HANABIE.’s New Song Sets the Tone for Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games TV Anime

Japanese rock band HANABIE. have released their new digital single “Life Is Short, O Brave Girl” on July 8, 2026. The song serves as the opening theme for the upcoming anime series Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games and is now available worldwide on streaming platforms.

Known for their unique mix of metalcore, hardcore, and Japanese pop culture influences, HANABIE. bring their energetic style to the track, matching the anime’s themes of passion, friendship, and determination.

The music video for “Life Is Short, O Brave Girl” is also available now.

HANABIE. – Life Is Short, O Brave Girl (Music Video)

Based on the manga of the same name, Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games follows Mitsuki Aya, a student at an elite girls’ academy who discovers that her perfect classmate secretly loves fighting games. Despite the school’s strict rules, the two girls connect through their shared passion and begin intense battles together.

Key Visual:

Eri Ejima‘s original manga, which has been serialized in Monthly Comic Flapper since January 2020, was previously adapted into a live-action web drama in May 2023. 

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About HANABIE.:
HANABIE. is a Tokyo-based all-girl rock band that has been making waves since 2015, when Yukina (Vocal), Matsuri (Guitar & Vocal), and Hettsu (Bass & Chorus) came together for a high school club activity. With the addition of Chika (Drums) in May 2023, the band has evolved into a force to be reckoned with. Don’t be fooled by their cute, girlish image—their sound is a hard-hitting blend of powerful shouts, heavy riffs, and unique Japanese flair, capturing fans at home and abroad. Their hit single “Pardon Me, I Have To Go Now” has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube and 5.3 million views on TikTok.

In December 2024, HANABIE. released their EP, ‘Bucchigiri Tokyo’, further showcasing their dynamic range and signature style. Next, the band released their latest EP, ‘HOT TOPIC’, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

2023 marked the beginning of their overseas ventures, and in August 2024, they made history as the first Japanese women to perform on the main stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, USA. The quartet will soon bring the heat on their first North American headliner beginning mid-March 2026. With a rapidly growing international following, HANABIE. is actively expanding their presence and making a bold statement on the global stage.

Source: Press Release

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