Naniwa Danshi Retrospective: Happy Surprise

After the summer release of their debut album, 1st Love, Naniwa Danshi’s third single was a Holiday-themed extravaganza filled with color and hope! 

Released on16 November 2022 – in three separate versions – Naniwa Danshi amplified the already joyous sounds of the season with their own special brand of Kansai-bright cheer. 

🌹A WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND OF SOUND

The music video for “Happy Surprise” was set in a whimsical wonderland reminiscent of Alice’s fantastical adventures – which (as my favorite fairy tale) was delightful. From the colors and costume designs to the magical doors and garden of flowers, it is just an incredibly energetic and enjoyable watch. 

🕰️THE PERFECT PARTY PLAYLIST♫️

As if one delightful treat wasn’t enough, the coupling song “#MerryChristmas” (Hashtag Merry Christmas) is a sweet and sugary confection, brimming with holiday cheer. This music video finds the guys gifted with the magic of the season – as Santa’s elves – ensuring everyone has an enchanted Christmas. 

Set around the gentle, mid-tempo ballad “One Pocket”, the other coupling songs on the disc’s various versions are upbeat and energetic, with “Winter Love” standing out as a party anthem, thanks to its infectious disco guitar riffs!

Upon its release the single also featured some pretty delectable first-press extras. 

Limited Edition 1 (released with a Blu-Ray or DVD):📀

1. HAPPY SURPRISE
2. #MerryChristmas
3. Flower in the snow
4. HAPPY SURPRISE (Original Karaoke)
5. #MerryChristmas (Original Karaoke)
6. Flower in the snow (Original Karaoke)
   • Video content includes “HAPPY SURPRISE” Music Video & “Making Of” Featurette
     • This version came with a A4-sized folder featuring and off shot from the “Happy Surprise” photo shoot.

Limited Edition 2 (released with a Blu-Ray or DVD):📀

1. HAPPY SURPRISE
2. #MerryChristmas
3. Fuyu Ga Kureta Takaramono (冬がくれたたからもの / English: Winter Gift)
4. HAPPY SURPRISE (Original Karaoke)
5. #MerryChristmas (Original Karaoke)
6. Fuyu Ga Kureta Takaramono (Original Karaoke)
   • Video content includes “#MerryChristmas” Music Video & “Making Of” Featurette
     • This version came with a A4-sized folder featuring and off shot from the “#MerryChristmas” photo shoot.

🍭 THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING🎁️ 

Another number one hit for the group, “Happy Surprise” went double platinum and spent 65 weeks on the Oricon music charts.  It was also the campaign song for the Sunstar’s Ora2 me commercial. “#Merry Christmas” was the theme song for the 2022 Lawson’s Christmas campaign.

As the Christmas magic started to fade, Naniwa Danshi was full steam ahead for the season of romance! 

There will be more Naniwa Danshi soon so… 

Stay tuned!