The official website for the upcoming TV anime “Let’s Play” has just released an exciting new visual, giving fans a fresh look ahead of its Japanese premiere. Created by OLM, the visual beautifully captures the anime’s four main characters as they gather at The Daily Grind, the favorite cafe of protagonist Samara “Sam” Young. Adding to the excitement, the site also debuted the anime’s creditless opening movie, showcasing the vibrant visuals alongside the upbeat opening theme song, “1, 2, Play,” performed by renowned Japanese R&B singer Toshinobu Kubota.
This dynamic opening sequence was a collaborative effort between two impressive studios: Kamikaze Douga, celebrated for its work on iconic anime openings like “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” and “Pop Team Epic,” and Bobby Pills, a talented French animation studio recognized for its contributions to productions such as “Creature Commandos” and “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.”
Toshinobu Kubota, who also lends his voice to the anime’s ending theme song, “Left & Right,” shared his enthusiasm for the project. He remarked, “It’s been a full 30 years since I last had the opportunity to compose an anime theme song. I truly immersed myself in this American-born story, which beautifully portrays the love lives of today’s youth, and felt a strong connection to their generation. The feeling of falling in love is a universal experience, transcending eras and ages. I sincerely hope everyone enjoys my songs as they watch the anime.”
Fans won’t have to wait long to enjoy the full tracks! Both the opening theme, “1, 2, Play,” and the ending theme, “Left & Right,” will be available for digital download starting October 2. For collectors, a CD single featuring both songs is set to release on November 26.
This exciting TV anime adaptation of Leeanne M. Krecic’s beloved web comic, “Let’s Play,” is slated to premiere in Japan on October 1, 2025, at 24:45 JST (which is effectively October 2, 12:45 am), as part of Fuji TV’s popular “+Ultra” programming block. International audiences can also look forward to streaming the series, as Crunchyroll will make “Let’s Play” available to its members across a wide range of regions, including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, India, and Southeast Asia.
Directing this promising series at studio OLM is Daiki Tomiyasu, known for his work on “Pokémon Sun & Moon.” The intricate series composition is being handled by Aya Matsui, recognized for “Marmalade Boy.” Ebimo is contributing the character design concept, while Saki Ebisawa, a key animator for various “Pokémon” anime, is responsible for the final character designs. The captivating musical score is being composed by Cornish, who previously worked on “Recovery of an MMO Junkie.”
The anime draws inspiration from Leeanne M. Krecic’s highly popular web comic, “Let’s Play,” which first debuted in 2016 and released three seasons on WEBTOON. Rocketship Entertainment continues to publish the comic for fans. The original series is wonderfully described as: “Samara ‘Sam’ Young, a Los Angeles-based developer, is on the verge of realizing her dreams with the launch of her very first video game, ‘Ruminate.’ However, her world is turned upside down when a prominent streamer delivers a harsh, scathing review. To make matters even more complicated, Sam soon discovers that this very critic is now her new next-door neighbor! Dive into a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and relatable insights into the world of gaming, internet culture, and social anxiety. You’ll come for the compelling plot, and undoubtedly stay for the adorable doggo!”