Ginga / Itsumademo

"Ginga/Itsumademo" was released simultaneously with The Tour of Misia Discotheque Asia concert DVD and is Misia's first double A-side single since "Luv Parade/Color of Life" (2006).^[1] The first pressing of the single comes housed in a sleeve case and includes a bonus photo book comprising pictures from Misia's Discotheque Asia tour.^[2][3] The first press edition also included a special code which allowed fans to stream the fan club-only live concert Hoshizora no Etude Just Ballade, held on July 7, 2009, to celebrate Misia's birthday.^[4]

"Ginga" was written by Misia, composed by Shusui and co-composed and produced by Swedish songwriters Fredrik Hult and Carl Utbult. "Itsumademo" was also written by Misia and composed and produced by Sinkiroh. In an interview with The Japan Times, Misia revealed that the inspiration behind "Ginga" was her late grandfather.^[5] She elaborated:

"Ginga"

A 24-second sample of the chorus of "Ginga" used in the Sekkisei Supreme commercial.

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"Itsumademo"

A 28-second sample of the first chorus of "Itsumademo."

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("Ginga") is related to my recent experiences, but the most inspiring thing for me was meeting my grandfather. It might be the last time I see him. I told him that I would never be able to thank him enough. I thanked him for taking me out for a walk when I was a child, for teaching me how to fold origami and make shadow pictures, and for telling me stories. I couldn't stop saying thank you.^[5]

Both A-sides were featured in commercials for Kose cosmetics Sekkisei Supreme and Sekkisei, respectively, starring Nanako Matsushima.^[6] When asked about the use of "Ginga" in the commercials, Matsushima commented:

Misia has written many songs that have been used in dramas and commercials I have starred in. This song ("Ginga"), which also showcases her powerful range, has helped me broaden my horizons. I always feel energized by Misia's sweet and positive songs.^[4]

In addition to being the theme song of Misia's Hoshizora no Live V Just Ballade tour, "Ginga" was also chosen as the official image song for the International Year of Astronomy and its music video, which features the position, size and distance data of stars and other celestial bodies, presented in 4-D, was created in collaboration with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.^[2][7] The song "Sukoshi Zutsu Taisetsu ni", which was previously released as a standalone digital single, was included as a B-side.^[8]

"Ginga/Itsumademo" debuted on the Oricon Daily Singles chart at number 11 and peaked at number 15 on the Oricon Weekly Singles chart, with 6,319 copies sold in its first week.^[9][10] The single charted for six weeks and sold a total of 9,930 copies.^[11][12]