Rock band X Japan has been commissioned to write the theme song titled, “Scarlet Love Song” for Tezuka Osamu’s animation flick, “Tezuka Osamu no Buddha: Akai Sabaku yo! Utsukushiku” which is set for release next year 5/28. A passionate Yoshiki from X Japan was contacted by director Morishita Kozo when he was planning, and Yoshiki who read “Buddha” quickly accepted the offer saying, “I’m very interested.” Yoshiki also stated that he loved the animation series growing up.

X Japan also offered 4 other songs that they created:

  • Endless Rain
  • Forever Love
  • Tears
  • I.V

Yoshiki also hinted that the songs might be available on a compilation album for sale next year. You can also listen to part of “Scarlet Love Song” in the trailer at the official site.

More about Tezuka’s Buddha from Wikipedia:

Buddha is a manga drawn by Osamu Tezuka and is Tezuka’s unique interpretation of the life of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The critically-acclaimed series is often referred to as a gritty, even sexual, portrayal of the Buddha’s life.

Buddha received the 2004, 2005 Eisner Award. As of early 2006, each volume had sold an average of 8,500 copies, with Kapilavastu having sold 20,000 copies.

Tezuka’s Buddha manga series is licensed and have been translated into English. You can buy them over at [amazon_link id=”193223456X” target=”_blank” locale=”US” ]Amazon.com[/amazon_link].