Overview
- Ayaka’s new single “Versailles”serves as the theme song for the anime adaptation of the beloved shōjo manga series.
- This reboot film of The Rose of Versailles marks a momentous 50 years of Riyoko Ikeda’s influential work.
- The artist infuses her heartfelt emotions into the song, embodying the characters’ bravery and enduring love amidst chaos.
The official YouTube channel of singer-songwriter Ayaka has unveiled a stunning lyric video for her single “Versailles, ”which serves as the theme song for the MAPPA-produced anime adaptation of Riyoko Ikeda’s classic shōjo manga, The Rose of Versailles. First announced in 2022, the film premiered in Japan on January 31, 2025.
Released on January 29, the lyric video celebrates the film’s debut, featuring pivotal scenes from the movie. In a heartfelt note on her website, Ayaka expressed her emotional investment in the song, stating she imbued “every note and word” with her passion.
Insights on The Rose of Versailles (2025)
Celebrating 50 Years of a Shōjo Classic
The announcement of a reboot for The Rose of Versailles was made in September 2022, marking a pivotal celebration of the 50th anniversary of the original manga’s debut. Created by Riyoko Ikeda, the series was serialized in Shueisha’s shōjo magazine Margaret from 1972 to 1973. Its impact extended beyond manga, influencing a television anime that ran from 1979 to 1980, a live-action film directed by Jacques Demy in the same year, and a series of acclaimed productions by the Takarazuka Revue starting in 1974.
The narrative, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary France, centers on Oscar François de Jarjeyes—a young woman raised as a man who commands the palace guard for Marie Antoinette. The story intricately explores the complexities of loyalty, power, and the stark realities of the monarchy, particularly under the glitz of King Louis XIV’s court at Versailles. This work played a significant role in transforming shōjo manga, promoting deeper thematic explorations of politics and sexuality, thus broadening its appeal to a more mature audience.
“The Rose of Versailles” has resonated with audiences globally for over 50 years. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to compose the lyrics and music for the anime adaptation’s theme song, “Versailles.” The characters’ courage, love, and fragility captured my heart, and I’ve dedicated every aspect of the song to reflect their tumultuous journeys. I hope fans appreciate both the music and the film, as it contributes to the legacy of this timeless masterpiece.
– Aya
Source: Crunchyroll
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