MAN WITH A MISSION has confirmed the release schedule and complete track listing for "Firestarter," the opening theme to the TV anime The Vermilion Mask (朱色の仮面, Akeiro no Kamen). The song is scheduled to become available digitally at midnight on October 11, 2026, followed by a physical CD single on October 28, 2026 — the band's first physical single release in approximately five years. With three distinct editions planned and a collaboration with composer Hiroyuki Sawano among the bonus tracks, we wanted to walk through exactly what's included and what each version offers.
If you're wondering which edition to pick up or what makes this release particularly noteworthy for longtime fans, we've gathered all the confirmed details from the official announcement.
The Quick Version
- Digital release: October 11, 2026, at 00:00 on major streaming services
- Physical CD release: October 28, 2026, in three separate editions
- Four tracks total: "Firestarter," "The Animals," "ONE," and a Hiroyuki Sawano remix of "Kizuna no Kiseki" (絆ノ奇跡, Bond of Miracles)
- Anime tie-in: Opening theme for The Vermilion Mask, which began airing October 10, 2026 on the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV network
- Special edition artwork: The period-limited edition features original illustrations by manga creator Nabana Nawa
What's on the Single: All Four Tracks Explained
Every edition of the "Firestarter" CD single contains the same four-track lineup, so your choice of edition comes down to packaging and DVD bonuses rather than the music itself. The lead track, "Firestarter," is the opening theme that anime viewers will hear when The Vermilion Mask begins each episode. According to the official announcement, the song's artwork prominently features Tokyo Tanaka, one of the band's recognizable wolf-mask personas.
The second track, "The Animals," is an original song exclusive to this release. Track three, "ONE," was made available as a digital single on August 29, 2026, so fans who've been following recent releases will already know it. The fourth and final track is where things get especially interesting: "Kizuna no Kiseki Hiroyuki Sawano Remix" (絆ノ奇跡 澤野弘之REMIX) is a reworking of MAN WITH A MISSION's song "Kizuna no Kiseki" by Hiroyuki Sawano, the celebrated composer and producer known for his work on anime soundtracks including Attack on Titan and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. The announcement notes that the track order was initially listed as undecided, but this four-track sequence is now confirmed.
Breaking Down the Three CD Editions
MAN WITH A MISSION is offering three distinct physical editions, each priced to match what's included. The First-Press Limited Edition (catalog number SRCL-13885–13886) is a CD+DVD set priced at ¥2,500 including tax. The DVD includes what the band calls their regular "Mission Movie" feature — a video component that's become a signature element of their limited releases.
The Standard Edition (SRCL-13887) strips things down to just the CD, priced at ¥1,500 including tax. If you're primarily interested in the music and want to keep costs down, this version delivers the same four tracks without any video bonuses or special packaging.
The Period-Limited Edition (SRCL-13888–13889) is where the anime collaboration really shines. Also priced at ¥2,500 including tax, this version comes with a CD, DVD, and a special three-sided sleeve. The jacket artwork for this edition was newly drawn by Nabana Nawa, the manga creator behind The Vermilion Mask, creating a direct visual bridge between the band and the anime. The DVD in this edition features a specially edited "TV Anime The Vermilion Mask Special Movie" set to the song — essentially a music video built around anime footage.
Why This Release Marks a Milestone for the Band
We should note that this is MAN WITH A MISSION's first physical single in about five years, which makes October 28 a significant date for collectors and fans who prefer tangible releases. While the band has remained active and released music digitally during that time, the return to CD singles — especially with three distinct editions and multiple bonus features — signals both the importance of the anime tie-in and the band's commitment to offering something substantive for physical-media buyers.
The collaboration with Hiroyuki Sawano on the remix track also represents a meaningful crossover between two major forces in anime music. Sawano's production style is instantly recognizable to anime fans, and pairing his approach with MAN WITH A MISSION's existing catalog creates something that appeals both to the band's rock audience and to viewers who came to "Firestarter" through The Vermilion Mask.
The Anime Connection: The Vermilion Mask
The Vermilion Mask began its nationwide broadcast on October 10, 2026, on the Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV network, meaning viewers have already heard "Firestarter" as the opening theme. The timing of the digital release — just one day after the anime's premiere — allows fans to stream or purchase the full track almost immediately after hearing it on-air. The physical release on October 28 then follows nearly three weeks later, giving early streaming numbers time to build anticipation for the CD versions.
The period-limited edition's collaboration with manga creator Nabana Nawa makes this release feel like a genuine partnership rather than just a licensing arrangement. By commissioning original artwork specifically for the CD and producing an anime-focused music video, both the band and the production committee behind The Vermilion Mask are treating this as a creative exchange.
What People Are Saying
"Finally, a physical single again! I've missed having actual CDs to collect from them, and the Sawano remix is going to be incredible," one fan wrote on social media shortly after the announcement.
"The period-limited edition with Nabana Nawa's art is a must-have if you're following the anime. It's basically the definitive version for collectors," another listener commented, highlighting the appeal of the anime-specific packaging.
"I'm just glad 'Firestarter' is coming to streaming so quickly. I've had the TV-size version stuck in my head since the first episode aired," a third fan shared, reflecting the immediate impact the song has had on viewers of The Vermillon Mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will "Firestarter" be available to stream?
The song is scheduled for digital release at midnight (00:00) on October 11, 2026, on major music streaming services.
When does the physical CD come out?
The CD single is scheduled for release on October 28, 2026, in three separate editions.
What's the difference between the three CD editions?
The Standard Edition (¥1,500) contains only the CD with four tracks. The First-Press Limited Edition (¥2,500) adds a DVD with the band's "Mission Movie." The Period-Limited Edition (¥2,500) includes a DVD with an anime-themed special movie, original artwork by the Vermilion Mask manga creator, and a three-sided sleeve.
Is the Hiroyuki Sawano remix on all versions?
Yes. All three CD editions contain the same four tracks, including "Kizuna no Kiseki Hiroyuki Sawano Remix."
Which anime is "Firestarter" the theme for?
It's the opening theme for The Vermilion Mask (朱色の仮面), which began airing on October 10, 2026, on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV.
Looking Ahead to October 28
With the digital release arriving on October 11, 2026, we'll have just over two weeks to stream "Firestarter" and the rest of the four-track lineup before the physical editions hit shelves on October 28. For fans who want the complete anime experience, the period-limited edition with Nabana Nawa's artwork and the anime-specific DVD offers the fullest version of this collaboration. For those primarily focused on the music — especially that Hiroyuki Sawano remix — the standard edition delivers everything at a lower price point. Either way, we're looking at a release that bridges MAN WITH A MISSION's rock foundation with the world of The Vermilion Mask in a way that offers something meaningful to both audiences.
