[CD] Nagisa Aoyama / Gentle Beginning [Standard Edition]

Voice actress Nagisa Aoyama releases her 1st EP, marking a “New Chapter”! The EP features a total of 8 tracks, including the title
track “prayer” and instrumental versions.
Additionally, the first-press edition includes a serial code for priority registration for “Nagisa Aoyama Solo LIVE ‘Gentle Beginning’”!
■ “Gentle Beginning” Product Overview
: Nagisa Aoyama, Re:Debut.
Nagisa Aoyama, who voices Koi Hazuki in “Love Live! Superstar!!” and is an active member of Liella!, has continued her career as a solo artist as well. Now, she takes a new step forward with her EP “Gentle Beginning.”
Aoyama wrote the lyrics for all four tracks on the EP herself. Through themes of “prayer,” “setting out on a journey,” “inner conflict,” and “realization,” the EP tells a story—much like a single life—of growing up while chasing one’s dreams.Talented creators such as Takui Nakajima, Yusuke Kato, Yocke, and Takahiro Yamada contributed to the project, enriching her words and emotions with a diverse range of sounds.
“Gentle Beginning” consists of four tracks that mark Nagisa Aoyama’s new chapter as an artist—her “Re:Debut.”

■ prayer
“prayer” is the track that heralds Nagisa Aoyama’s “Re:Debut”—a fresh start. Aoyama wrote the lyrics herself, reflecting on the journey she has taken so far and weaving her determination to move forward into the future—despite her doubts and anxieties—into the theme of “prayer.”
The music was composed by Takui Nakajima, who, in addition to his work as a rock singer, has provided numerous songs to Hello! Project artists, including Angerme’s “Daiki Bansei,” as well as Juice=Juice, Tsubaki Factory, and ℃-ute.The arrangement is by Tomohiro Sumikama, whose sound—combining delicacy with drama—vividly brings Aoyama’s newfound resolve to life.
This track symbolizes the release of the EP *Gentle Beginning* and the beginning of Nagisa Aoyama’s second chapter.
■ Your Journey Starts
“Your Journey Starts” is a positive rock track that captures Nagisa Aoyama’s determination as she sets out on a new journey. The lyrics, penned by Aoyama herself, convey a strong will to “get back up even after falling,” transforming even the setbacks and frustrations encountered while pursuing her dreams into strength.
The composition and arrangement are by composer Yusuke Kato, who has worked on songs such as “Our Battlefield,” “Valkyrie Won’t Stop,” and “Valkyrie Won’t Give Up” for the tactical music unit Valkyrie, which originated from the anime *Macross Δ*.The fast-paced sound and the iconic phrase “Your journey starts right here” powerfully support the start of a new life.
This song symbolizes the “departure” depicted in *Gentle Beginning*.
■ “I Want
to Change” “I Want to Change” is a hard rock number in which Nagisa Aoyama candidly describes, in her own words, the inner conflict she faces after setting out to pursue her dreams.Through phrases like “imposed ideals,” “suppressed emotions,” and “pre-determined paths,” the song vividly expresses the anguish of being bound by the values of those around her and the impulse to break free and reclaim her “true self.”
The song was composed by Yocke, a sound creator known for writing, composing, and arranging SixTONES’ “Rollin’,” as well as the opening themes “With The Wind” and “calling” for the TV anime *Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS*.Set to a rock sound imbued with a sense of speed and urgency, she proclaims, “I won’t let anyone else hold the steering wheel,” expressing her determination to take back control of her own life.
This track embodies the “inner conflict” of *Gentle Beginning* and serves as a turning point leading toward a fresh start.
■ *I Want to Tell You Now*
“I Want to Tell You Now” is a warm ballad that depicts the preciousness of a “place to return to” found within the casual moments of everyday life. Nagisa Aoyama herself wove together the phrases “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “Welcome home.”“I’m home”—expresses feelings that were difficult to convey honestly precisely because the people involved were so close, as well as the importance of the warmth that was once taken for granted.
The song was composed by Takahiro Yamada, who created “Snow Halation,” a signature song for μ’s from *Love Live!*, as well as μ’s first single, “Our LIVE, Life with You.”The arrangement was handled by Hideyuki “Daichi” Suzuki, who has worked on numerous artists’ projects—including Morning Musume’s “Resonant Blue,” as well as works by Ikimono-gakari, V6, and Sexy Zone—and is also known for his arrangement of “AXIA ~Daisuki de Daikirai~” by Walküre from *Macross Δ*.
The gentle yet poignant melody, combined with the warm sound that complements Aoyama’s vocals, makes those emotions resonate even more deeply. It’s precisely because she has chased her dreams, wavered, and struggled that she realizes what she truly wants to protect. This song ties together the story of *Gentle Beginning* through “realization” and “love,” leading the way to a new beginning.