The upcoming anime adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s sci-fi light novel, All You Need Is Kill, has found its haunting voice in singer-songwriter Akasaki. This marks a significant milestone for the young artist, as “Tsuretette” (“Take Me with You”), becomes his first-ever anime theme song.
A Fresh Voice for a Familiar Story
All You Need Is Kill has already captivated audiences worldwide through its original light novel, a manga adaptation, and the Hollywood film Edge of Tomorrow. Now, Studio 4°C is bringing the story to the anime screen, promising a fresh perspective on the time-looping narrative.
From Novel to Anime: A Story of Endless War
The original story, penned by Hiroshi Sakurazaka and illustrated by Yoshitoshi Abe, plunges readers into a future where Earth is under siege by alien invaders known as Mimics. Keiji Kiriya, a raw recruit, finds himself trapped in a brutal time loop after dying in his first battle. Each death sends him back to the day before, forcing him to relive the same horrors, but with each iteration, he hones his skills and inches closer to changing his fate.
A New Perspective: Rita’s Lonely Battle
The anime film, however, takes a different approach. While the original story and Edge of Tomorrow followed Keiji’s journey, the anime will explore the events through the eyes of Rita Vrataski, the legendary soldier known as the “Full Metal Bitch”. This shift promises to delve into Rita’s inner world, exploring her solitude, her struggles, and her personal growth as she navigates the endless cycle of war.
Akasaki: A Rising Star
Akasaki, an 18-year-old college student, is quickly making a name for himself in the Japanese music scene.
From TikTok to Anime Themes
Akasaki’s musical journey began at the age of 16, and he started sharing his original songs on TikTok in September 2023 at age 17. His unique sound and relatable lyrics quickly gained traction, turning him into a viral sensation.
“Bunny Girl” and Beyond: Chart-Topping Success
His song “Bunny Girl” became a massive hit, topping Spotify’s Weekly Chart and going viral across Asia. This success earned him the “Buzz Tracker” Monthly Artist title by TikTok and Spotify in October 2024, solidifying his position as a rising star.
A Budding Career
Akasaki made his official debut as an artist on April 24, 2024, with the release of his first single “Hikikomori.” He was also selected as one of the most notable new artists in the industry, earning spots on RADAR: Early Noise 2025, Buzz Rhythm’s “Top 10 Artists Destined to Break Out in 2025,” and EIGHT-JAM’s “My Best 10 of 2024.”
“Tsuretette”: A Song Born from the Story
Akasaki’s “Tsuretette” is not just a catchy tune; it’s a deeply personal creation inspired by the themes and characters of All You Need Is Kill.
Echoes of Rita and Keiji
In a statement on the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Akasaki shared his connection to the story: “I still remember the shock I felt when I was first exposed to this strong title and the epic story of life and death in a loop. I put the thoughts of the main characters, Rita and Keiji, into the song ‘Tsuretette.'”
Hope Amidst Despair
Akasaki hopes that listeners will “find hope somewhere in their heart, even in the midst of a battle with no way out.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the anime’s exploration of Rita and Keiji’s struggles as they fight against overwhelming odds, searching for a glimmer of hope in their endless loop.
What to Expect from the Anime
The All You Need Is Kill anime film is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release.
Studio 4°C: A Renowned Animation Studio
The animation is being handled by Studio 4°C, known for its visually stunning and innovative works such as Children of the Sea and Tekkonkinkreet. Kenichiro Akimoto, who has previously worked on Children of the Sea and Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, is directing the film, promising a unique and captivating visual experience.
Aired at Annecy International Animation Film Festival
The anime is set to screen at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France in June 2025, further building anticipation for its release.
Story Focus
The story will focus on Rita Vrataski’s inner world, exploring her solitude, struggles, and personal growth through her encounter with Keiji. The official synopsis teases a story of two lost souls trapped in an endless war, questioning whether their meeting could change fate.
A Legacy of Adaptations
All You Need Is Kill has a rich history of adaptations across various media.
Manga
A manga adaptation, written by Ryosuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Takeshi Obata (known for Death Note), was serialized in Weekly Young Jump magazine in 2014.
Graphic Novel
A separate graphic novel adaptation, written by Nick Mamatas and illustrated by Lee Ferguson, was also released in 2014.
Live-Action Film
The 2014 live-action film Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, brought the story to a global audience, grossing over $370 million worldwide.
Release Information
While the exact release date is yet to be announced, the All You Need Is Kill anime film is slated for release in June 2025 in France.
The Perfect Combination
With a compelling story, stunning animation by Studio 4°C, and a haunting theme song by the talented Akasaki, the All You Need Is Kill anime film promises to be a must-watch for fans of science fiction, anime, and captivating storytelling. It will be interesting to see how Akasaki’s music enhances the emotional depth of Rita’s journey as she navigates the time loop and confronts the horrors of war.
