Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games Anime Reveals Full Cast & PV with July Premiere

It's finally happening, gente. The wait is over. Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games has dropped its main promo video, a fresh batch of cast members, and a solid premiere date. Mark your calendars for July 7. After a delay from its original 2025 slot, this anime is ready to throw down.

Meet the New Players Joining the Fight

The cast just got a whole lot more interesting. They're bringing in some serious talent to voice these elite, button-mashing young ladies. Check out who's stepping into the ring:

Yumiri Hanamori is on board as Aya Tachibana. You know her from My Dress-Up Darling and Call of the Night. Then you have Taku Yashiro taking on the role of Hiiragi Sumeragi. He's the voice behind characters in Jujutsu Kaisen and Haikyu!!.

But here's the coolest part. Real-life fighting game legend Aru—a pro player, commentator, and event organizer—is voicing Flamberge. That's right, a pro gamer is voicing a pro gaming commentator in the show. You can't get more authentic than that.

The Story Behind the Controllers

Forget everything you think you know about proper young ladies. Kuromi Girls' Academy is the pinnacle of elegance and grace. Aya gets in on a scholarship, dreaming of being as perfect as her idol, Shirayuri.

Here's the twist. Shirayuri has a secret life. When she's not being the model student, she's a ruthless, combo-chaining, trash-talking beast in fighting games. This is a story about secret identities, fierce competition, and the unexpected bonds forged in virtual battle. Seven Seas, the English publisher, nails it: could this shared passion for digital combat lead to something real?

Production Power and a Killer Soundtrack

The team behind this is no joke. Director Shōta Ihata (Domestic Girlfriend) and series script writer Wataru Watari (the brains behind My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) are leading the charge at studio diomedéa. The character designs are by Mayuko Matsumoto, who worked on Kan Colle.

And the music? It's going to hit hard. The opening theme, "Inochi Mijikashi Tai Suru Otome yo!" is by the rock band Hanabie.. The ending, "New Game," is performed by halca. The main PV gives you a taste of both tracks, and they perfectly match the anime's high-energy, competitive vibe.

From Manga to Screen: A Long-Awaited Fight

Eri Ejima's manga started in Monthly Comic Flapper back in January 2020. The anime was first announced in 2021, so fans have been waiting. Kadokawa published the 10th volume in Japan last December, and Seven Seas has the 9th volume out in English already.

It premieres on July 7 across channels like AT-X, Tokyo MX, and MBS. The collaboration even extends to the real-world gaming scene, with Kadokawa's professional FAV gaming team credited for their work on the recording. These are pros who compete in Street Fighter 6. They're making sure the gaming action feels real.

So get ready. This summer, the gloves are off, the arcade sticks are plugged in, and the most refined schoolgirls are about to show you how it's really done.