Queen Bee has unveiled "Hoshi" ("Star"), the ending theme for the upcoming TV anime Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, and we now have confirmation of when the song will be available, where international viewers can watch the series, and what the pre-broadcast promotional materials reveal about this collaboration. With the anime set to premiere on July 4, 2026, and the track scheduled for digital release shortly after, here's everything we know about Queen Bee's latest anime partnership and how you can experience both the music and the show.
The Quick Version
- Anime premiere: Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia (Japanese title: Tenmaku no Jadugal) begins broadcasting in Japan on July 4, 2026, with a one-hour special featuring episodes 1 and 2.
- Queen Bee's ending theme: "Hoshi" (meaning "Star") was written specifically for the series and appears in the newly released pre-broadcast promotional video.
- Music release schedule: The track is reportedly scheduled for digital release on July 5, 2026, with a physical CD single expected on August 5, 2026.
- International streaming: Crunchyroll will stream the anime simultaneously as it airs in Japan.
- Opening theme: For balance, the opening is performed by SEKAI NO OWARI with their song "Stella."
When and Where the Anime Airs
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia premieres on July 4, 2026, in Japan as part of the "IMAnimation W" programming block on TV Asahi and 23 affiliated channels, plus BS Asahi. The premiere takes the form of a one-hour special containing the first two episodes back-to-back, after which the series will settle into a weekly broadcast schedule.
For international audiences, Crunchyroll is streaming the anime as it airs, meaning viewers outside Japan won't have to wait—the episodes will be available with subtitles shortly after the Japanese broadcast concludes. This simultaneous release is becoming the standard for high-profile anime titles, and it means we can all experience Queen Bee's ending theme in context at the same time.
What We Know About "Hoshi"
The ending theme is titled "Hoshi" in Japanese (written as 「星」), which translates to "Star" in English—and official English-language promotional materials are indeed using "STAR" as the international title. Queen Bee composed the track specifically for Jaadugar, making it a bespoke piece rather than a pre-existing song repurposed for the anime. This kind of tailored composition often results in a tighter thematic fit between the music and the narrative, and fans of Queen Bee's previous anime work know the band excels at capturing a series' mood.
The newly released pre-broadcast promotional video offers the first preview of "Hoshi," showcasing both the song's sound and how it pairs with the anime's closing visuals. The PV also features key art and character designs, giving us a clearer sense of the show's aesthetic—a historical fantasy set in the Mongol Empire, based on the manga A Witch's Life in Mongol. The juxtaposition of Queen Bee's contemporary rock sound against a period setting promises an intriguing contrast.
Release Timeline for the Track
While the ending theme will debut on-air with the anime on July 4, 2026, the track itself is reportedly scheduled for a digital pre-release on July 5, 2026—just one day later—giving fans immediate access to the full song. A physical CD single is expected to follow on August 5, 2026, a month after the digital drop. This staggered release strategy is common in the Japanese music industry, particularly for anime tie-ins: the digital version captures the initial wave of interest from viewers who just watched the premiere, while the CD caters to collectors and fans who prefer physical media or want bonus tracks and packaging.
It's worth noting that while these July 5 and August 5 dates align perfectly with typical anime music release schedules and have been reported in Japanese entertainment outlets, English-language sources have not yet widely confirmed them. We're treating them as highly likely but awaiting broader official confirmation. If you're planning to purchase or stream the track, keep an eye on Queen Bee's official channels and digital music platforms for the final word.
Queen Bee's Track Record with Anime
Queen Bee—known in Japanese as Ziyoou-vachi—is a four-member rock band that has built a formidable reputation in the anime music world. Their style blends theatrical vocals, edgy instrumentation, and a visual flair that translates remarkably well to anime openings and endings. Fans of the 2019 series Dororo will remember Queen Bee's opening theme, which became one of the standout musical moments of that year. More recently, they provided "Tsuyobi" (also known as "High Flame") as the opening for Fire Force Season 3's first cour; that single, released on April 30, 2025, charted at number 25 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.
This consistent presence in anime soundtracks means Queen Bee has developed a dedicated following among anime watchers, many of whom discover the band through a series and then explore the rest of their catalog. "Hoshi" represents another opportunity for that cycle to play out—and for longtime fans, it's a chance to hear how the band interprets a very different setting and tone than their previous anime collaborations.
About the Anime Itself
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia adapts the manga Tenmaku no Jadugal (A Witch's Life in Mongol), which is set in the historical Mongol Empire. The story follows a young woman with magical abilities navigating life in a time and place where her powers are both a gift and a source of danger. The series combines historical drama with fantasy elements, a genre mix that has proven popular in recent years with titles like The Apothecary Diaries and Kusuriya no Hitorigoto.
The opening theme, "Stella," is performed by SEKAI NO OWARI, another major name in Japanese pop and rock, meaning the anime bookends each episode with high-profile musical talent. This dual approach—pairing a well-known opening act with a distinctive ending artist—often signals that a production committee has confidence in the series and is willing to invest in marquee music to draw viewers.
What People Are Saying
"Queen Bee doing another anime ED is always good news. Their sound has such a unique edge—can't wait to hear how 'Hoshi' fits the vibe of a historical fantasy."
— @anime_music_daily on X
"I've been following the Jaadugar manga for a while, and I'm thrilled they got Queen Bee for the ending. The combination of Mongol history and their rock style is going to be wild."
— @MangaReader_K on X
"SEKAI NO OWARI for the OP and Queen Bee for the ED? This anime is stacked. July 4th can't come fast enough."
— @crunchyroll_addict on X
"Hearing a snippet of 'Hoshi' in the PV—it's haunting and beautiful. Queen Bee never misses when it comes to anime themes."
— @JPop_Fanatic on X
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia premiere?
The anime premieres on July 4, 2026, in Japan with a one-hour special featuring the first two episodes. Crunchyroll will stream it simultaneously for international audiences.
Where can I listen to Queen Bee's "Hoshi"?
The ending theme will debut on-air with the anime on July 4, 2026. The full track is reportedly scheduled for digital release on July 5, 2026, on major streaming platforms, with a physical CD single expected on August 5, 2026.
Who performs the opening theme for the anime?
SEKAI NO OWARI performs the opening theme, titled "Stella."
Is this Queen Bee's first anime theme song?
No, Queen Bee has performed several anime themes, including the opening for Dororo and "Tsuyobi" for Fire Force Season 3. They're well-established in the anime music scene.
What is Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia about?
The series is a historical fantasy set in the Mongol Empire, following a young woman with magical abilities as she navigates the challenges and dangers of her time. It's based on the manga Tenmaku no Jadugal.
Looking Ahead to July 4 and Beyond
With just days remaining until the premiere, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is shaping up to be one of the summer season's most intriguing offerings—and Queen Bee's "Hoshi" is a significant part of that appeal. The combination of a distinctive historical setting, high-profile musical talent, and the promise of a story that blends magic with the sweep of the Mongol Empire has captured attention both in Japan and internationally.
For fans of Queen Bee, July 4 and 5 represent a double milestone: the chance to experience "Hoshi" in its intended context within the anime, and then the ability to listen to the full track on repeat once the digital release arrives. For anime watchers, it's an opportunity to discover a series that's taking a less-traveled narrative path, supported by a soundtrack that promises to be as memorable as the story itself. We'll all find out together when the first episode airs on July 4, 2026.
