Renowned singer-songwriter Chiai Fujikawa will perform the ending theme song, “Inori” (meaning “Player”), for the upcoming winter 2026 TV anime series, “SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table.” The announcement was made today on the anime’s official website, building anticipation for the series premiere on January 7, 2026.
Fujikawa’s “Inori” Explores Themes of Resilience and Life’s Journey
Chiai Fujikawa herself penned the lyrics for “Inori,” with Seima Kondo (Elements Garden) handling the music and arrangement. Fujikawa shared insights into the song’s meaning, stating that it “is about the people who carry feelings too profound for words, yet still strive to move forward and live.” She likens this sentiment to a form of prayer, describing individuals who press onward even when “good and evil, right and wrong, and salvation itself fade from sight,” guided by a “tiny light.”
Fujikawa also highlighted the dual meaning of the final word “Yuku” in Japanese, which can signify both “death” and “going.” She elaborated, “Living may sound positive at first glance, but it is also, in truth, ‘advancing through time toward death.'” She expressed her hope that listeners would “feel together with me, through this song, what color such a world might be” at this boundary.
The Creative Team Behind “Inori”
The collaboration brings together Fujikawa’s lyrical depth with Seima Kondo’s musical expertise. Kondo’s involvement with Elements Garden, a well-known music production group, suggests a rich and evocative sound for the ending theme.
“SHIBOYUGI” Anime Set for January 2026 Premiere
The “SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table” anime is based on the light novel series written by Yushi Ukai and illustrated by Nekometaru. The story follows Yuuki, a seasoned professional in an underground industry of deadly games, who wakes up in an unfamiliar mansion alongside five other girls, all forced to participate in horrifying challenges. Unlike the others, Yuuki is not new to these “death games” and relies on her skills to survive and earn a living.
The series is produced by Studio DEEN and directed by Sōta Ueno, with Rintarō Ikeda handling series composition and Junichi Matsumoto composing the music. The first episode is slated to be 60 minutes long and will premiere on January 7, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. JST on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme song, titled “¬Ersterbend,” will be performed by LIN.
Anime Cast and Production
The main cast for the anime includes Chiyuki Miura as Yuuki, Rena Motomura as Aoi, Inori Minase as Kinko, Haruka Satō as Kokutō, Mutsumi Tamura as Beniya, and Rina Kawaguchi as Momono. The animation production by Studio DEEN, known for various anime titles, aims to bring the intense and mysterious world of “SHIBOYUGI” to life.
Chiai Fujikawa’s Esteemed Career in Anime Music
Chiai Fujikawa began her professional music career as a member of the idol group Maneki Kecak in July 2015. After graduating from the group in September 2018, she embarked on a successful solo career. She has since released numerous digital singles, full albums, and mini-albums. Fujikawa is particularly recognized for her contributions to anime soundtracks, having performed several ending theme songs for “The Rising of the Shield Hero” anime series franchise, including “Kimi no Namae,” “Atashi ga Tonari ni Iru Uchi ni,” “Yuzurenai,” and “Suki ni Natte wa Ikenai Riyuu.” She also performed the opening theme for “My Home Hero,” titled “Ai no Uta.” Her consistent involvement in popular anime series has cemented her reputation as a significant voice in the genre.
