ZIPANG OPERA
ZIPANG OPERA’s 3rd EP, “ZIPANGRIMM”, is set to release! Additionally, their new song “Rainy Heart” is the ending theme for “Shitsuren Karuta” which is to be aired on MBS/TBS Dramaism! Advance digital release on 4/1 (Wed.)! Furthermore, live tour details announced!
ZIPANG OPERA’s 3rd EP, “ZIPANGRIMM”, is confirmed to release on June 24, 2026 (Wed.)! Additionally, their new song “Rainy Heart”, featured in the EP and set for advance digital release on April 1 (Wed.), has been confirmed as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS Dramaism slot “Shitsuren Karuta”, which will begin broadcasting on MBS late night starting March 31 (Tue.). Furthermore, details regarding the 5-City nationwide tour “ZIPANG OPERA 2nd Tour 2026 ~ZIPANGRIMM~, to be held in June, have also been unveiled!
The upcoming EP “ZIPANGRIMM” will include multiple new songs, such as “Kick It Down”, which is the theme song for the stage play “2.5 BILLION SECONDS TRIP,” written and directed by Ryuji Sato, and the advance digital release song “Rainy Heart”. Moreover, spi, who has been fully involved in production of this EP, commented, “This is an EP that weaves fragments of emotions and scenery, centered around the theme of ‘a story of love and pain.’ Each song presents a distinct narrative, and together they create a single world.” In addition to the regular edition, this EP also comes in a limited edition produced on a pre-order basis, as well as an animate limited set that includes individual member acrylic stands. Reservations starts today.
Written to align with the world-view of the drama “Shitsuren Karuta”, the new song “Rainy Heart” is an emotional piece that depicts the sentiments of two people who, due to their kindness, drifted apart. The song captures the lingering aftereffects of their breakup and the feelings of holding on to those memories while trying to move forward. It creates a story of miscommunication born from “kindness”, while delicately portraying the growing distance between individuals and the emotions that never fade, all with rain as a motif. Additionally, the song blends faint guitar and piano sounds with an elegant mid-tempo beat, resulting in a soothing and enjoyable song wrapped in the essence of neo soul.
“Rainy Heart” is scheduled to be digitally released in advance on digital music services on April 1 (Wed.) 0:00.
Additionally, ticket information for the live tour “ZIPANG OPERA 2nd Tour 2026 ~ZIPANGRIMM~”, starting on June 27 (Sat.) at SENDAI GIGS, has been released! This show will cover 6 shows across 5 cities nationwide and will feature the latest EP “ZIPANGRIMM”.
Ticket sales will start today with the advance EP reservation for those who have reserved the EP. For further details, please refer to the information below.
Member Comments
Ryuji Sato
This release will also include “Kick It Down”, the theme song for 2.5 BILLION SECONDS TRIP, where I wrote the script, directed, performed, and wrote the lyrics.
There are also many other new songs that will showcase ZIPANG OPERA’s new charm.
Please look forward to them.
Yuu Fukuzawa
I believe the theme of this EP is about the “new challenges” ZIPANG OPERA will take on in order to reach even greater heights.
Each song has various themes and situations, so through this EP, people can feel a new side of us that continues to grow.
In the case of “Rainy Heart” especially, the melody and lyrics are, in a sense, the complete opposite of previous ZIPANG OPERA songs, and there were new challenges during the recording session.
We also have our first 5-city live tour coming in June, and I have a feeling that we can show everyone a new form of ZIPANG OPERA, along with this song. Please take a listen to the EP and come to the live shows!
spi
This EP has become a work that weaves fragments of emotion and scenery into music that is centered around the theme “a story of love and pain”.
Each song presents a distinct narrative, and together they create a single world.
“Rainy Heart” expresses feelings that linger and pour on the heart, like rain that never ends.
I hope to bring the story of this EP to life in a more three-dimensional way during the live shows.
I’d love for you to experience the moments where sound and words come together.
EP Information
June 24, 2026 (Wed.) Release
ZIPANG OPERA
New EP “ZIPANGRIMM”
■Limited Edition Produced on a Pre-order Basis （CD＋Blu-ray） *Sony Music Shop limited product
Price: ¥8,800 (tax included) Product No.: LGCL-9029~9030
CD Tracklist:
・”Kick It Down”
・”Rainy Heart”
Other songs to be included
Content in Blu-ray:
・ZIPANG OPERA Live 2025 Ambition (Main Feature)
・Live 2025 Ambition (Behind The Scenes)
*The main feature was recorded at the Tokyo show (performers: Ryuji Sato, Yuu Fukuzawa).
＜Enclosed Bonus Items＞
・Photo Book
・Original Photo A (one random photo from a total of 6 types enclosed)
■Regular Edition (CD+Blu-ray)
Price: ¥3,300 (tax included) Product No.: LGCL-1023~1024
CD Tracklist:
・”Kick It Down”
・”Rainy Heart”
Other songs to be included
Content in Blu-ray:
・Rainy Heart -Music Video-
・Trajectory to “ZIPANGRIMM”
＜Enclosed Bonus Item＞
・Original Photo B (one random photo from a total of 6 types enclosed)
■animate Limited Set (Regular Edition + Individual Member Acrylic Stand)
Price: ¥4,700 (tax included)
*Acrylic stand size: Approximately 12cm in height.
*Sizes may vary slightly depending on the member.
【Regular Edition】animate Limited Set Ryuji Sato Ver.
https://www.animate-onlineshop.jp/pn/pd/3424371/
【Regular Edition】animate Limited Set Yuu Fukuzawa Ver.
https://www.animate-onlineshop.jp/pn/pd/3424372/
【Regular Edition】animate Limited Set spi Ver.
https://www.animate-onlineshop.jp/pn/pd/3424373/
【Sony Music Shop Limited Bonus Item】
An advance EP reservation application serial code for “ZIPANG OPERA 2nd Tour 2026 ~ZIPANGRIMM~” will be provided to those who make a reservation at the Sony Music Shop during the specified period.
*You can apply for 1 show per serial number (up to two tickets per performance)
*If you have multiple serial numbers, you can submit multiple applications, regardless of the number of times for one show.
*Advance EP reservation application serial code product sales period: Until 23:59 on March 29, 2026 (Sun.).
【Bonus Items for Purchasers by Store】
*All bonus items are provided in a limited quantity. Distribution will be over once they are out of stock. Please understand in advance.
*1 bonus item will be given for every 1 CD purchased.
*Please note that the bonus items will not be available in stores other than the eligible ones.
*The bonus items are not available in some shops or online shops. Please check whether they are available or not before making a purchase.
*The design of each bonus item will be published at a later date.
■Group A “Solo Smartphone-Sized Sticker” *1 type will be given randomly out of 3 types
└TSUTAYA RECORDS (some stores excluded), animate
■Group B “Solo A3 Poster” *1 type will be given randomly out of 3 types
└TOWER RECORDS, Seven Net Shopping
■Group C “Solo Tin Badge” *1 type will be given randomly out of 3 types
└HMV, Rakuten Books
■Group D “Mega Cover” *Cover artwork for the Regular Edition
└Amazon.co.jp
■Group E “Original A3 Poster” (1 type in total)
*Details on eligible stores and online shops will be announced at a later date.
*Reservation Deadline for the Limited Edition Produced on a Pre-order Basis: Until 5/11 (Mon.) 23:59
Drama Overview
Dramaism “Shitsuren Karuta”
＜Broadcast Information＞
Premieres April 1, 2026 (Wed.)
MBS: Every Wednesday at 00:59, starting April 1 (Wed.)
TBS: Every Wednesday at 01:26, starting April 1 (Wed.)
RKB: Every Wednesday at 01:28, starting April 1 (Wed.)
HBC: Every Wednesday at 01:29, starting April 1 (Wed.)
CBC: Every Wednesday at 01:50, starting April 1 (Wed.) (*The first episode will air at 01:57)
Cast: Minami Umezawa (Nogizaka46), Sho Nishigaki, Konatsu Kato
Jiei Wakabayashi, Gen Ito, Keishi Arai, Masaya Sakuragi (Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.)
Alan Abe, Motoki Fukami
Original Concept: “Shitsuren Karuta” Verses by Naoki Matayoshi Illustration by Misaki Tanaka
Directors: Aya Igashi, Miki Tomita
Writers: Hiraki Mari, Iwone Maki
Production Company: C&I entertainment
Production: “Shitsuren Karuta” Production Committee, MBS
＜Official Social Media＞
■ X：@dramaism_mbs
■ Instagram：@dramaism_mbs
■ Dramaism Official Account ⇒ @dramaism_mbs（TikTok account for all titles ⇒ @drama_mbs ）
＜Streaming＞
*The catch-up service is available for 1 week on TVer
To be available for unlimited streaming exclusively on FOD!
New song “Rainy Heart” Streaming Overview
April 1, 2026 (Wed.)
New Digital Single
ZIPANG OPERA “Rainy Heart”
*Available from 4/1 (Wed.) 0:00.
“ZIPANG OPERA 2nd Tour 2026 ~ZIPANGRIMM~” Information on Live Shows
Composition & Direction: Go Ueki
Choreography: REX
【Schedule & Venues】
＜Miyagi＞ June 27, 2026 (Sat.) SENDAI GIGS
Open: 16:30 Start: 17:30 (Organizer: Sendai Television Incorporated)
＜Fukuoka＞ July 2, 2026 (Thu.) Zepp Fukuoka
Open: 17:30 Start: 18:30 (Organizer: FM FUKUOKA)
＜Aichi＞ July 4, 2026 (Sat.) COMTEC PORTBASE (NAGOYA)
Open: 16:30 Start: 17:30 (Organizer: TOKAI RADIO)
＜Osaka＞ July 5, 2026 (Sun.) Zepp Namba (OSAKA)
Open: 16:30 Start: 17:30 (Organizer: MBS)
＜Tokyo＞ July 8, 2026 (Wed.) Zepp Haneda (TOKYO)
Open: 17:30 Start: 18:30
＜Tokyo＞ July 9, 2026 (Thu.) Zepp Haneda (TOKYO)
Open: 17:30 Start: 18:30
【Ticket Price】
1F Standing seat (with numbered ticket): 11,000 yen (tax included)
2F Reserved seat : 12,300 yen (tax included) *Aichi, Osaka, and Tokyo shows only
*An extra drink fee of ¥600 (tax included) will be charged separately during admission.
*Visitor bonus item included
Visitor bonus items are given at entry only and will not be provided at any other time.
*1F Standing seat (with numbered ticket) ticket holders will enter in ticket number order one hour before the start of the show.
If you are not present when your number is called, we will proceed to the next number. Thank you for your understanding.
*2F Reserved seat ticket holders may start entry one hour before the start of the show. (Aichi, Osaka, and Tokyo shows only) *Please note that numbers and seats cannot be changed and refunds will not be accepted on the day. Purchase only if you accept these terms.
*Please note that ID verification will be required at entry. Details will be provided on the official website at a later date.
*Entry not permitted for children not yet in school.