I-DLE are expanding their footprint in Japan, jumping between anime OSTs, concerts, and festival stages.
The group will drop the opening theme “HIDE AND SEEK” for the Japanese anime "Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!?" on global streaming platforms on April 22.
The track channels a girl’s wish to be seen for her true feelings beneath a confident exterior, pairing I-DLE’s signature delicate vocals and emotion to heighten the show’s immersion. Fans already got a taste through the released opening video, which features the members’ vocals and sparked buzz.
The anime is a romantic comedy about two bold gyaru and an otaku boy who grow closer through shared hobbies. It has been airing on TV Asahi in Japan since April 8. This marks I-DLE’s second time fronting a Japanese anime opening, following “Invincible” from their Japanese EP, which served as the opening for Beyblade X Season 3 ― continuing their run of local content collaborations.
Building on their Korean drama OST work, I-DLE are now extending into Japanese anime, cementing their status as a “global OST powerhouse.”
Meanwhile, member MIYEON is making her own splash on the festival circuit in Japan. On April 18, she’ll take the stage at JJ50th Anniversary Fest 2026 (JJ Festival) at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, delivering a live set.
The “JJ Festival” is a large-scale event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the popular Japanese magazine JJ. MIYEON will connect with local fans with her proven live vocals and commanding stage presence.
I-DLE’s footing in Japan continues to grow. Alongside releasing their Japanese EP “i-dle” and wrapping their first arena trek, 2025 i-dle first japan tour [逢이-dle], the group will meet fans again at 2026 i-dle WORLD TOUR [Syncopation] IN YOKOHAMA on June 20 and 21 at K-Arena Yokohama.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)