i-dle To Drop Bright Pop OST 'Hide and Seek' for TV Asahi Anime 'Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!?'

Girl group i-dle will release their bright pop original soundtrack "Hide and Seek" for the TV Asahi anime "Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!?" on Apr. 22, 2026, via global streaming platforms.

The new song serves as the opening theme for the romantic comedy series, which premiered earlier this month in TV Asahi's late-night "IMAnimation W" block. "Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!?" (also known by its Japanese title "Otaku ni Yasashii Gal wa inai!?") follows an otaku high school boy who becomes close with two flashy "gyaru" classmates, blending school life comedy with awkward but heartfelt moments.

The anime is based on the manga by Norishiro-chan and Sakana Uozumi and airs every Wednesday at 11:45 p.m. in Japan, according to Allkpop.

i-dle's Bright 'Hide and Seek' OST

According to Korean and Japanese media reports, "Hide and Seek" is described as a bright, pop-style track that matches the show's playful yet emotional tone.

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. i-dle members have said the song combines a "cute yet thrilling" vibe, and they hope viewers will connect the changing emotions in the track with the characters' growth on screen, Dipe reported.

"Hide and Seek" also marks i-dle's second animation soundtrack, following "Invincible," which the group released as an anime OST in 2025. The new release comes as the five-member group steps up its activities in Japan, using the TV Asahi series to reach both local anime fans and international viewers watching through licensed platforms.

In addition to the OST, i-dle is scheduled to visit Japan in June for their "2026 i-dle World Tour [Syncopation]" stop in Yokohama, where they are expected to perform recent releases alongside fan favorites.

With a full album comeback planned for July 2026, "Hide and Seek" gives listeners an early 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 track worldwide from Apr. 22 and hear it weekly as the opening theme of "Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku!?" as per Namicomi.