The Parades (パレード) is a 2024 Japanese fantasy drama directed and written by Michihito Fujii, starring Masami Nagasawa, Kentarō Sakaguchi, and Ryūsei Yokohama. The film began streaming on Netflix on February 29, 2024.
A mother searches for her missing son after a devastating calamity, only to realize that she has died and is now confined to a realm of restless spirits. (From: IMDb)
The story, inspired in part by the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, follows Minako, a TV reporter and single mother who roams the town she once lived in searching for her lost son — only to realize the living can no longer see or hear her.
Quick Facts
| Title | The Parades (パレード) |
| Type | Fantasy drama film |
| Director / Writer | Michihito Fujii |
| Composer | Yōjirō Noda (RADWIMPS) |
| Starring | Masami Nagasawa, Kentarō Sakaguchi, Ryūsei Yokohama, Nana Mori |
| Genre | Fantasy, Drama |
| Runtime | 132 minutes |
| Release Date | February 29, 2024 (Netflix) |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
Who Composed The Parades Soundtrack?
- Yōjirō Noda: Noda is the leader, singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the Japanese rock band RADWIMPS, and a prolific film composer in his own right. He wrote the original score and theme song for The Parades, reuniting with director Michihito Fujii after their 2022 collaboration on 10 Years to Live.
In press comments about scoring the film, Noda reflected: “While composing music for this movie, I contemplated the meaning of living in this world, which can be relentlessly cruel yet unbelievably beautiful at times. I reflected on the sadness of never being able to meet again, the words left unsaid, and the reasons to carry on living with them. Though I haven’t found the answers yet, I intend to continue thinking and feeling.”
Theme Song of The Parades
“Nami Shigusa” (なみしぐさ, English title “Gesture of the Waves”) by Yōjirō Noda serves as the film’s theme song and trailer track, released February 29, 2024.
The Parades Official Soundtrack Tracklist
The official Original Soundtrack, composed and performed by Yōjirō Noda, was released digitally and on CD on March 13, 2024, via RADWIMPS’ label. It is available to purchase and stream via RADWIMPS’ official site. Confirmed tracks include:
- Waves, come and go
- Ryo and my whereabouts
- The beginning of the adventure
- Silence and despair
- Memory, regret
- I am here
- Parade of the Saints
- A toast to the beginning
- Shori’s memories left behind
- Student activism
- Love sprout
- Michael’s movie obsession
- Each repentance
- Shooting a film
- Slapstick
- Nana appears
- Reunion with Mizuki
- Goodbye over a balcony
- Farewell, Shori
- Minako’s sorrow
- March with Nana
- Memory of Akira
- I’m sorry, Yasuko
- Akira and his father
- New moon parade
- Finally, we meet
- Life of Michael
- Cinematic highlight
- Reunion with Maiko
- Movie preview
- The last moment
- Confession of Akira
- On the other side
- Lights out, the film begins
- Gesture of the Waves (theme song)
Where to Stream The Parades
The Parades is streaming on Netflix. The soundtrack can also be found on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify.
Cast
Masami Nagasawa, Kentarō Sakaguchi, Ryūsei Yokohama, Nana Mori, Yuina Kuroshima, Ayumu Nakajima, Takuya Wakabayashi, Mai Fukagawa, Denden, Hiroshi Tachi, Yukiya Kitamura, Hana Kino, Daiken Okudaira, Tetsushi Tanaka, Shinobu Terajima, and Lily Franky.
Director Michihito Fujii has said that Noda’s music from their earlier collaboration, 10 Years to Live, was still echoing in him as he wrote The Parades, which is why he brought Noda back to score this film — music he believes “colors the emotions beyond words.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for The Parades?
Yōjirō Noda, frontman of the Japanese rock band RADWIMPS, composed the original score and theme song for The Parades.
What is the theme song of The Parades?
The theme song is “Nami Shigusa” (English title “Gesture of the Waves”), performed by Yōjirō Noda and released February 29, 2024.
Is The Parades based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional fantasy drama, though its themes of loss and displacement draw inspiration from the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Who directed The Parades?
The Parades was directed and written by Michihito Fujii.
Where can I watch The Parades?
The Parades is available to stream on Netflix.
Is there a full soundtrack release for The Parades?
Yes. The official Original Soundtrack by Yōjirō Noda, featuring around 35 tracks including the theme song “Gesture of the Waves,” was released on March 13, 2024, via RADWIMPS’ official site and major streaming platforms.
Related reading: Discover more movie soundtracks, or browse what’s streaming on the Netflix hub and our Streaming guide.