This EP is centered around the theme of “soul liberation.”
“Generation” was a song I created seven years ago, inspired by witnessing my father battle terminal cancer.
At that time, I was in my twenties, and seeing him fight the illness made me realize, “Things don’t need to last forever.”
Letting go of attachments is essential, and the idea that endings lead to new beginnings is something I find deeply important—not only in love and career but in every stage of life.
“Heart-in-true Dance” was written around the same time as Generation.
I found myself trapped in a slump, unable to write any music because I was too focused on trying to be liked by others.
In the end, I accepted that some people might walk away, but I made the decision to live honestly and true to my heart—and that’s when this song was born.
“My Way” was a song I wrote for my younger classmates when I graduated high school.
At first glance, letting go of attachments and following one’s own path might seem contradictory, but I don’t see it that way.
Rather, I believe that by freeing ourselves from unnecessary attachments, our true path becomes clear.
The final track, “Your Way, My Way,” is an answer song to the short film I directed, and it is also included in my album released in January.
Its theme revolves around the idea that if two people truly love each other, they don’t need to force themselves to stay together.
Once again, this song is about letting go of attachment, even when it comes to the person you love the most.
I hope this EP helps liberate your soul from the constraints of meaningless preconceptions.
今作は、「魂の解放」をテーマにしたEPです
Generationは7年前に私の父が末期がんの闘病をしている姿に
インスピレーションを受け制作した楽曲です
「ずっと 続いていくことは 必要ないんだ」
ということを20代だった時分に気づかされたというか
それはあらゆる執着を捨てるという事だし
終わるから、始まる、次へと繋がるという考えは
恋愛やキャリアなどあらゆる人生のステージにおいても
とても重要な事だと思っています
ときめきダンスはGenerationと同時期に制作した曲で
周りの人に好かれようとばかり考えていたら
一切、曲が書けなくなってしまったというスランプの中で
結果として、去っていく人はいるかもしれないけど
自分の心に正直に生きてゆこうと決意したときに制作した曲です
我が道をゆけは高校卒業の時に後輩たちに向けて書いた曲です
執着を捨てることと、我が道をゆくことは
一見、相反するようですが、私はそうは思っていなくて
むしろ不必要な執着から解放されることによって
真の我が道が拓けるのではないかとそう考えています
最後のYour Way, My Wayは1月リリースのアルバムにも収録されている
私が初監督したショートフィルムのアンサーソングですが
本当に愛し合っているなら、無理して一緒にいる必要はないという
やはりこれも、最愛の恋人に対する執着を捨てることがテーマになっています
つまらない先入観による抑圧から
皆さんの魂が解放されることを願っています
Tomoka Shindo’s Comment
When he asked me, I hesitated whether to bridge the gap between his world and the world beyond him.
The image of flowers that instinctively came to mind had various shapes and colors, and I wanted to weave them into the story of the song, which led to this visual.
Thank you for entrusting me with such a precious piece.
私にお願いしてくれた時、彼の世界と彼以外の世界の狭間を埋めようか埋めないか迷いました。
直感的に浮かんだ花の姿は多種多様な形と色をしていて、
曲の物語の中に添えたいと思い今回のビジュアルに至りました。
大切なピースを託してくれてありがとう。
She listened to the song and, without any input from me, brought it to life purely through her inspiration.
Dan Mitchel’s directorial debut, A Love Story in The Summer, has been officially selected for the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival (HRIFF)!
With this honor, I am planning to embark on my very first journey to the United States this March.
At the end of last year, guided by a flash of inspiration, I submitted my film to several of the countless festivals around the world. It seems one of those sparks has ignited. I can’t help but feel that performing in English was the right choice after all.
Just as I declared my hope to visit America this year, the doors of opportunity have opened wide. This is a moment I cannot afford to let slip away.
Simply attending the festival isn’t enough for me. I want to create a promotion team and, if possible, capture this milestone through a documentary. Yet, I realize that directing the documentary myself may be a task too great to take on alone.
The announcement of my film’s screening schedule is set for February 20. The festival itself will span from March 5 to 15—ten days filled with endless possibilities. On the technical side, I’m still quietly wrestling with the mysteries of DCP (Digital Cinema Package) submission. Terms like “5.1 surround sound” and other specifications feel like another world to navigate, but I’ll find my way through.
I would love to have a team by my side, including a documentary director, a cameraman, an interpreter, and a hair & makeup artist. However, I have yet to extend any formal offers. Ideally, I hope to find team members who can take on multiple roles. I’m also hoping to arrange costume consultations here in Japan before my departure.
Depending on the length of my stay, this venture may cost as much as 2 million yen.
Fortunately, with the submission deadline for the DCP set for February 20, I still have time to refine and edit the film. I am considering adding the names of sponsors to the end credits as a way to showcase their support on the Hollywood stage. I wonder how many sponsors would be willing to join me on this journey under such mutually beneficial terms.
Of course, simple donations would also be greatly appreciated. I would be incredibly grateful for any support. In time, I will find a way to give back to this country that has shaped me.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting deeply on why I sometimes feel frustration toward Japan. It’s because, at my core, I am Japanese. Despite everything, I cannot abandon the love I hold for this country. This is a truth I feel in my heart every day.
I can’t align myself with the current trend of escaping Japan or glorifying such avoidance as a virtue. I cherish this country’s culture, its natural heritage, and above all, the family and friends who live here.
It is precisely because of this deep attachment that I feel the need to succeed abroad. That’s why I have adopted the name “Dan Mitchel”—to blend in overseas—not because of any infatuation with foreign trends or aesthetics.
This coming week will be a battle, particularly in assembling the right team. But I will face it with unwavering determination.
Please, I humbly ask for your support. Your encouragement would mean the world to me.
Thank you very much in advance.
Dan Mitchel初監督作品「A Love Story in The Summer」が
ハリウッドの映画祭、”Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival/HRIFF”に入選しました
My debut short film, A Love Story in the Summer, features a stunning score composed by pianist and songwriter Aiko Yoshiba.
The entire soundtrack was crafted specifically for this project, with Aiko composing each piece while watching the edited footage I provided. She meticulously outlined detailed notes on where and how the music would integrate with the film. The result is a masterful collection of elegant, emotionally resonant, and profoundly moving tracks that perfectly enhance the narrative.
Unfortunately, not all of these compositions could be included in the film. To showcase Aiko’s remarkable work, we decided to release an original soundtrack, which includes previously unreleased tracks created for this project.
Additionally, I wrote a new song, Your Way, My Way, as a response to the film. Inspired by my personal experiences, the song delves into the bittersweet reality of love—that mutual affection alone isn’t always enough to sustain a relationship. I believe it beautifully encapsulates this theme.
Except for the pre-released theme song, My Love, the entire soundtrack was a collaborative effort between Aiko and me. It’s been three years since we first worked together, and this time I focused on drawing out the best in both of our talents. For example, in Your Way, My Way, we experimented with the monitor track, left the piano arrangement entirely to Aiko’s interpretation, and avoided imposing rigid ideas beyond the vocal melody. In some sections, such as the piano solo, I intentionally refrained from specifying chords, granting her complete creative freedom. Her suggestion to loop back to the beginning in the outro aligned perfectly with the song’s lyrical themes, making it a natural inclusion.
Despite collaborating remotely, this project yielded an unexpected yet captivating creative synergy. I’m thrilled with the results and hope you’ll enjoy both the film and its accompanying soundtrack!
There are almost no works in my portfolio that involve love stories. In that sense, Dan is like a mentor to me, as he has created so many romance-themed works. For the music, I played the piano while listening to Dan’s a cappella recordings, and for the soundtrack, I repeatedly watched the visuals, pressing the record button, and playing in real time dozens of times until I felt, “This is it.” I submitted what I thought was the best. It turned out to be live-feeling music, a realistic creation crafted by human hands rather than machines. I shared my thoughts about which scenes inspired each piece of music, but the final decision was up to Dan, who even came up with the titles for the tracks. It was a great collaborative experience!
After a six-month hiatus, the Freestyle Session Party is making its return to the streets of Tokyo! We’re planning to hold it on December 17th and December 23rd at a location somewhere in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Stay tuned for updates!
Our special guest this time is none other than the familiar and iconic dancer, Sessey!
Participation is open to everyone, but please remember to bring your own equipment. Don’t miss out on this chance to vibe, connect, and freestyle together on the streets of Tokyo!
For the latest updates and location details, make sure to check out my Instagram. See you there!
I’ve created my first short film! Written, directed, produced, and starring Dan Mitchel! (Oh, and I did the theme song too, haha.)
This project started as a stage play last fall. After plenty of ups and downs, we finally shot it in May. Somehow, all the dialogue ended up in English. The night before filming, I got an unexpected late-night call, pulled an all-nighter, and even ended up acting as the driver.
Despite all the challenges, we were blessed with great weather and an incredible crew, and I’m proud to say we completed the film.
My main focus throughout was “capturing the acting”. Being both the director and an actor, I believe this is something only I could achieve, and I made it my top priority.
There are plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, but I’ll save those for later. Haha.
This film represents my full power at this moment, so I’d be thrilled if you’d take a look.
In the future, I plan to use this film as a calling card for film festival competitions, launch my next project, and further expand my theater activities (yes, as an actor too!).
So, please check out my YouTube channel and give it a watch!
This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but now I’ve come to the conclusion that seriously pursuing immigration abroad is the most realistic and humble way to protect my peace of mind.
If possible, I’d like to aim for Texas, but I’m not sure if I can go there right away. My language skills are still lacking, and I don’t feel confident about obtaining a work visa. Therefore, I realize I need to establish a scheme where I can earn a minimum living income through full remote work from Japan.
I plan to continue with the company I established over the summer.
Someday, when I return to Japan, I hope to bring back undeniable personal value that allows me to build a modern-day “Tokiwa-so” in Tokyo. The tenant selection process will be based on my own discretion and judgment, and the living room will double as a filming studio.
The selection criteria are as follows:
1. Talent
2. Intelligence
3. Aesthetic sensibility
4. Initiative
5. Sociability
6. Altruism
7. High level of independence
8. Open-mindedness
9. International perspective
10. Patriotism
In short, I want to create a community for fostering philosophers and facilitating connections between like-minded individuals.
For now, it’s still just a distant dream.
But the work of a dramatic artist is to create miracles,
which means constantly taking risks without hesitation.
My 15th Single “I swear…Come On!” is out on 13th Nov. Curated by FRIENDSHIP. @friends_hipland You can listen to these songs on any platforms of music subscription services freely
Lyrics, Musics, Vocals, Programming, Arrangement&Mix:Dan Mitchel Mastering:The Soulmate(M1), Dan Mitchel(M2) Inspired by Mai @mai.jasmine (M1) and Yosei Kitsuyama @shoon.you , The owner of Natur Gym @natur_omotesando (M2)
Jacket Desinged by Dan Mitchel The model:Yuko Yamamoto painted by Hideaki Yamamoto
Both of these new songs are collaborations, created through my company’s service, “Turn Your Life Drama into Music.” Each track was composed based on a client’s unique story.
“I Swear…” is a heartfelt love song from a mother to her first-born daughter. Although I’ve often written romantic themes before, hearing this mother honestly express, “She is my entire life now,” moved me deeply. It was a sentiment I might not have naturally captured on my own. I truly felt the greatness of a mother’s love, which brought a universal depth to this song that anyone can relate to. I’m thrilled it became such a profound expression of love.
“Come On!” is inspired by Mr. Yosei Kitsuyama, an incredibly young, dynamic entrepreneur who runs the personal gym Natur Gym. His relentless energy and passion took shape in this song, resulting in a macho sound I haven’t explored since “Open Your Eyes.”
In today’s world, where we all face moments of discouragement, I hope this track can bring listeners some extra motivation.
Dan Mitchel 