Madonna in Japanese Drama

It's often been said that Madonna lasted for so many decades in the music industry because she was always able to grow with the times and to reinvent herself so as to never lose her appeal with her fans. As of late, she has given countless signs of her new-found musical openness and, like the cherry on top, here comes another one. Madonna agreed to license a new track of her upcoming album for a television show, before the official release of the entire material.

The Associated Press just confirmed today that the singer and international icon in everything from fashion to style agreed to license the ballad "Miles Away" as a theme song for the upcoming Japanese drama "Changes". The production, featuring actor heartthrob Kimutaku that she met during one of her most recent visits there, will air on national programs in April, sometime before "Hard Candy", Madonna's upcoming album hits stores in the US.

"The program has been completely produced in-house and we are very glad to have Madonna involved in the project", Nobuhiro Nagai of Fuji said as means of an official statement for the collaboration. Just for the record, with this deal being signed, "Miles Away" became the first track by the artist to ever be attached to a television show or drama in Japan. But this was clearly a smart marketing move, as this way, Madge gives something back to her fans there, and it's a gesture that will no doubt not pass unnoticed.

"Changes" focuses on the story of a small town teacher who is suddenly propelled to the position of prime minister of the country and has to learn to face challenges and situations he never knew even existed. Kimutaku, the young sex symbol who plays the teacher, could also be seen in last year's hit, "Hero". Nagai also said that Madonna's decision to license the track was partly explained by the fact that she knew Kimutaku and that she had seen what the drama was about in general and loved the idea. Either way, it's a win-win situation for both parties involved, as well as for the fans all over the world.