"After the Rain" is a song recorded by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai, released on March 3, 2004, by Def Jam Japan. Described by critics as Ai's first "love song", "After the Rain" is an R&B ballad that served as the ending theme song for Fuji Television's Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ. Following its release in Japan, "After the Rain" was moderately successful, peaking at number 32 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

Background and release After the release of her second studio album Original Ai (2003), Ai saw new success as an artist, being described as the hottest and most popular R&B singer of 2003 in Japan.

On March 3, 2004, Ai released "After the Rain". In a press release, Ai compared "After the Rain" with her 2003 single "Last Words", describing "After the Rain" having a more "positive message" compared to "Last Words" which was written about letting go of relationships.

Two editions of "After the Rain" were released. The standard and limited edition include "After the Rain", the B-side "Mugen" and instrumental versions of the two songs. The limited edition of the single includes a bonus DVD with the music video for "After the Rain" and a behind the scenes photo session.

Commercial performance "After the Rain" experienced moderate commercial success upon its release. Peaking at number 32 on the Oricon Singles Chart, "After the Rain" appeared on the chart for a total of seven weeks.

At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, "After the Rain" was nominated for Best Buzz Asia – Japan, however lost to "Put 'Em Up" by Namie Amuro.

Live performances Ai performed "After the Rain" at the 2004 Space Shower Music Video Awards. She performed the song at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

Track listing

CD maxi single

"After the Rain"

"After the Rain" (instrumental) "Mugen" (instrumental)

CD+DVD maxi single – limited edition

"After the Rain" (music video) "Photo Session Making"

Personnel

Ai – lead vocals, executive producer Michico – background vocals T. Kura – production, mixing Akitomo Fukushima – recording assistance Mineo Watanabe – recording Tom Coyne – mastering

Charts + Chart performance for "After the Rain"Chart (2004)PeakpositionJapan (Oricon) 32

Release history + Release history and formats for "After the Rain" Region Date Format(s) Version Label Japan March 3, 2004 CDStandard Def Jam Japan Limited

References