HANABIE. channel fighting-game fire on new anime opening Life Is Short, O Brave Girl
HANABIE. have released Life Is Short, O Brave Girl, their new single written as the opening theme for forthcoming anime series Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games.
The Japanese quartet’s latest track brings its collision of heavy riffs, hardcore force and brightly coloured pop instincts to a story of school-age rebellion and competitive gaming. It arrives alongside an official music video, with the band drawing directly on the characters and conflicts of the manga-based series.
Stream the single here
A song built around all-girls school memories
The anime follows Mitsuki Aya, a pupil at an elite girls’ academy who discovers that her polished classmate is secretly a fiercely competitive fighting-game player. With gaming forbidden by the school, their shared obsession develops into an intense friendship and rivalry.
Vocalist Yukina said the source material shaped the writing of Life Is Short, O Brave Girl.
“Since this is an anime theme song, I read the original work and immersed myself completely in its world while writing the song,” she said. “For the lyrics, I included words that fans of Young Ladies Don’t Play Fighting Games will hopefully recognise and think, ‘Oh!’ when they hear them.”
She added: “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!”
Passion and energy collide
Guitarist and vocalist Matsuri said the band found common ground with the anime’s leads while working on the commission.
“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,” Matsuri said.
“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 pointed to the track’s sense of movement and battle-ready tension, saying she approached her part “with groove and a sense of momentum” to support its energy. Drummer Chika also highlighted a detail in the chorus, where she strikes the China cymbal four times in time with the lyric, MATCH UP!! SMASH UP!!.
