Yūichirō Momose, widely recognized as the main scenario writer for the popular Hypnosis Mic franchise, has announced a brand new multimedia project titled “Datewars.” The announcement, made on Thursday, introduces a unique concept centered around “criminal girls fighting time-traveling terrorists using songs from the 70s to the 2000s”.
The new “timeless music IP” promises an intriguing blend of action, music, and a compelling narrative, building on Momose’s established reputation for creating engaging worlds and intricate character dynamics.
Diving into the “Datewars” Concept
“Datewars” is positioned as a distinct intellectual property that combines elements of musical combat with a time-traveling premise. At its core, the franchise will feature “criminal girls” who utilize the power of music from specific eras—spanning from the 1970s to the 2000s—to combat adversaries described as “time-traveling terrorists”. This imaginative setup suggests a vibrant world with a heavy emphasis on nostalgic musical themes, likely appealing to a broad audience across different generations.
The project is designed as a “timeless music IP,” indicating a strong focus on its musical component and potential for various adaptations across different media.
Key Creative Team Behind “Datewars”
Momose is joined by a talented creative team to bring “Datewars” to life:
- Hanaharu Naruko will serve as the character designer. Naruko is known for their work on titles such as Kamichu, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, and Kandagawa Jet Girls. Their distinct art style is expected to shape the visual identity of the “criminal girls” and other characters within the “Datewars” universe.
- Mino is on board as the music producer, video creator, and music commentator. Mino’s multifaceted role highlights the critical importance of music and visual presentation to the core concept of “Datewars,” ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience.
Yūichirō Momose’s Established Legacy with “Hypnosis Mic”
Yūichirō Momose’s involvement brings a wealth of experience from his extensive work on the Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle multimedia project. As the main scenario writer for Hypnosis Mic, he has been instrumental in crafting its intricate lore, character backstories, and the narratives that drive its popular rap battles.
The Hypnosis Mic franchise, launched by King Records under their Evil Line Records label, is known for featuring eighteen voice actors engaging in rap battles, with fan votes influencing the story. This project has expanded significantly since its inception, encompassing high-ranking music CDs, manga adaptations, stage plays, a mobile rhythm game, and an anime series. Momose contributed to the scenario for the Hypnosis Mic: Alternative Rap Battle mobile game and also penned the script for an interactive animated film released in February 2025, which allowed viewers to influence the outcome of in-universe rap contests.
Beyond Hypnosis Mic, Momose’s diverse portfolio includes series composition and scripting for numerous anime titles such as Africa Salaryman, Infinite Dendrogram, Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer, and My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer. His track record demonstrates a versatile writing ability and a knack for developing compelling narratives across various genres and formats, positioning “Datewars” as a highly anticipated new venture.
