BanG Dream! Yume∞Mita: Three Editors on the Anime’s Surprising Depth, Music, and Viola the Villain

TV anime BanG Dream! Yume∞Mita began airing on July 2, following a virtual girls band that moves between virtual and real worlds. The series has drawn attention not only from longtime BanG Dream! fans but also from music lovers and casual anime viewers.

To dig into the show’s appeal, three Anime!Anime! editors with completely different tastes—Freedom Yamanaka, a core BanG Dream! fan who has followed the series since middle school; Nagiyama, a music freak who attends over 80 live shows a year; and Ashikoshi Yowao, a new graduate who loves Ultraman and is still studying anime—gathered in a karaoke room with a large screen and high-quality sound to binge-watch the first 10 episodes.

Freedom Yamanaka
Discovered BanG Dream! in the third year of middle school and has spent his youth with the series. His favorite is Roselia’s Imai Lisa.

Nagiyama
Introduces himself as “Kuroko’s Basketball is my home.” On weekends, he’s often in Hokkaido or Fukuoka for live shows, and at the office he’s always handing out souvenirs.

Ashikoshi Yowao
Loves tokusatsu and is still studying anime. He leaves work on time, hits the gym, and has been scaring his introverted colleagues with his growing muscles.

Three Editors, Three Perspectives

After watching up to episode 10, all three admitted they expected a cute, fluffy show based on the key visual and opening. Instead, they found a drama that tackles realistic issues like online harassment and the dark side of social media.

Ashikoshi Yowao: “It was a whirlwind of developments, wasn’t it?”

Freedom Yamanaka: “I thought it would be a cute anime at first. I’ve been following BanG Dream! since middle school and have seen all the series, but I never expected it to subvert expectations this much. Of course, I expected the music, but the drama is far more solid than I imagined.”

Nagiyama: “I also thought it would be a happier, fluffier show based on the key visual and the first episode’s opening. But…”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “The story is heavy, isn’t it? Personally, the SNS depictions hit hard.”

The Story’s Realism: SNS Harassment Hits Close to Home

The protagonist, Nakamachi Arare, previously did streaming with a group but left. In episode 2, it’s revealed that the reason was a video showing her being high-handed, which was uploaded online and led to malicious comments and cyberbullying.

Nagiyama: “That episode was so real. The way comments flow, the way clipped videos spread—I thought, ‘Oh, I’ve seen this before.'”

Freedom Yamanaka: “The malicious editing, the way only a part is taken out of context and spreads—it feels very much of this era.”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “And it’s set in middle school, which makes it even harder to watch.”

Nagiyama: “Right! Even adults would be hurt by that, but to think middle schoolers go through it…”

Freedom Yamanaka: “But that’s what makes it a modern work. When you hear ‘virtual,’ you imagine a special world, but it’s actually connected to reality.”

Nagiyama: “It was surprisingly grounded. Even though they practice in virtual space, their worries are very ordinary.”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “They go to school, talk with friends, worry about SNS. Because we see their daily lives, it’s easy to get into the story even in the virtual world.”

Characters That Pull You In: From Arare to Viola

Ashikoshi Yowao: “Among the characters, Arare-chan stood out. She has twin tails and looks cute, but her singing voice is surprisingly powerful.”

Nakamachi Arare
First-year at Kanda Shirahachime Academy. A vocalist who loves manga and anime, especially “Majiruru,” and is weak to melon pan ice cream and spicy food. Previously did streaming with a group.

Nagiyama: “I know! That gap is amazing. At first I thought she was a fluffy girl, but when she sings, she suddenly becomes cool!”

Freedom Yamanaka: “And she’s a bit of a worrier. She struggles with relationships and keeps trying hard, so you want to root for her.”

Nagiyama: “Exactly! You can’t leave her alone. She’s pitiful and cute. The scene where she and Ritsu make up was a relief, but the misunderstanding with Toco was painful. In episode 7, after the live, Arare thanks Toco for suggesting the live, but Toco’s mind is on Viola. That’s heartbreaking. Also, Arare is a hardcore otaku, so as a fellow otaku, I can relate and want to support her.”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “The confrontation in the B part was tough. Arare kept saying she’s been a fan from the start, brought a book full of sticky notes with her thoughts, and went to talk excitedly, only to be told by Toco that Viola is the best fan who truly understands her. I was speechless.”

She’s also rejected by Toco and by her idol manga artist Fujimi Yako, yet she doesn’t blame Toco. Isn’t she too good?

Nagiyama: “Viola’s high-pitched laugh is so annoying! Arare-chan deserves better! I’m really into Yuno-chan. She’s genuinely kind and tries to act for others, but she doesn’t know how to show it on her face or in words, so she asks AI to draft her replies. She’s a bit clumsy and a tsundere, which is cute. The middle-school Yuno in episode 10 is adorable! Was she always a bassist?”

In the bonfire scene, she finally opens up, and it’s heartwarming to see her connect with everyone through music. Yuno has been the only straight man among the airheaded members, and I’m glad she and Nonoka make a great pair.

Sengoku Yuno
A cool DJ and manipulator who works as a popular composer. She’s energy-saving but hits the core, and though she seems reluctant, she’s more sincere about sound than anyone.

Freedom Yamanaka: “Also, she changes a lot during live performances.”

Nagiyama: “She does! She’s usually blunt and doesn’t say much, but then she suddenly raps. I was like, ‘Wait, you have that side?!'”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “The smile she shows during live performances was a treat.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “Personally, I want to push Viola!”

Viola (CV: Kaede Hondo)
Second-year at Shuwa Girls’ High School. Despite her innocent and pretty appearance, she’s calculating behind her soft smile, and fans have noted her “black-hearted” nature.

Ashikoshi Yowao: “Oh…”

Nagiyama: “There it is. I was like, ‘Who is this?!’ So please tell me her appeal.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “Well, she’s just really good-looking!”

Nagiyama: “That’s it?”

Freedom Yamanaka: “Black hair with a princess cut, half-lidded eyes, and a mole near her mouth! There’s not a single element an otaku wouldn’t like. In the BanG Dream! series, every group has its own charm and everyone is cute, but I’m surprised a character with a look that hits me this hard appeared. Her personality is dangerous and you never know what she’s thinking, but her face makes me forgive it all.”

I’ve seen all the previous BanG Dream! series, and no character has been as fitting of the word “villainess” as Viola. The tone changed with BanG Dream! It’s MyGO!!!!! and BanG Dream! Ave Mujica, but even in those two, there was no clear “enemy.” Also, it’s rare for someone outside the band to appear as a main character this much.

Characters who cause discord in the band usually have a reason, but so far Viola’s reason is invisible. At first I thought she liked Ritsu and was trying to bring down Arare because she’s close to Ritsu, but now she’s approaching Toco and manipulating her, which makes it seem like she’s obsessed with Arare.

And her cunning is brilliant! For example, when Ritsu had a streaming accident, Viola told the manager, “It wasn’t an accident, it was a performance,” without panicking at all. Her calmness was terrifying.

She doesn’t attack directly but indirectly. When she made Arare leave the group “Rararara Girls,” she didn’t confront Arare directly but used a malicious video to cause a firestorm. She had even set up the policy of “recording everyone’s daily life” beforehand. It’s scary to think how she comes up with these ideas.

And another thing: Viola has a brilliant talent—her expressive face! I’d call it “facial acting.” At first, her cute voice and innocent vibe made me think she was a good girl, but from episode 3, when she revealed her true nature, her facial expressions never stopped! She shows many expressions, but the one when she threatens Ritsu with the line “Myu-type!” is unforgettable. She also had a blissful smile when she found Arare at the event, but she should stop that because fans will see it. Her varied expressions are part of her charm.

Poor Myu-type… I’ve never felt so conflicted watching an anime.

Ashikoshi Yowao: “That was a machine-gun talk like Arare! Which facial expression do you recommend?”

Freedom Yamanaka: “They’re all crazy. Also, the official website got invaded by Viola at one point, which made me laugh. That blissful expression is something I’ve never seen in a beautiful girl anime or game character. But she’s cute.”

Nagiyama: “From Arare’s perspective, she’s scary and dangerous, but for the story’s excitement, such a character might be necessary. But I won’t be fooled by anyone except handsome men, so I’m on Arare’s side!”

Also, I loved the relationships between Nonoka and each member. Nonoka seems to push forward with everyone in a fluffy way, but her sense of distance and interactions with each member are very natural.

Miyanaga Nonoka
Yume∞Mita’s carefree, fluffy guitarist. A free-spirited mood maker loved by everyone. On stage, she enjoys the music the most and draws the audience in.

Fuji Toco
An active manga artist and Yume∞Mita’s keyboardist. She looks quiet but supports the band with solid skill and a passion that never cuts corners. She’s a stoic overachiever who handles the impossible workload of balancing band and manga.

Freedom Yamanaka: “I love that! Nonoka is positive even in tense moments, and her unwavering smile was a real comfort.”

Nagiyama: “Is that the person who pushed Viola, the one who caused the tension, saying that?”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “In episode 2, when Toco was apologizing nervously after the streaming incident, Nonoka hugged her. That healing is something only Nonoka can do. I’m also down because of a work mistake, so I want her to share that hug with me!”

Nagiyama: “Don’t share your mistakes with Nonoka!”

Freedom Yamanaka: “Anyway, each member has their own strengths and moments, so before you know it, your favorites multiply.”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “I also found myself thinking, ‘Oh, I’m interested in this girl’ more and more. And Ritsu had a strong presence. At first, it seemed like Viola was quite aware of Clematis, so I wondered what their relationship was.”

Minezuki Ritsu
First-year at Kanda Shirahachime Academy (formerly at Shuwa Girls’ High School). A composed honor student with clear eyes and intelligence. Her quiet demeanor hides a straight will.

Freedom Yamanaka: “As the story progresses, her relationship with Arare changes, and I couldn’t take my eyes off Viola.”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “I wanted to shout ‘Arare-chan, run!’ but I also wanted to run away myself. In episode 5, when she actually ran away, Ritsu was with her, holding her hand and saying ‘Let’s think’ to Viola. That strength drew me in.”

Also, Ritsu is quite natural and has many comedic moments. The gap between her refreshing look and her love for meat is fun, and when she went to buy food for a hungry Yuno, I couldn’t overlook the ‘all meat!’ as a gym enthusiast.

Music That Shines: Episode 7’s Live and Beyond

Nagiyama: “Now, can we talk about the music? Episode 7’s live was amazing!”

First, Arare’s singing is overwhelming. Her power, expression, and charisma are so strong that I wondered if Viola has a complex about it. The drop chorus, the auto-tune on the vocals, the quiet two bars that reveal Arare’s delicate side, the simple beat from the manipulator, the keyboard adding brightness, the lead guitar giving momentum, and the rhythm guitar adding thickness—the build to the last chorus is superb.

Insert Song “TearJerker”
Lyrics: sabio
Composition: sabio
Arrangement: sabio

Insert Song “Face The Next”
Lyrics: Shirakami Mashiro, Nakamachi Arare
Composition: Shirakami Mashiro, Sengoku Yuno
Arrangement: Shirakami Mashiro, Sengoku Yuno

Ashikoshi Yowao: “Here we go.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “He’s switched on.”

Nagiyama: “No, it really was good! In band anime, I usually expect guitar, bass, and drums, but Myu-type has a DJ and manipulator, which is fresh.”

They create sound sources with synthesizers and add effects during live performances, syncing with the performance. It’s rare to see that depicted properly in anime. I love hip-hop and R&B, so seeing a band with a manipulator in anime is genuinely exciting.

Freedom Yamanaka: “Indeed, watching the live scenes, you can feel they’re really making music. As someone who has seen Roselia live many times, the careful depiction of the band members’ gazes and breathing drew me in.”

Nagiyama: “And they don’t make it feel like an explanation! It feels natural within the live.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “Episode 7 finally had a live, and I like how the current style values the meaning and journey to the live. Plus, two new songs were performed, so the excitement peaked. Arare’s singing is really cool. I like the otaku Arare, but I might prefer the confident Arare. That’s why I really like the second song, ‘Face The Next.'”

Nagiyama: “The second song has a darker impression than the first. Arare’s voice in the line ‘Ha? Don’t decide for me’ is husky and super cool.”

And the chord progression and arrangement feel Vocaloid-like, with interesting sounds that only a band with a manipulator can produce. The heavy bass makes it perfect for listening on karaoke speakers. Claps and raising fists in the chorus would be great at a live!

Ashikoshi Yowao: “At first I wondered why we were watching anime on a karaoke screen, but during the live scenes, the sound pressure suddenly changed. The immersion was completely different on a big screen. The impact of Arare punching the screen was also impressive.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “For me, the choreography linked to the lyrics ‘Where are you looking?’ in the second song is the best.”

Nagiyama: “It’s not exactly choreography, but in the line ‘If you’re with me,’ Arare’s finger traces Ritsu, guiding our gaze to Ritsu, who then smiles and looks back at Arare. That whole sequence was divine! And wait, the members themselves participated in the lyrics and composition?”

Freedom Yamanaka: “That’s why there’s an ’emo’ feeling! I haven’t been to 80 live shows a year like Nagiyama, but I was drawn in as a live scene. The moments when the members make eye contact were great.”

Nagiyama: “I totally get that! Those moments are amazing in real lives too. You can feel ‘I’m having fun right now!’ from the performance.”

But while everyone looks happy, Toco seems a bit too absorbed, almost intoxicated by something. It was a good live, but there was a faint sense of unease. It made me both excited and anxious about what comes next.

Ashikoshi Yowao: “I didn’t notice because I was having fun, but Toco is acting strange in places! Oh no, I got goosebumps.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “In episode 6, Viola instigated the live, so that state of mind is reflected in the performance. It’s not just a live scene; it reflects the characters’ feelings, making it a ‘live’ with a real atmosphere.”

But because the live is in a virtual space, the staging is free. Cameras come in from angles impossible in a real live, and I thought, ‘Wait, can you show that?!’ It’s a completely different approach from Ave Mujica and MyGO!!!!!, and it has a new appeal. I feel like I’ll follow BanG Dream! forever.

Not a live, but the opening was also great. Compared to the beginning, Ritsu’s cuts increased from the middle, and I enjoyed checking ‘this changed!’ every week. When I rewatched episode 1, there was a mysterious empty space among the members, and when Ritsu joins, it fits perfectly!

Opening Theme “Kore wa Bokutachi no Seizon no Arasuji”
Lyrics: Tanabe Tomoya
Composition: Tanabe Tomoya
Arrangement: Horie Akita

Nagiyama: “From Myu-type’s appearance, I expected a cute song, but then rock suddenly hits. That’s definitely going to appeal to festival lovers!”

The intro starts with a relaxed electronic sound, then an electric guitar cuts in sharply—that gap pulls you in immediately! When I saw the chorus, I found out it was written and composed by Tanabe Tomoya. He’s known for UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s anime themes like “Sugar Song and Bitter Step,” “Orion wo Nazoru,” and “Kaos ga Kyuu ni,” but I didn’t expect him to provide a song for BanG Dream!. Listening again, it’s full of his signature style, and this song increased my trust in band anime. They really do good music!

Ashikoshi Yowao: “I also liked the ending, which is a complete contrast to the rock. It calms the heat of the live and the nervousness, with a loose and cute feel. After finishing an episode, I want to watch one more.”

Ending Theme “Uchuu no Fushigi”
Lyrics: sabio
Composition: sabio
Arrangement: sabio

Expectations for the Final Episodes

Ashikoshi Yowao: “After watching up to episode 10, my biggest thought is ‘How is this going to end?!’ Can we have a marathon from episode 11 to the finale?”

Freedom Yamanaka: “There are still many unresolved parts. Episode 10 had a great scene where Myu-type truly unites as band members. Yuno, who had been keeping her distance, opens up and becomes a comrade, and the slow, careful depiction made me feel the time flowing just like on screen.”

We learn why Yuno said she didn’t want to do a band, and despite that, Nonoka pushes her to do it anyway—that’s very Nonoka.

Ashikoshi Yowao: “Everyone was so loud I couldn’t hear what they were saying, and I laughed. Also, even though they’re usually virtual, the scene was at the sea, with a bonfire, eating meat, and then music starting like street musicians or some ethnic group. It was dramatic.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “The song playing when they create music together reminds me of ‘Tuning.’ In that MV, there’s an emotional scene where the five reconcile, and I felt a connection. Reading the lyrics makes it even more emotional.”

“Tuning”
Lyrics: Nakamachi Arare, Sengoku Yuno, Horie Akita
Composition: Sengoku Yuno, Horie Akita
Arrangement: Horie Akita, Sengoku Yuno

Ashikoshi Yowao: “‘Voices and sounds (dreams) mix together and are born anew. It’s surely painful, but more fun. Hey, let’s go’? Knowing that scene at the sea, the song sounds completely different!”

Freedom Yamanaka: “But personally, I can’t stop wondering what Viola will do next. Of course, I expect more facial expressions.”

Nagiyama: “There’s a good sense of closure, but the root problem isn’t solved. What is Viola’s real goal?”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “We still can’t see her true intentions. And her facial expressions are only seen by Arare and the viewers.”

Freedom Yamanaka: “The BanG Dream! series is one where character relationships build up properly, so I’m looking forward to how it lands. The interactions so far might be foreshadowing.”

Nagiyama: “I’m purely looking forward to the live. All the songs so far have been great, so I can’t wait to see what music they bring at the climax!”

Freedom Yamanaka: “The live in episode 7 was that exciting. And the live after overcoming Viola… no, I also want to see Viola’s live! I hope there’s a Viola arc!”

Ashikoshi Yowao: “I was someone who thought, ‘I don’t know BanG Dream!,’ but now I definitely want to watch to the end. Maybe I should ask Freedom Yamanaka to introduce me to other works too!”

Freedom Yamanaka: “Did I succeed in converting you? Anyway, next week is karaoke again!”

Nagiyama: “Whether you love music or anime, there’s definitely something that will resonate with you. I want to see more live scenes, and I’m curious about the real lives!”

The three editors’ points of interest were completely different. Some were moved by the story’s realism, some fell for the quirky characters, and some got excited about the live scenes and musical expression.

But what they had in common was that they found themselves hooked before they knew it.

Whether you’ve followed the BanG Dream! series or are new to it, there’s likely something that will resonate. Arare’s otaku nature and powerful singing voice, Nonoka’s interactions with the other members, and the small details are packed with charm that makes you want to talk about them.

The live scenes take a different approach from previous series, using the “virtual” space to make the experience feel “infinite.” The karaoke room transformed into a live venue, and the editors found themselves waving penlights and headbanging.

With only three episodes left, now is the time to catch up and see where this story of youth, where real and virtual intersect, leads.

TV Anime “BanG Dream! Yume∞Mita” Broadcast and Streaming Info
Broadcast:
TOKYO MX: Every Thursday from 23:00
Also airing on: BS Nittele, Sun TV, TV Aichi, Hokkaido Television Broadcasting, Shizuoka Broadcasting, TV Setouchi, Higashinippon Broadcasting, Hiroshima TV, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting, Niigata TV 21, Nagasaki Cultural Broadcasting, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting, TV Ehime
*Times may change due to scheduling.

Streaming:
Simultaneous with broadcast: ABEMA, Prime Video, DMM TV, d Anime Store, FOD, Hulu, J:COM STREAM & Miru Plus, Lemino, TELASA, U-NEXT, Anime Houdai, Nico Nico, Bandai Channel
*Simultaneous with TV broadcast (every Thursday 23:00)
Missed episodes: TVer
*Availability and prices vary by service. Please check each service.

(C) BanG Dream! Project

Written by Kaori Yoneda. Sponsored by Bushiroad.