CloverWorks and JOEN have confirmed that the upcoming original anime anthology Grotesqqque will feature a brand‑new ending track titled “TERASE,” performed by singer‑songwriter Mika Ichinose. The song’s lyrics were penned by Ken Kamikita, who also handled its composition and arrangement.
“TERASE” is now available across major music platforms, and the film’s official website has begun streaming a collaboration music video that mixes the track with footage from the three anthology stories. The video was first teased on the film’s X/Twitter account, where the studio posted a short clip highlighting the song’s synth‑driven vibe.
Grotesqqque: An Omnibus of Contrasting Worlds
Directed, scripted, and illustrated by veteran creator Atsushi Nishigori, Gro Grotesqqque (originally titled “Grotesque”) weaves together three distinct narratives, each backed by a dedicated roster of musical acts.
Storyline Highlights
- A(E)liens – A sci‑fi drama featuring Kana Ichinose as Ellie and singer‑songwriter Gen Hoshino as Kento Kurikura, with veteran voice actor Akio Ōtsuka portraying the Space Agency Bureau Director.
- Yoroshiku★Girl (also known as “4649 Girl”) – A stylized slice‑of‑life tale starring Sara Minami as Stella, Ikumi Hasegawa as an unnamed “Nanashi,” and a cast that includes Saori Hayami, Maaya Uchida, Chika Anzai, Miyu Tomita, Rumi Ōkubo and Rie Kugimiya. The title’s wordplay references the Japanese pun “yoroshiku” (4669) meaning “nice to meet you,” explained in a Shōjo lexicon entry.
- Nocturne: Nuit Grotesque – A nocturnal mystery featuring members of idol group Nogizaka46: Nagi Inoue (Ayame), Aruno Nakanishi (Shion), Miku Ichinose (Momo) and Nao Tomisato (Canna).
Music Line‑up
Each segment is supported by a curated set of musical acts – 35 in total – ranging from pop‑rock duo ASCA to net‑culture favorite Nanahira. The opening theme “Shoot Shoot Shoot” is performed by the band METALVERSE, while the ending theme is delivered by Haoto, with lyrics written by momosu momosu.
Release Schedule and International Screenings
Grotesqqque will open nationwide in Japan on November 6. The film debuted internationally at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal (July 16–August 2) and will have its U.S. premiere on October 8 at the Japan Society in New York City, hosted in partnership with CloverWorks and Aniplex of America. Director Nishigori presented a live introduction at the New York event.
JOEN – the joint venture behind the project – brings together Sony’s Aniplex, CloverWorks, Wit Studio (a sister studio of Production I.G), and publisher Shueisha. The collaboration reflects a growing trend of multi‑studio productions that blend distinct visual styles and musical identities.
Why “TERASE” Matters
“TERASE” marks the first time Mika Ichinose contributes a full‑length song to a feature film, expanding her repertoire beyond the “A(E)liens” story where she previously performed as a music contributor. The track’s lyrical themes of erasing memories and moving forward echo the anthology’s overarching motif of confronting bizarre realities.
Fans can also explore the full cast list and additional details in the recent ANiEN cast‑reveal article, which confirmed the involvement of 14 voice actors across the three segments.
With the soundtrack now streaming and the music video live, anticipation builds for the film’s theatrical run. Whether you’re drawn to the sci‑fi drama of “A(E)liens,” the quirky charm of “Yoroshiku★Girl,” or the midnight intrigue of “Nocturne: Nuit Grotesque,” the addition of “TERASE” gives Grotesqqque a fresh auditory signature that promises to linger long after the credits roll.
Featured image: ©Atsushi Nishigori, CloverWorks/Project GTQ
Source: Anime News Network