Japanese metal band HANABIE. have released "Life Is Short, O Brave Girl," the official opening theme for the upcoming anime Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games (Tai-Ari deshita.: Ojō-sama wa Kakutō Game Nante Shinai), based on the manga by Eri Ejima. The song is now available ahead of the series' premiere.
The anime follows Mitsuki Aya, a student at an elite girls' academy who discovers that one of the school's most admired students secretly shares her passion for fighting games. Although gaming is forbidden at the academy, their shared interest develops into an intense friendship built through fierce virtual battles.
Vocalist Yukina explained that she immersed herself in the original manga before writing the song.
"Since this is an anime theme song, I read the original work and immersed myself completely in its world while writing the song. I also included words in the lyrics that fans of Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games will hopefully recognize immediately."
She also drew inspiration from her own school days.
"I reflected on the things our faculty advisor used to tell us while we attended an all-girls school, played in a band, and were completely obsessed with heavy music. I also wanted to capture the rebellious spirit we felt back then. I hope this song gives energy to anyone who is passionately devoted to something."
Guitarist and vocalist Matsuri said the similarities between the anime and HANABIE.'s own experiences made the songwriting process especially meaningful.
"We had many things in common with the characters, including attending an all-girls school and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to what we loved during those years. Rather than blending HANABIE.'s world with the anime's, we focused on allowing the passion and energy of both to collide."
