Japanese rock band sumika premiered the music video for their new single "Honto" on YouTube today at 8:00 PM JST. The track serves as the theme song for an upcoming Doraemon film, continuing the long tradition of J-Pop artists contributing to the beloved anime franchise's movie soundtracks.

The music video features comedian Taira Hirayama (known as "Alpie Hirako") from the comedy duo Alpacino playing the role of a father. This casting choice adds an interesting comedic element to what is likely an emotionally-driven song, given sumika's reputation for heartfelt rock ballads.

Sumika, formed in 2013, has built a strong following with their melodic rock sound and thoughtful lyrics. The four-piece band has previously contributed songs to various anime and drama soundtracks, making them a natural fit for the Doraemon franchise. Their music often explores themes of relationships, growing up, and nostalgia – topics that align perfectly with Doraemon's core messages.

The Doraemon film series has consistently featured J-Pop theme songs that become hits in their own right, with artists like Hoshino Gen, Perfume, and Mr.Children having contributed memorable tracks in recent years. "Honto" (meaning "really" or "truly" in Japanese) appears to continue this tradition of pairing popular artists with the franchise's family-friendly appeal.