Hitsujibungaku releases "Sugar," insert song for anime film ghost／夜の果て

Hitsujibungaku released "Sugar" today, November 10, the song they composed as an insert song for the original anime film ghost／夜の果て. The song is already available on digital platforms and also plays in the film's trailer. The movie opens in Japanese theaters on February 11, 2027.

The guitar riff recalls grunge rock and Moeka Shiotsuka's voice jumps from a fragile, lonely tone to a raw scream. It's a song written for the film, not a standalone single later adapted to the scenes.

Along with the digital release, the band announced a CD single for February 10, 2027, one day before the film's premiere. The disc will include "Sugar" and "life," the film's main theme. Pre-orders opened today.

An original Madhouse film with a recognizable voice cast

ghost／夜の果て is an original feature-length production with no prior manga. It is directed by Shingo Natsume, who also writes the script and shares original creator credit with Tomohiro Suzuki, Bandai Namco Filmworks, and Madhouse. Animation is handled by Madhouse and distribution by Bandai Namco Filmworks.

The voice cast mixes live-action actors with dubbing veterans. Mayu Hotta plays Nike, Issey Takahashi plays Masu, Yasuyuki Yasumoto plays Karate, and Hiroshi Kamiya plays Ito. Also appearing are Takeo Otsuka, Kazuhiro Yamaji, Yuki Shin, Hina Yomiya, Atsumi Tanezaki, and Kenjiro Tsuda as Moby Dick.

On the visual side, original character designs are by Natsume Ono and the animation adaptation by Norifumi Kugai. Music is by Taiku Kimishima, with Hitsujibungaku providing the main vocal themes.

A band already comfortable in anime

Hitsujibungaku is no newcomer to this space. The band has been adding collaborations with anime series and films in recent years, and their sound fits well with stories that aim for a more introspective tone. This isn't a fast commercial opening, but two songs that accompany the rhythm of an auteur film within anime.

The combination of a studio like Madhouse with a director-screenwriter like Shingo Natsume points to a work with a strong visual identity. Natsume Ono's involvement in the original designs reinforces that idea: her linework is recognizable and tends to give characters personality before the animation moves them.

The calendar is clear: "Sugar" is already out, the CD with both songs arrives on February 10, 2027, and the film opens the next day in Japan. For now, no further dates have been confirmed outside the country.