Japanese superstars MAN WITH A MISSION have released their brand new single ‘The Animals’. It is a raging punk track opening with a punchy bounce reminiscent of the likes of Bad Religion and early Green Day before building into the unmistakable grand anthemic chorus of MAN WITH A MISSION.
The song has been written for Wara nimo Sugaru Kemono tachi (English: BEASTS CLUTCHING AT STRAWS), a Japanese film due for release on September 25th, about a student who finds 100 million yen, setting off a chaotic chain of events involving a cast of colourful characters. It’s a track as fast-paced as the movie itself!
Regarding the single guitarist, vocalist and rapper Jean-Ken Johnny says, “It was truly an honour to be asked to write the theme song for this film. We drew all of our inspiration for ‘The Animals’ directly from its story and characters, and while creating the song,
it almost felt as if we were stepping into the role of storytellers ourselves. The film and song explore desire, inner conflict and the razor-thin line between good and evil,
and we hope you’ll enjoy the ride together with ‘The Animals’.”
Directed by Takasuke Kato (THINGS.), and featuring a cameo from Oji Suzuka, who stars in Wara nimo Sugaru Kemono tachi, the music video for ‘The Animals’ focuses on the desires and emotions that have historically been thought to lead humans into sin.
Using the “Seven Deadly Sins” as a motif, it uniquely portrays the human desire, conflict, and vulnerability featured in the film. Centred around a performance by the ultimate life forms MAN WITH A MISSION the video unfolds scenes symbolizing the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth. Through rapidly changing visual expressions, the hidden desires and madness within humans are brought to light, resulting in a dark, thrilling world that connects seamlessly with Wara nimo Sugaru Kemono tachi.
‘The Animals’ is a song born from the world of the movie, elevated into a unique music visual expression. Be sure to compare the portrayals of Wara nimo Sugaru Kemono tachi across the song, music video, and movie.
The major MAN WITH A MISSION tie-ins to TV and film continue throughout 2026, with forthcoming unreleased song ‘Firestarter’ recently announced as the theme song for the upcoming series of the hit anime The Vermillion Mask which premieres on October 10th.
Regarding ‘Firestarter’ bassist Kamikaze Boy says, “I created ‘Firestarter’ with the idea of making a powerful song that could push these young characters forward on their adventure as they carry the burden of a cruel fate.”
Filled with power, intensity, and a driving sense of momentum, the track captures the energy and force of MAN WITH A MISSION today. The result is a song which propels the characters forward as they face their harsh destinies head-on.
Fans can get an early flavour for ‘Firestarter’ in the new trailer for The Vermillion Mask here.
The new songs join the recently released ‘ONE’ in offering another taste of an exciting new era for the half-man, half-wolf collective, which is set to further evolve throughout 2026.