Rokudenashi has announced a new single titled "Houkiboshi" that brings together one of Japan's most distinctive rock voices with one of its most celebrated songwriters. The track, composed by Eve, will serve as the ending theme for the television anime "Futsūtsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Hina Miya Chōsō Torikae Den" ("I Am a Humble Villainess: The Tale of Hina Miya Chōsō's Switch"). We're breaking down everything we know about this collaboration, the anime tie-in, and where you'll be able to hear it first.
The pairing represents a notable meeting of talents: Rokudenashi, known for their emotionally charged rock sound, has enlisted Eve—a multi-platinum artist and producer whose compositions have defined some of anime's most memorable recent soundtracks—to craft this original piece. The song is scheduled for digital release on July 15, 2026, just days after the anime's premiere.
The Quick Version
- "Houkiboshi" is a brand-new original song by Rokudenashi with composition by Eve, written specifically for the anime "Futsūtsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Hina Miya Chōsō Torikae Den."
- The anime premieres on July 12, 2026 at 11:45 PM on TV Tokyo, with streaming platforms launching episodes from July 13, 2026.
- The single drops digitally on July 15, 2026.
- A preview of the track debuted in the anime's pre-broadcast promotional video released on June 28, 2026.
- According to an official statement, the song explores themes of inner conflict and perseverance, reflecting the struggles of the character Shu Keigaku from the series.
What Makes This Collaboration Stand Out
We've seen plenty of anime tie-ins over the years, but the decision to bring Eve on board as composer adds a layer of creative depth that fans of both artists have been hoping for. Eve has built a reputation not just as a performer but as a songwriter and producer whose work—including theme songs for major anime series—consistently charts and resonates with audiences far beyond the anime community. His involvement signals that "Houkiboshi" isn't just a promotional track; it's a carefully crafted piece designed to complement the narrative arc of "Futsūtsuka na Akujo."
According to the official announcement, Rokudenashi described the song as capturing the emotional journey of Shu Keigaku, one of the central characters in the anime. The lyrics and melody are meant to reflect the character's internal struggles and determination to move forward without losing sight of their dreams. That thematic alignment between song and story is something we often hear promised but rarely executed with this level of intentionality from the start.
The preview that aired on June 28, 2026, offered the first public taste of "Houkiboshi," and early impressions suggest the track balances Rokudenashi's signature intensity with a melodic sensibility that feels distinctly influenced by Eve's compositional style. The snippet showcased layered instrumentation and a vocal delivery that shifts between restrained verses and a soaring, anthemic chorus—hallmarks of both artists' best work.
About the Anime: "Futsūtsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga"
The series "Futsūtsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Hina Miya Chōsō Torikae Den" (which translates roughly to "I Am a Humble Villainess: The Tale of Hina Miya Chōsō's Switch") is set to premiere on July 12, 2026, at 11:45 PM on TV Tokyo. Streaming platforms will begin carrying episodes starting at 12:15 AM on July 13, 2026, though specific platform names have not been detailed in the official announcements.
The story revolves around themes of identity, social intrigue, and personal transformation—fitting territory for an ending theme that delves into questions of perseverance and self-discovery. Shu Keigaku, the character whose emotional arc "Houkiboshi" is meant to mirror, appears to be central to the show's exploration of these ideas. While we don't have exhaustive plot details yet, the show's title suggests a narrative focused on a protagonist navigating the complexities of their role and relationships, likely with a historical or fantasy setting given the classical naming conventions.
The choice of Rokudenashi for the ending theme suggests the production team wanted a sound that could carry emotional weight and serve as a reflective counterpoint to each episode's conclusion. Ending themes often provide the emotional release after a dramatic episode, and "Houkiboshi" seems positioned to fill that role with both gravitas and hope.
When and Where You Can Hear "Houkiboshi"
If you're eager to hear the full track, the official digital release is scheduled for July 15, 2026. That means the song will debut as the ending theme in the anime's first few episodes before becoming widely available on streaming and download platforms. The three-day gap between the anime's premiere and the single's release is a common strategy, allowing the song to build anticipation among viewers before they can add it to their playlists.
For those who want the earliest possible listen, tuning into the anime's broadcast or stream starting July 12-13, 2026, will offer the first full, in-context experience of the track. The pre-broadcast promotional video released on June 28, 2026, included a preview clip, but the ending sequence of the anime itself will be the first chance to hear how the song complements the visuals and narrative.
As for physical releases or additional formats, no details have been confirmed yet. It's possible that a CD single, vinyl, or bundled release could follow later, as is often the case with high-profile anime tie-ins, but we'll need to wait for further announcements from Rokudenashi's label or management.
Eve's Growing Influence in Anime Music
Eve's role as composer on this project continues a trajectory that has seen him become one of the most sought-after voices in anime music. His own theme songs have topped charts and become cultural touchstones, and his work as a composer and producer for other artists has expanded his influence even further. By stepping into the composer's chair for Rokudenashi, Eve is lending his melodic and structural instincts to a band with a very different sonic identity—something that could yield a hybrid sound we haven't quite heard from either artist before.
What makes this particularly interesting is that Eve's compositional style often leans into intricate arrangements, unexpected chord progressions, and a cinematic scope. Rokudenashi, meanwhile, brings a raw, guitar-driven energy and an emotional directness. The fusion of those two approaches could result in a track that feels both epic and visceral, accessible yet artistically ambitious.
What People Are Saying
One fan on social media wrote, "The fact that Eve is composing for Rokudenashi is the crossover I didn't know I needed. This is going to be incredible if they bring both their strengths together."
Another listener who caught the preview commented, "That 30-second clip already has me hooked. The melody is so Eve, but the way Rokudenashi delivers it gives it this completely different emotional punch. July can't come fast enough."
A third fan noted, "I love when anime endings actually reflect the story instead of just being a random pop song. If 'Houkiboshi' really digs into Shu Keigaku's arc, that's going to make every episode hit harder."
Frequently Asked Questions
When does "Houkiboshi" release?
The single is scheduled for digital release on July 15, 2026. You'll be able to hear it as the anime's ending theme starting with the premiere on July 12, 2026.
Where can I watch the anime?
The anime "Futsūtsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Hina Miya Chōsō Torikae Den" premieres on TV Tokyo on July 12, 2026, at 11:45 PM, with streaming platforms carrying it from July 13, 2026, at 12:15 AM. Specific streaming services have not been detailed in official announcements.
Who is Eve, and why is his involvement significant?
Eve is a multi-platinum Japanese artist, songwriter, and producer known for both his solo work and his contributions to anime soundtracks. His compositions have become some of the most recognizable in recent anime history, and his involvement as composer for "Houkiboshi" brings a high level of musicality and thematic depth to the project.
Will there be a physical release of the single?
No physical release has been announced yet. The confirmed release is digital-only as of the official statement, though additional formats could be revealed later.
What is the anime about?
The series appears to focus on themes of identity and transformation, centering on a character navigating complex social dynamics. The ending theme "Houkiboshi" is said to reflect the struggles and determination of the character Shu Keigaku.
What to Look Forward to Next
With the anime's premiere just around the corner on July 12, 2026, and the single dropping on July 15, 2026, the next couple of weeks will give us our first full picture of what this collaboration has produced. We'll get to hear how "Houkiboshi" functions within the context of the show's narrative, and whether the pairing of Rokudenashi's performance with Eve's composition lives up to the early buzz. For fans of either artist—or of thoughtfully crafted anime music in general—this is shaping up to be one of the summer's most compelling releases.
Keep an eye on official channels for any additional announcements about live performances, music videos, or extended versions of the track. And if you're planning to watch the anime, make sure to stay through the ending credits when it airs; that's where "Houkiboshi" will make its debut in full.
