Hanabie. OP! Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games Anime July 7
Anime fans, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Eri Ejima's "Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games" is officially set to premiere on July 7. Adding to the excitement, the rock band Hanabie. has been revealed as the performer for the anime's opening theme song, titled "Inochi Mijikashi Tai Suru Otome yo!" This news comes alongside a new teaser promotional video that offers a glimpse into the world of refined young ladies with a secret passion for combat.
Get Ready to Fight! Premiere Date & Opening Theme
The countdown has begun for the premiere of "Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games" on July 7. Viewers can catch the series on AT-X, Tokyo MX, MBS, BS NTV, and Nagasaki Broadcasting Company channels.
Adding a vibrant punch to the series, Hanabie. will deliver the opening theme "Inochi Mijikashi Tai Suru Otome yo!", which translates to "Life is Short, Fight Each Other, Maidens." This energetic track promises to perfectly capture the anime's blend of elegance and intense gaming action. The combination of a beloved manga and a dynamic opening theme by Hanabie. sets the stage for a compelling new series this summer.
New Voices Join the Arena
The anime's cast is expanding, with an exciting new addition. Real-life fighting game player, commentator, and event organizer Aru will lend their voice to the character Flamberge. Flamberge is depicted as a well-known fighting game commentator within the anime's narrative, bringing an authentic touch to the competitive gaming world portrayed in the story.
The main cast members are also ready to bring their characters to life:
- Ikumi Hasegawa as Aya Mitsuki
- Kana Ichinose as Mio Yorue
- Sayaka Senbongi as Yu Inui
- Shino Shimoji as Tamaki Ichinose
- Maria Naganawa as Arisa Fujimiya
These talented voice actors are poised to portray the contrasting personalities and gaming rivalries within the Kuromi Girls' Academy.
What's the Game About? The Story So Far
For those unfamiliar with the manga, "Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games" offers a delightful premise. The story unfolds at Kuromi Girls' Academy, an institution renowned for its refined atmosphere and high expectations for its students' deportment. Aya, a scholarship student, enters this elite school aspiring to emulate the grace of her idol, Shirayuri. However, Shirayuri harbors a secret: beneath her elegant facade lies a hardcore gamer who excels at trash-talking, executing complex combos, and decisively defeating opponents. The narrative explores how a shared secret indulgence in intense video game combat might forge an unexpected and deeper bond between these two seemingly disparate young women.
This unique blend of refined school life and fierce fighting game competition promises a refreshing take on the slice-of-life and gaming genres.
Behind the Screens: Production Team & Collaborators
Bringing this captivating story to the screen is a dedicated production team. Shōta Ihata, known for directing works like "Domestic Girlfriend" and "The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent," is at the helm for diomedéa. Wataru Watari, acclaimed for the "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" novels and his work on "Girlish Number," is in charge of the series scripts, ensuring a compelling narrative. Mayuko Matsumoto, with experience on "Kan Colle" and "Parallel World Pharmacy," is designing the characters, giving them their distinctive looks. Kana Hashiguchi is composing the music, setting the tone for both the elegant and intense moments.
Further adding authenticity to the fighting game elements, Kadokawa's professional gaming team, FAV gaming, renowned for its "Street Fighter 6" competitors, is credited for collaborating on recording. This collaboration suggests a commitment to accurately portraying the nuances of competitive fighting games.
Other talented staff members include Scott MacDonald as art director, Maho Takahashi for art setting, Yuki Hayashi as color key artist, Yasuyuki Itou as compositing director of photography, Toshihiko Kojima as editor, and Yayoi Tateishi as sound director. The anime's debut was originally slated for 2025, but fans will be thrilled to know it has been moved up to this summer.
Catch Up on the Manga
The anime is based on Eri Ejima's "Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games" manga, which began serialization in Kadokawa's Monthly Comic Flapper magazine in January 2020. Kadokawa released the 10th compiled book volume in December. For English-speaking readers, Seven Seas is publishing the manga, with the ninth volume scheduled for release on April 28. Diving into the manga before the anime premieres is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with Aya and Shirayuri's unique journey.
Get ready to witness the elegant battles and secret passions unfold when "Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games" hits screens on July 7! It promises to be a knockout addition to your summer anime watchlist.
