Japanese Harajuku-core sensation HANABIE. have today released their new single, "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl" alongside the official music video (via Sony Music Japan). The track will serve as the opening theme for the upcoming anime series Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games and will be available on all major streaming platforms worldwide.
Known for their explosive blend of metalcore, hardcore and Japanese pop culture influences, HANABIE. bring their signature energy to the new song, which captures the passion, determination and youthful spirit at the heart of the anime's story.
Based on the popular manga series, Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games follows Mitsuki Aya, a student at the prestigious Girls' Academy who discovers her refined and idolized classmate is actually a hardcore, trash-talking fighting-game enthusiast. Despite the academy's strict ban on gaming, the two bond through their shared passion and begin a series of intense battles that spark both rivalry and friendship.
Reflecting the anime's themes of dedication and self-expression, HANABIE.'s new single delivers a powerful mix of aggression, melody and infectious energy.
Speaking about the collaboration, the band shared:
“Since the anime is set at an all-girls school, we felt a strong connection to the story. HANABIE. was also formed by students from an all-girls school during our high school years, so we could really relate to the passion and dedication the characters have for something they love. As we worked on the song, we found ourselves recalling many memories and felt excited imagining how the track would come together. We're huge fans of anime and video games ourselves, so it's a real honor to be involved with such a wonderful series."
When asked about "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl", vocalist Yukina commented:
“Since this is an anime theme song, I read the original work and immersed myself completely in its world while writing the song! For the lyrics, I included words that fans of Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games will hopefully recognize and think, "Oh!" when they hear them. I also reflected on my own youth, remembering the things our faculty advisor said to us when we were attending an all-girls school and passionately playing in a band while being obsessed with heavy music, as well as the rebellious spirit I felt during those days.I hope this song becomes one that overflows with energy for anyone who is passionately devoted to something!”
HANABIE. guitarist and vocalist Matsuri stated:
“We had the honor of writing this song for the TV anime Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games. HANABIE. and the characters in the anime have many things in common, such as growing up in an all-girls school and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to something during our school days. Because of that, there were many moments during the songwriting process when I could truly relate to the story, and it made creating the song a lot of fun. Rather than trying to neatly blend HANABIE.'s world with the world of the anime, we focused on finding the best way for the passion and energy of both to collide. I would be very happy if this song reaches many people.”
Bassist Hettsu said:
“As the theme song for the TV anime Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games, this song expresses the world of fighting games through a powerful sound! One of its greatest charms is the way it combines the tension of battle scenes, the exhilarating feeling of youth, and the graceful elegance of young ladies. For the bass, I played with groove and a sense of momentum in mind so that it could support the song's energy. I would be happy if, along with the rhythm that makes you want to move your body, listeners can also feel the straightforward emotions of our student days, when we were completely devoted to something.”
Drummer Chika also shared:
“As the opening theme song for the TV anime Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games, this song is a perfect match for the world of the anime! While capturing the energy of the characters and the battles, it turned into a song that naturally gets you excited. One drum highlight to listen for is during the chorus, where I strike the China cymbal four times in sync with the lyrics, "MATCH UP!! SMASH UP!!" I hope everyone will enjoy listening to it again and again together with the anime.”
Listen to "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl" at the link here, and watch the video below.
