was evident, and it’s a lovely introduction to the anime. Notably, there’s a connection between it and my music video. The backgrounds behind the characters in the anime change continuously as they walk, similar to a scene in the “Ding-dong” music video’s first chorus. Although it was purely coincidental, it brought me joy to see this parallel.

I hope it strikes a chord with overseas anime fans, too.

Me too. After I released “Keep Your Fire Burning,” the ending theme for The Unwanted Undead Adventurer, I received feedback from international audiences experiencing a Japanese country song for the first time. The melody of “Ding-dong” is catchy, and I hope it introduces listeners to at least one Japanese artist in the country genre.

On February 18, you’ll be releasing “Buddy,” right?

Exactly. The song centers on a boy in upper elementary school. It captures his feelings of friendship, exploring the uncertainty about whether his playmate feels the same way. The narrative conveys his hopes without explicitly pressing his friend for validation. He values the friendship deeply while navigating his own insecurities.

The lyrics share the faint hopes of the character singing the song, but they don’t reveal what the other boy really thinks.

Exactly. The character’s thoughts express a mix of fears and the significance of friendship without demanding acknowledgment. I envisioned him as quite reserved, which resonated with me.

You’re ringing in 2026 with anime theme songs “Ding-dong” and “Buddy.” What are your plans going forward?

Over the past few years, I’ve undergone personal transformation, peaking at the end of last year. I have a renewed sense of self and am eager to perform live. I hope to write numerous new songs while embracing this fresh perspective. I believe that I can deliver impactful performances of both my previous and new work, driven by a newfound honesty and acceptance of myself.

—This interview by Atsuo Nagahori first appeared on Billboard Japan