Category: Music

A previously unreleased track

• Artist: TM NETWORK
• Title: “Open Your Heart”
• Lyricist: Kotaro Aso
• Composer: Tetsuya Komuro
• Released: 1994

“Open Your Heart” was originally recorded for TM NETWORK’s debut album, Rainbow Rainbow, but it was ultimately left off the final tracklist. Later, Tetsuya Komuro wrote new lyrics for the song, retitled it “Opera Night,” and released it on his solo album, Digitalian is eating breakfast.

The original TM NETWORK version finally saw the light of day in 1994, when it was officially released on the compilation album, Takashi Utsunomiya Presents TMN RED. It seems Utsunomiya-san also had a special fondness for the original version, as he occasionally included “Open Your Heart” in the setlists for his solo tours over the years:

• 2001: Takashi Utsunomiya Tour “Love-iCE”
• 2018: Takashi Utsunomiya Tour “Thanatos”
• 2025: Takashi Utsunomiya Tour “U Mix #3”

Listen to “Open Your Heart”

Check out Tetsuya Komuro version “Opera Night”.

The 5th track of the album, Childhood’s End

• Artist: TM NETWORK
• Title: “8 Gatsu No Nagai Yoru”
• Lyricist: Yoshiko Miura
• Composer: Tetsuya Komuro
• Released: 1985

“8 Gatsu no Nagai Yoru” means “Long Night in August” in English. It is the 5th track of the TM NETWORK’s 2nd album, Childhood’s End.

A unique side of TM NETWORK: a retro J-pop style track. 

In August, wrapped in the blue darkness of the night, you can hear the sound of the waves and the quiet clink of ice melting in the glass through the telephone receiver, all under the blanket of a tender night. Though TM NETWORK’s concerts are mostly held from winter to spring —making live performances of this summer track quite rare—their 2022 live recording captures this groove beautifully building up to a powerful crescendo.

Listen to “8 Gatsu No Nagai Yoru” original version:

Listen to “8 Gatsu No Nagai Yoru” TOUR 2022 FANKS intelligence Days Live version:

Check out the acoustic version:
The clip is originally from the film concert “BEE”, which was held in 1986. It was performed by only the three members: Komuro-san on portable keyboard, Kine-san on acoustic guitar, and Utsu-san on vocals.

A Song for Japan’s Rainy Season

• Artist: TM NETWORK
• Title: “Saint Rain”
• Lyrics: Kari Saimon (Mitsuko Komuro)
• Music: Tetsuya Komuro and Naoto Kine
• Released: 1986

It is the 9th track of the TMNETWORK’s 3rd album, GORILLA.

In Japan, June is not just another month—it brings a unique rainy season known as “Tsuyu.” While the constant rain can sometimes feel gloomy, Japanese culture finds a distinct beauty and emotional depth in it. TM NETWORK’s “Saint Rain” captures this unique atmosphere of June in Japan.

Saint Rain” was co-composed by Komuro-san and Kine-san. While it is rare for Komuro-san to share a composer credit with anyone else, Kine-san was the occasional exception within TMNETWORK.

The lyrics were written by Kari Saimon, which is a well-known pen name for Mitsuko Komuro. She has been a vital collaborator since TM NETWORK’s early days.

Listen to “Saint Rain”