Girls Band Cry Explained

Girls Band Cry
Ja Kanji:ガールズバンドクライ
Ja Romaji:Gāruzu Bando Kurai
Genre:Music
Creator:Toei Animation
Type:tv series
Director:Kazuo Sakai
Producer:Tadashi Hirayama
Music:Kenji Tamai
Studio:Toei Animation
Network:Tokyo MX, Sun TV, KBS Kyoto, BS11
First:April 6, 2024
Last:June 29, 2024
Episodes:13
Portal:yes

, abbreviated as, is an original Japanese anime television series created and produced by Toei Animation. It is directed by Kazuo Sakai and written by Jukki Hanada, with Nari Teshima handling the character designs, Mari Kondō and Jae Hoon Jung serving as CGI directors, and Kenji Tamai composing the music. It aired from April to June 2024, on Tokyo MX and other networks.[1] [2] [3]

Plot

Taking place in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture,[4] Nina Iseri is a high school dropout who moves to the city to prove she can live by herself and be successful. She then meets Momoka Kawaragi, and the two realize their commonalities, including a shared love of music. Together with other dropouts, the girls form a band as an avenue to let their raw emotions out, as they face hardships with their internal struggles and being new to the music scene.

Characters

Togenashi Togeari

is the central band of the series, consisting primarily of high school dropouts. Before the band’s formation, each member was part of two bands, with Nina, Momoka, and Subaru performing under the name, and Tomo and Rupa performing as Vocaloid duo Beni-Shouga (derived from the vegetable of the same name, stylized in lowercase). After merging, their new name originates from Nina reading an audience member's shirt saying "Togeari Togenashi" during their Suwa live house gig.

[1]
  • The main protagonist of the series and the lead vocalist of Togenashi Togeari who left the countryside and her strained past life to start anew. She is not on good terms with her father and dropped out of high school. She initially moved to Tokyo with the aim of studying at a cram school and entering university, only to focus on Togenashi Togeari instead. In promotional material, she is seen with a Butterscotch Blonde G&L Asat Classic electric guitar, which she uses as the band's rhythm guitarist in the finale.
    [1]
  • The lead guitarist and leader of Togenashi Togeari who was a former member of Diamond Dust before leaving due to creative differences, a decision she holds regret despite holding no ill will towards her former bandmates. She then performed as a solo artist and planned to quit before meeting Nina and being reinvigorated by her determination. She plays a Blue Grand Metallic Psychederhythm Psychomaster electric guitar, a Japanese-made Fender Jazzmaster clone.
    [1]
  • The drummer of Togenashi Togeari who attends acting school to follow in her grandmother's footsteps despite showing no interest for acting and desires to follow her own path through pursuing music. She plays a Charcoal Metallic Pearl Roadshow drum kit.
    [1]
  • The keyboardist of Togenashi Togeari who ran away from home after experiencing parental neglect and has dreams of performing at the Budokan. Her tendency to give harsh feedback also resulted in her and Rupa's former band breaking up prior to the anime. She plays a Nord Electro 6HP 73-key electric keyboard.
    [1]
  • The bassist of Togenashi Togeari who lost her parents and experiences discrimination due to her half-South Asian heritage. Like Tomo, she has dreams of performing at the Budokan. She plays an Ebony Gibson SG Standard bass.

    Diamond Dust

    is an idol rock band Nina idolizes and which Momoka was a member of, starting as a group of friends forming a school band before dropping out and being signed to a major label by the time Momoka left the band.

    [5]
  • The lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Diamond Dust after Momoka's departure, and a former friend of Nina. She plays a See-Through Purple Fernandes NTG-LTD electric guitar.
    [6]
  • The bassist of Diamond Dust who plays a Caribbean Shoreline Flat Ibanez Premium SR1605B bass.
    [7]
  • The lead guitarist of Diamond Dust who plays a Deep Candy Apple Red ESP Horizon-I electric guitar.
    [8]
  • The drummer of Diamond Dust who plays a Natural Cherry Pearl Masters Maple drum kit.

    Iseri family

    [9]
  • Nina's father who works as an advisor to Kumamoto's board of education. Before the events of the anime, Muneo and Nina had an estranged relationship with Muneo having difficulty in understanding his daughter, despite having published a book on parenting.
    [10]
  • Nina's mother.
    [11]
  • Nina's older sister.

    Other characters

    [12]
  • Subaru's grandmother who is a prolific actress.
    [13]
  • The manager of the Tokyo live house Shin-Kawasaki performed in.
    [14]
  • An indie musician who Momoka idolizes and is friends with.
    [15]
  • A talent scout affiliated with Golden Archer who is a fan of the original Diamond Dust and offers her connections to Togenashi Togeari on linking with a label for further popularity.

    Production

    Background

    In August 2019, upon joining Toei Animation, series producer Tadashi Hirayama was approached to produce a new original work focused on music. Hirayama enlisted the assistance of Kazuo Sakai and Jukki Hanada, staff he had worked with on Love Live! Sunshine!!, to brainstorm the initial ideas of the story.[16] Hirayama then approached Kenji Tamai of around the end of 2019 to compose the music for the project and scout and manage the talents to form the band.[17]

    Hanada focused on writing an all-female band story for the project based on his love for Japanese rock music, having already written stories about idols.[18] Hirayama cited the projected economic loss from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic as inspirations to make the story grounded in reality, basing it around the hardships of being a musician.[16] The decision to set the story in Kawasaki was based on Hirayama and Hanada's observations of the city being overlooked compared to the neighboring cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, rent being cheaper, and fostering music activity, further grounding the story.[16] [18]

    Development

    In June 2021, Toei Animation, Agehasprings, and Universal Music Japan announced they would initiate a new project which would combine animation with real band activity. In the same year, Agehasprings, with the assistance from Toei Animation and Universal Music Japan, held an audition called "Girl’s Rock Audition" for the vocalist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, and keyboardist of the all-female band which would be the core of the project.[19] Tamai recounted how he aimed the band to debut first to foster their popularity before the anime began its airing. He also shared that although the auditions received several applications, there was difficulty in choosing candidates who had proficient skills in both music and voice acting, leading the process to take more than a year and half to find the necessary talent.[17]

    An original anime project produced by Toei Animation titled Girls Band Cry was announced on April 24, 2023, with a teaser visual revealed. The visual features a girl with a guitar, with a slogan [20] On May 29 of the same year, a key visual of the anime was revealed alongside the main cast and staff.[21] The five members of Togenashi Togeari were also revealed with the music videos of their two songs, and, released on the project's YouTube channel.[21] In the following months, more music videos that accompany their recently released songs would be released to their channel alongside introductory videos of each member of Togenashi Togeari; these songs would later be compiled into physical singles.[22]

    Release

    On December 20, 2023, the first PV for the anime was released with its premiere slated for April 2024.[23] A second PV was later released on February 9, 2024, confirming its premiere date of April 6 of the same year.[24]

    On August 5 of the same year, Toei Animation announced that the anime will be licensed in North America and will be digitally released on Microsoft Movies & TV, Fandango at Home, Hoopla, and Prime Video on August 13.[25] The decision was met with confusion and criticism by some fans as it was seen as embarrassing and "out of touch" with the show's overseas audience.[26]

    Media

    Music

    The discography of Girls Band Cry includes one studio album and nine singles performed by Togenashi Togeari, the central group of the series. Additionally, two digital singles were released by the fictional band Diamond Dust, later compiled as an EP.[27] All music is released under the Universal Music Japan label.

    Togenashi Togeari

    Singles
    Title! rowspan="2"
    Release datePeak chart positions
    July 26, 2023—82
    August 30, 2023—96
    October 25, 2023—70
    December 20, 2023—58
    February 29, 2024—69
    May 22, 20241618
    May 22, 20242223
    June 19, 2024911
    July 10, 202465
    "—" denotes releases that did not chart.
    = Studio albums

    =

    Title! rowspan="2"
    Release datePeak chart positions
    April 24, 2024108
    August 28, 2024
    = Soundtrack albums

    =

    Title! rowspan="2"
    Release datePeak chart positions
    September 11, 2024[28]

    Diamond Dust

    ! Title! Release date!
    May 24, 2024[29]
    Cycle of SorrowJune 15, 2024[30]

    Anime

    The series aired from April 6 to June 29, 2024, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme song is,[31] while the ending theme song is,[32] both performed by Togenashi Togeari.

    Episodes

    Future

    Hanada tweeted from his Twitter account before the twelfth episode's airing addressing the risks of relying on making sales from an original anime like Girls Band Cry, adding that because of these risks, no current plans for a second season or movie succeeding the anime have been made.[33] After the finale aired, the project tweeted on its official Twitter account that the story will still progress in the future and it, alongside Togenashi Togeari, shall continue to be supported through its real-life activities.[34]

    On July 12, 2024 however, it was announced that Natsu and Mirei both went on an indefinite hiatus due to poor health. The remaining three main cast members will be still performing in Togenashi Togeari.[35]

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Mateo. Alex. Girls Band Cry Anime's Teaser Trailer Reveals April 2024 Premiere. Anime News Network. December 20, 2023. December 20, 2023. December 20, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231220163034/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-12-20/girls-band-cry-anime-teaser-trailer-reveals-april-2024-premiere/.205733. live.
    2. Web site: Chapman. Paul. GIRLS BAND CRY Anime Premieres April 2024. Crunchyroll. December 20, 2023. December 20, 2023.
    3. Web site: Loo. Egan. Girls Band Cry Anime's 1st Full Trailer Unveils April 5 Premiere. Anime News Network. February 9, 2024. February 9, 2024. April 9, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240409024852/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-09/girls-band-cry-anime-1st-full-trailer-unveils-april-5-premiere/.207404. live.
    4. Web site: https://www.townnews.co.jp/0203/2024/03/08/723451.html. ja:バンドトゲナシトゲアリ 作品の世界を発信. Town News. March 8, 2024. May 29, 2024. Japanese. July 31, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240731025850/https://www.townnews.co.jp/0203/2024/03/08/723451.html. live.
    5. Kondō, Reina. reina_kondo. 1786601747689111786. ja: TVアニメ『ガールズバンドクライ』にて、近藤玲奈がヒナ役で出演させて頂きます！. ja.
    6. Matsuoka, Misato. Matsuoka_Misato. 1796391970925056424. ja: 今日夜24時30分放送です！
      私はダイヤモンドダストのナナ役で出演させていただいております！. ja.
    7. Urushiyama, Yuki. urushiyamayuuki. 1786605708441735445. ja: 出演情報
      改めまして！
      アニメ『#ガールズバンドクライ』にてダイヤモンドダストの【リン】役として出演しています. ja.
    8. Miyashiro, Momoko. miyamo_0509. 1787105246634025450. ja: 『#ガールズバンドクライ』
      公式HPにメンバーが追加されました
      改めまして《ダイヤモンドダスト》の“アイ”役を演じおります宮白です. ja.
    9. Yamagishi, Haruo. Haruo_Yamagishi. 1776592287142645797. ja: 昨夜よりTOKYO MX他にて放送開始のアニメ
      『#ガールズバンドクライ』に
      仁菜の父、井芹宗男役で出演しておりま～す. ja.
    10. Credits from Wandāfōgeru. ja: ワンダーフォーゲル. Wandervogel. 10. Girls Band Cry. June 8, 2024. Japanese. Tokyo MX.
    11. Ando, Sakura. andoxsakura. 1776301206396453042. ja: わーい！井芹涼音役で声の出演しております！！配信もあるようですのでぜひぜひー！！！. ja.
    12. Credits from Kansha (Odoroki). ja: 感謝（驚）. Gratitude (Surprise!). 4. Girls Band Cry. April 27, 2024. Japanese. Tokyo MX.
    13. Credits from Utagoe Yō Kore. ja: 歌声よおこれ. Raise Your Voice. 5. Girls Band Cry. April 27, 2024. Japanese. Tokyo MX.
    14. Credits from Namae wo Tsukete Yaru. ja: 名前をつけてやる. Giving It a Name. 7. Girls Band Cry. May 18, 2024. Japanese. Tokyo MX.
    15. Furihata, Ai. furihata_ai. 1799108414855078129. ja: TVアニメ『ガールズバンドクライ』
      三浦 潮美役で出演しました. ja.
    16. Web site: https://ascii.jp/elem/000/004/208/4208545/. ja:なぜ『ガールズバンドクライ』は貧乏になった日本で怒り続ける女の子が主人公なのか？――平山理志Pに聞く. ASCII. August 3, 2024. August 9, 2024. Japanese.
    17. Web site: https://au.utapass.auone.jp/lp/interview-kenji-tamai. ja:【特集】 agehasprings玉井健二｜話題のバンド・トゲナシトゲアリについて徹底取材. AU. August 9, 2024. Japanese.
    18. Web site: https://0115765.com/archives/83499/. ja:ガルクラ総研①：脚本・花田十輝は『ガールズバンドクライ』で何を伝えたかったのか　キャラクター像と制作の舞台裏に迫る. Otaku Souken. August 2, 2024. August 9, 2024. Japanese.
    19. Web site: https://news.agehasprings.com/news/1691/. ja:アゲハスプリングス主催 ガールズバンドメンバー＆メインキャスト声優　 一般公募オーディションを開催. Agehasprings. June 30, 2021. February 13, 2024. Japanese. February 13, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240213160048/https://news.agehasprings.com/news/1691/. live.
    20. Web site: https://natalie.mu/comic/news/522007. ja:東映アニメーションの完全新作オリジナルアニメ「ガールズバンドクライ」始動. Natalie. Natasha, Inc.. April 24, 2023. February 12, 2024. Japanese. February 12, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240212183825/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/522007. live.
    21. Web site: https://natalie.mu/comic/news/526397. ja:アニメ「ガールズバンドクライ」キービジュ＆キャスト情報公開、2つのMVも. Natalie. Natasha, Inc.. May 29, 2023. February 13, 2024. Japanese. February 13, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240213160045/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/526397. live.
    22. Web site: https://ageha.agehasprings.com/archives/artist/togenashitogeari. ja:トゲナシトゲアリ - agehasprings Officiel Web Site. Agehasprings. March 2, 2024. Japanese. 26 August 2023. 16 May 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240516200615/https://ageha.agehasprings.com/archives/artist/togenashitogeari. live.
    23. Web site: https://girls-band-cry.com/news/post-58.html. ja:『ガールズバンドクライ』2024年4月テレビアニメ放送決定！キービジュアル・ティザーPVを公開！. ガールズバンドクライ. December 20, 2023. May 30, 2024. Japanese.
    24. Web site: https://girls-band-cry.com/news/post-76.html. ja:TVアニメ「ガールズバンドクライ」4月5日より毎週金曜日24:30～放送開始！. ガールズバンドクライ. February 9, 2024. May 30, 2024. Japanese.
    25. Web site: Mateo. Alex. Girls Band Cry Anime Gets Digital English Release on August 13. Anime News Network. August 6, 2024. August 6, 2024. live.
    26. Web site: Senzatimore. Renee. "It's Embarrassing": One Piece Studio Finally Releases Spring 2024 Anime in the U.S. – On Bizarre Platforms. CBR. August 6, 2024. August 8, 2024. live.
    27. Web site: https://store.universal-music.co.jp/product/umck5759/. ja:Cycle Of Sorrow【CD MAXI】. Universal Music Store. August 18, 2024. Japanese.
    28. Web site: https://store.universal-music.co.jp/product/umck1776/. ja:TVアニメ『ガールズバンドクライ』オリジナルサウンドトラック【CD】. Universal Music Store. August 18, 2024. Japanese.
    29. girlsbandcry. 1794035695633547297. ja:【#ガールズバンドクライ NEWS】
      ✧━━━━━━━━━━━━━
      ＜第8話挿入歌＞
      ❄ダイヤモンドダスト❄
      「ETERNAL FLAME 〜空の箱〜」
      ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━✧

      フルサイズ音楽配信スタート！. May 31, 2024. ja.
    30. girlsbandcry. 1801646430152757262. ja:【#ガールズバンドクライ NEWS②】

      ✧━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
      第11話挿入歌
      ダイヤモンドダスト 「Cycle Of Sorrow」
      ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━✧

      ／
      フルサイズ音楽配信スタート！
      　　　　　　＆
      CDシングルとしてリリース決定
      ＼. June 15, 2024. ja.
    31. Web site: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/togenashitogeari/products/umck-5747/. ja:雑踏、僕らの街(CD-MAXI). Universal Music Japan. May 29, 2024. Japanese. May 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240521042341/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/togenashitogeari/products/umck-5747/. live.
    32. Web site: https://store.universal-music.co.jp//product/umck5748/?sci_campaign=124. ja:誰にもなれない私だから【CD MAXI】. Universal Music Store. May 29, 2024. Japanese. April 20, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240420055457/https://store.universal-music.co.jp//product/umck5748/?sci_campaign=124. live.
    33. Hanada, Jukki. oitan125. 1803825917690785969. ja:オリジナルのテレビアニメには、当然、原作本がないわけです。原作本を売って制作費回収も、配信会社にこーんなに売れてる原作のアニメ化です！ って売り込みも出来ないわけです。よって先に無料でテレビ放映して後の売上に期待。というややイカれた戦略で、きっと盛り上がるよ、盛り上がってくれ、と祈りながら商品を用意して挑むことも少なくありません。当然、最初から二期だ映画だ決まっているようなこともないわけです。わかりますね。よろしくお願いします！ #ガルクラ. ja.
    34. girlsbandcry. 1806932332458516637. ja: TVアニメ「ガールズバンドクライ」
      全13話をご視聴いただいた皆様、ありがとうございました

      今後も展開は続いていきますので、
      引き続き「ガールズバンドクライ」と「トゲナシトゲアリ」の応援よろしくお願いします！. ja.
    35. Web site: Girls Band Cry Cast Members Mirei, Natsu Go on Hiatus Due to Health. Loo. Egan. Anime News Network. July 12, 2024. July 13, 2024.

    This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Girls Band Cry".

    Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.