© 2025 Lawrence Tuczynski

All information courtesy of Sam Scali

Title: Goukai Hikuichi (Heroic Minus One)
I Chose Ifukube's Music to Suit 1
CD Label: BKM
CD Number: G.R.F. MONE1
Music Performed by: Bukimisha Weird Secret Society
(vocal arrangements by Takeo Yahiro)
Music Composed by: Akira Ifukube
Number of tracks: 1
Running time: 40:39
Number of discs: 1
Year of release/manufacture: April 28, 2024

REVIEW

October 11, 2025 (Written June 27th, 2025 by Sam Scali)

This CD-R features a single track, consisting of an a cappella medley of themes composed by Akira Ifukube and performed by the Bukimisha male vocal chorus. The premise is very interesting, as it re-imagines what the soundtrack for GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023) might sound like if it was scored entirely with Ifukube's music. Unsurprisingly, the results are magnificent. Many of the selected motifs, adapted from numerous Ifukube scores from the 1940s to the 1990s, have a solemn, mournful feel, which perfectly complements the dark, despairing mood of the film. Other, more action-oriented themes fittingly accentuate the movie's drama and urgency. As always, Bukimisha demonstrates their extraordinary vocal skills, masterfully rendering melody as well as percussion. Each motif is sung with great authority and sensitivity, displaying an enviable emotional range that honors Ifukube's original compositions, while placing them in a brand new context.

Once again, Takeo Yahiro and his friends have created a unique and satisfying listening experience with their dynamic vocal presentation. This disc is highly recommended to the maestro's fans, as well as aficionados of Godzilla and Japanese fantasy film scores in general.

Bukimisha CDs are available to non-Japanese buyers through BOOTH (The International Indie Art Marketplace) by using a proxy service or other intermediary: https://bukimisya-maal.booth.pm/

Goukai Hikuichi (Heroic Minus One) - I Chose Ifukube's Music to Suit 1 (G.R.F. MONE1

  1. I Chose Ifukube's Music to Suit 1 (music adapted and arranged for male chorus from the following sources)
    2. 	
    Footsteps (sound effects) from GODZILLA (1954)																						
    Cry of Susano (M18) from BIRTH OF JAPAN (1959)																						
    The End of the Chase (No. 2B) from SNOW TRAIL (1947)																								
    Gold and Karma (M25) from ZATOICHI MEETS YOJIMBO (1970)																								
    Miyajima (M7) from FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965)																								
    Genba's Buckler (M38) from 47 RONIN (1962)																								
    A Sign of Godzilla (M20) from GODZILLA VS. KING GHIDORAH (1991)																								
    The Devil's Purification (M17) from MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964)																								
    Final Battle (M60) from THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE 8-HEADED DRAGON (1963)																								
    The Mysterians Retaliate (M19) from THE MYSTERIANS (1957)																								
    Susano vs. Orochi III (M59) from THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE 8-HEADED DRAGON (1963)																								
    Qin Shi Huang's Army Vs. Crown Prince Dan's Army (No. 21) from THE GREAT WALL (1962)																								
    Godzilla Arrives at Yokkaichi (M10) from GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1993)																								
    Godzilla's Fury II (M34) from GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1993)																								
    Ending (No.19) from THE BETRAYAL (1966)																								
    Ending (No. 13) from TADANAO KYO GYOJOKI (1960) 																								
    The Earth in Utter Chaos (M19) from MONSTER ZERO (1965)																								
    Worldwide Coverage (M29) from BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE (1959)																								
    King Kong's Victory (M26) from KING KONG ESCAPES (1967)																								
    Ballet: "Salome" - 1. Prelude (1948, revised 1987)																								
    Devil-God from the Sea (No. 1) from THE WHALE GOD (1962)																								
    Rosy Flush Snowy Mountains (No. 11) from SNOW TRAIL (1947)																								
    Smash the Enemy (M31) from THE TALE OF OSAKA CASTLE (1961)																								
    Godzilla's Theme (M40) from GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1993)																								
    Godzilla Emerges from Fuji Volcano (M29) from GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA (1992)																								
    Conquering the Devil of Bodh Gaya (No. 21B) from BUDDHA (1961)																								
    Ballet: "Salome" - 1. Prelude (1948, revised 1987)																								
    Life and Death (No. 15) from SNOW TRAIL (1947)																								
    Ending (M35) from BATTLE OF OUTER SPACE (1959)																								
    Main Title (M3) from GODZILLA VS. DESTROYAH (1995)																								
    Requiem (M44) from GODZILLA VS. DESTROYAH (1995)																								
    Roar (sound effects) from GODZILLA (1954)