The upcoming anime adaptation of Yama Wayama’s “Let’s Go Karaoke!” is generating buzz, and the latest news has fans even more excited. The second promotional video has dropped, giving us a sneak peek at the show’s theme song, “HOWL,” performed by the talented Ayumu Imazu. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development and what to expect from the anime.
What is “Let’s Go Karaoke!” About?
“Let’s Go Karaoke!” is a comedy manga series written and illustrated by Yama Wayama. The story revolves around the unlikely friendship between Satomi Oka, a middle school choir president, and Kyouji Narita, a yakuza lieutenant. Narita, desperate to avoid a humiliating tattoo in his gang’s annual karaoke competition, enlists Satomi to coach him.
The premise is simple, but the execution is hilarious and heartwarming. The manga explores the dynamics between these two characters from vastly different worlds as they bond over music and navigate their own personal challenges.
Here’s a more detailed synopsis:
Satomi Oka is a diligent third-year middle school student and the head of his school’s choir club. He’s focused on preparing for the final choir competition before graduation. However, his peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when he’s approached by Kyouji Narita, a yakuza, who abruptly asks him, “Let’s go karaoke!”
Kyouji, a lieutenant in his yakuza group, faces a daunting predicament. His boss holds an annual karaoke contest, and the person deemed the worst singer must endure the excruciating pain of getting a tattoo chosen and applied by the boss himself. Determined to avoid this fate, Kyouji seeks Satomi’s help to improve his singing skills.
Despite his initial embarrassment and reluctance, Satomi finds himself drawn into Kyouji’s world, leading to unusual one-on-one karaoke sessions with the gangster. As they spend time together, an unexpected friendship blossoms between the two, blurring the lines of their contrasting backgrounds and personalities.
Anime Adaptation Details
The anime adaptation is produced by Doga Kobo, known for its high-quality animation and comedic timing. Asami Nakatani is directing the series, with Yukiko Tsukahara serving as assistant director. Yoshimi Narita is handling the series scripts, ensuring a faithful and engaging adaptation of the original manga. Mai Matsuura is in charge of character design, and Takurō Iga is composing the music.
Key Staff:
- Original Creator: Yama Wayama
- Director: Asami Nakatani
- Assistant Director: Yukiko Tsukahara
- Series Composition: Yoshimi Narita
- Character Design: Mai Matsuura
- Music: Takurō Iga
- Animation Studio: Doga Kobo
Cast:
- Satomi Oka: Shun Horie
- Kyouji Narita: Daisuke Ono
- Wada: Shinnosuke Tokudome
Theme Song Reveal: “HOWL” by Ayumu Imazu
The second promotional video not only offers a glimpse into the anime’s animation style and comedic tone but also introduces the theme song “HOWL” by Ayumu Imazu. Imazu’s energetic and catchy song perfectly captures the spirit of the series, blending humor and heart.
Release Date and Where to Watch
“Let’s Go Karaoke!” is scheduled to premiere on July 24, 2025, on Tokyo MX and other networks in Japan. Crunchyroll has licensed the series for streaming, so fans worldwide can enjoy the show.
What to Expect
Based on the manga and the promotional materials, “Let’s Go Karaoke!” promises to be a delightful and hilarious anime. Expect plenty of comedic moments, heartwarming interactions, and surprisingly insightful reflections on friendship, music, and self-discovery.
Here’s what makes this anime stand out:
- Unique Premise: The unlikely pairing of a middle schooler and a yakuza provides a fresh and engaging storyline.
- Character Development: The series explores the personal growth of both Satomi and Kyouji as they learn from each other.
- Humor: The comedic timing and absurd situations will keep viewers entertained.
- Heart: Beneath the humor lies a touching story about friendship and overcoming personal challenges.
- Music: Given the karaoke theme, expect a vibrant soundtrack and memorable musical moments.
Other Adaptations
Before the anime adaptation, “Let’s Go Karaoke!” received a live-action film adaptation, which premiered in Japan on January 12, 2024. The film, directed by Nobuhiro Yamashita and written by Akiko Nogi, stars Jun Saitō as Satomi and Go Ayano as Kyouji. The theme song for the live-action film is “Kurenai” (Crimson), a cover of X Japan’s iconic song by Little Glee Monster.
Where it All Began: The Manga
“Let’s Go Karaoke!” started as a self-published manga (doujinshi) by Yama Wayama in 2019. It quickly gained popularity, leading to its publication as a book by Kadokawa Future Publishing in 2020. A one-shot sequel, “Fami-res Iko” (Let’s Go to the Family Restaurant), was published in November 2020. Yen Press publishes an English-language version of the manga.
Other Works by Yama Wayama
Yama Wayama is a talented mangaka known for her unique storytelling and quirky characters. In addition to “Let’s Go Karaoke!”, another of her manga series, “Captivated, by You,” is also receiving an anime adaptation. “Captivated, by You” is scheduled to premiere on August 21, following “Let’s Go Karaoke!”.
Final Thoughts
With its unique premise, talented staff, and catchy theme song, “Let’s Go Karaoke!” is poised to be one of the standout anime of the Summer 2025 season. Be sure to mark your calendars for July 24 and get ready to sing your heart out with Satomi and Kyouji!
