Girl group i-dle will release their brilliant pop original soundtrack “Hide and Seek” for the Asahi TV anime “Gals Can’t Be Kind to Otaku!?” on April 22, 2026, via global streaming platforms.
The new song serves as the opening theme for the romantic comedy series, which premiered earlier this month on TV Asahi’s late-night “IMAnimation W” block. “Girls Can’t Be Nice to Otaku!?” (also known by its Japanese title “Otaku ni Yasashii Gal wa inai!?”) follows the story of a high school otaku who befriends two flamboyant “gyaru” classmates, mixing the comedy of school life with awkward yet heartwarming moments.
The anime is based on the manga by Norishiro-chan and Sakana Uozumi and airs every Wednesday at 11.45pm in Japan, according to Allkpop.
The brilliant OST of “Hide and Seek” by i-dle
According to Korean and Japanese media reports, “Hide and Seek” is described as a bright pop-style song that matches the playful yet emotional tone of the show.
The lyrics portray the inner feelings of a girl who appears confident in front of others but is sensitive and easily hurt inside, mirroring the emotional struggles of the anime’s main heroines. The i-dle members said the song combines a “cute yet thrilling” vibe, and they hope viewers will connect the changing emotions in the track with the growth of the characters on screen, Dipe reported.
“Hide and Seek” also marks i-dle’s second animated soundtrack, following “Invincible,” which the group released as an anime OST in 2025. The new release comes as the five-member group ramps up its activities in Japan, using the Asahi TV series to reach both local anime fans and international viewers watching through licensed platforms.
In addition to the OST, i-dle will visit Japan in June for their “2026 i-dle World Tour”. [Syncopation]” will stop in Yokohama, where they are expected to perform the latest releases together with fan favorites.
With the full album expected to return in July 2026, “Hide and Seek” gives listeners a first look at i-dle’s current sound while supporting one of the spring season’s new anime titles.
Fans of the group and the series will be able to stream the song worldwide starting April 22 and listen to it weekly as the opening theme to “Gals Can’t Be Kind to Otaku!?” according to Namicomi.
