By Julian Ryall 35 minutes ago

TOKYO (Hollywood Reporter) - A ballad from Madonna's upcoming album will provide the theme music for a new Japanese television show, the first time the pop diva has licensed a tune for a TV drama here.

The song, "Miles Away," will be used for the show "Change," which is scheduled to begin airing in April. It is taken from Madonna's "Hard Candy" album, which is set for release here April 30.

The show stars local heartthrob Takuya Kimura in the tale of a small-town elementary school teacher who is suddenly — if improbably — propelled into the position of prime minister of Japan. Madonna met Kimura when she appeared as a guest on the his "SMAPxSMAP" variety show in 2005.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter