It's been revealed that singer-songwriter Matsutoya Yumi (Yuming) will be providing the lyrics for popular child actress�Ashida Mana's new single, "Ame ni Negai wo"!

"Ame ni Negai wo" is Ashida's 3rd single, and it's already been picked up as the theme song for the upcoming drama series, 'Beautiful Rain'. After the two met for the first time in early-June, Matsutoya shared her impression of Ashida saying, "Although she's very young, no, because she's very young, she's able to intuitively express the 'feelings' that lie on the other side of the melody and lyrics." She continued, "Every time she sings, her expressive power strengthens. Age doesn't matter when it comes to a poetical turn of mind."

Matsutoya was offered this job when Ashida covered her song, "Yasashisa ni Tsusumareta Nara", for her first solo album, "Happy Smile!". When the release of her third single was decided, Matsutoya immediately received the offer and started songwriting. This will be Ashida's first time singing solo for a drama's theme song.

'Beautiful Rain' tells a story of the bond between a father and daughter. After his wife passes away, Keisuke (played by Toyokawa Etsushi)�resigns from his job at a major construction company and becomes a craftsman at a metalworking factory to support his daughter Miu (Ashida). One day, he is diagnosed with juvenile Alzheimer's disease, and is forced to face it together with Miu.

The theme song, "Ame ni Negai wo", is said to be filled with the love Miu has for her father. Ashida will passionately sing Miu's feelings and her will to support her father who has been contracted with Alzheimer's disease.

After the recording, Ashida expressed, "She gave me advice on how to sing songs. She was very kind. Yuming-san, thank you for this wonderful song. I would like to sing it dearly."

Source & Image: Mantan Web