As the second part of Saishū Gakushō Hibike! Euphonium (The Final Movement) opens in theaters across Japan, Kyoto Animation has dropped a brand-new video compilation made from previously unseen cuts, along with fresh scene stills and a commemoration illustration from director Ogawa Taiichi. The releases are helping build excitement for the film’s opening day.
The Hibike! Euphonium series, based on the novels by Takeda Ayano, follows the students of the Kitauji High School concert band as they grow through music, friendship, and personal struggle. Since its first TV season in 2015, the franchise has expanded into three TV seasons, theatrical films, and a spin-off, always with Kyoto Animation’s signature visual elegance and emotional depth. The first part of the finale, Saishū Gakushō Hibike! Euphonium (Zenpen), hit Japanese theaters on April 24, 2026.
New Cuts Video Highlights Unseen Moments
The newly released “New Cuts Collection” opens with Kumiko’s line, “It all started with Reina,” then takes viewers through moments that never appeared in the TV series. These include a scene of Kumiko performing with Reina at the school festival and footage from the graduation ceremony. The video is built around the protagonist Kumiko, showcasing fresh angles on familiar relationships.
Alongside the video, eight new scene stills have been unveiled. They capture interactions between Kumiko and her special friend Reina, who has stood beside her leading the Kitauji band, as well as a moment with the transfer student Mayu, who becomes Kumiko’s rival. Another still shows the junior Kanade exchanging words with Mayu, giving fans a glimpse of dynamics that the TV series never explored.
Director’s Anniversary Illustration
To mark the theatrical release, director Ogawa Taiichi shared a special illustration showing Kumiko and Reina back-to-back, holding hands. In his comment, he said, “I have savored the miracle that allowed this work to continue this far, and it has come to fruition here.” More commemorative illustrations and comments are planned for the coming days, so fans should stay tuned for who appears next in the series’ final push.
Soundtrack “Sound Will Join” Released on Opening Day
The original soundtrack for the second part, titled Sound Will Join, is now available as of September 11, the same day the film premiered. It will also begin streaming on subscription services from midnight on September 12. The album includes all 28 BGM cues composed by Matsuda Akito, who has been the series’ composer throughout. He wrote each track with full film scoring, matching the emotional beats of the story.
Disc 2 features the concert band pieces that appear in the film, along with the theme song “ReCoda (The Final Movie Ver.)”. Among the highlights is “Paradise Has No Border,” a concert band cover of the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra classic, performed during the school festival scene. “Echoes of Tomorrow ～Our Free Composition～” weaves together the history of the Kitauji High School band and Kumiko’s memories. Also included is “Hibike! Euphonium ～Neiro, Tsunaide～,” a newly arranged version of the iconic piece that Kumiko and Asuka have performed many times, with Matsuda himself handling the fresh arrangement.
International Festival Recognition
Both the first and second parts of Saishū Gakushō Hibike! Euphonium have been nominated in the feature film category at the 28th Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF), which runs from October 23 in Bucheon, South Korea. More details are available on the festival’s official website.
The second part of Saishū Gakushō Hibike! Euphonium is now screening in approximately 200 theaters nationwide. Don’t miss the final notes of the Kitauji High School concert band and the conclusion of their long journey.
