What You Need to Know:
- Rico Sasaki, who is currently active as a singer and voice actress, will make her debut from the music label Lantis by Bandai Namco Music Live with “Windshifter,” the opening theme song of the upcoming anime Rinkai!, which will premiere in Japan in April 2024.
- Rinkai! is a TV anime produced as part of the Rinkai! Project, a mixed media initiative centered around women’s keirin cycling. It is the second original content produced by MIXI_ANIME. The Rinkai! Project aims to showcase the appeal of cycling and invigorate tracks across the country by focusing on female cyclist characters with home tracks nationwide. The anime follows the growth of the protagonist, Izumi Ito, and her destined rival, Nana Hiratsuka, as they navigate the world of keirin. Sasaki herself is part of the cast, playing the role of the reigning queen character, Tsutsuji Kurume.
- “Windshifter,” the opening theme song of the TV anime Rinkai!, is a fast-paced tune that conveys the feeling of acceleration while continuously taking on challenges on the path toward one’s dreams. It is a song that encourages everyone who is struggling but determined to push through headwinds to take a new step toward their dreams. We invite you to keep an eye on Rico Sasaki, who is also taking a new step with her debut from Lantis.
Windshifter on music services ((available early from April 10)): lnk.to/LZC-2742
Comment from Rico Sasaki
I am delighted to be making my debut with Lantis! As a new Rico Sasaki with a brighter outlook and hair color, I will continue to deliver music with spirit and determination!
“Windshifter” is the opening theme song of the TV anime Rinkai! From the moment you decide to change, the future can be changed as well. Even the direction of the wind can shift according to your will. I sang with the image of accelerating towards my dreams with a positive and passionate spirit! I hope you will enjoy this song along with the anime.
Product Information
Title: Windshifter (OP theme of Rinkai!) Artist Edition
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Artist: Rico Sasaki
Product No.: LACM-24536 (CD+BD)
Price: ¥3,300 (inc. 10% tax)
Publisher: Bandai Namco Music Live Inc.
Distributor: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
Tracks
CD
1. Windshifter
Lyrics/Composition: Arrangement: 5u5h1
And two other new songs!
Blu-ray
1. “Windshifter” Music Video
2. Making of Windshifter Music Video
3. Original Movie
Title: Windshifter (OP theme of Rinkai!) Anime Edition
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Artist: Rico Sasaki
Product No.: LACM-24537 (CD only)
Price: ¥1,650 (inc. 10% tax)
Publisher: Bandai Namco Music Live Inc.
Distributor: Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.
©RINKAI League Committee ©RINKAI Project
Tracks
CD
1. Windshifter
Lyrics/Composition: Arrangement: 5u5h1
And two other new songs!
Rico Sasaki Profile
Rico Sasaki
Born November 10
Akita Prefecture
Affiliated with TV Asahi Music Co., Ltd.
Rico Sasaki loved music and singing from a young age and grew up surrounded by various musical influences. In her fifth year of elementary school, she won the leading role in the musical Annie from among 9,000 applicants. This led to an awakening in singing and acting, and she enrolled in a high school with a specialized music program, where she majored in vocal music.
In May 2024, she made her debut with “Windshifter,” released under the Lantis label from Bandai Namco Music Live. Despite her petite stature, her voice resonates with a soulful quality that surprises many.
Currently, she is also active as a voice actress. Some of her main roles include Misumi Uika/Doloris in BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, Tsutsuji Kurume in Rinkai!, Daia Nijinosaki in Kiratto Pri Chan, Ayako Yamada in Kageki Shojo!!, and Chisa Sasuga in World Dai Star.
Official webpage: sasakirico.com
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/sasakirico
Instagram: instagram.com/sasakirico_official
YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/sasakirico
Source: Official Press Release