The upcoming anime adaptation of "Though I Am an Inept Villainess" (Full title: Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court), based on the popular light novel series by Satsuki Nakamura (illustrated by Yuki Kana) and serialized as a manga in Monthly Comic ZERO-SUM by Ei Ohitsuji, is officially set to premiere on July 12 at 23:45 JST.
During a special "Success Prayer" event held on June 28, the production team dropped some massive news: the reveal of the ending theme (ED) artist and a brand-new promotional video that gives fans a closer look at the high-stakes drama unfolding within the imperial palace.
The Ending Theme Song Written by Eve
The ending theme song will be performed by the rising musical project Rokudenashi! Titled "Shooting Star" (Houkiboshi), the track is written and composed by none other than the legendary artist Eve!
Check out the "Just Before Broadcast" PV featuring the ED theme "Shooting Star" below!
This new trailer dives deep into the conspiracies and tactical maneuvering taking place within the glittering Inner Palace. It beautifully captures the complex and shifting relationship between Reirin and Shu Keigetsu, creating a visual experience where elegance meets palpable tension.
Ending Theme: Rokudenashi - "Shooting Star" (Houkiboshi)
The song features delicate lyrics and a poignant melody that gently embraces the series' central theme: "never losing hope, even in the face of extreme adversity."
■ Comment from Rokudenashi
"We had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Eve to create 'Shooting Star' as the ending theme.
The song expresses the inner conflict and turmoil felt by Shu Keigetsu, while also depicting a soul that refuses to give up on its dreams. This track only exists because of this amazing project. We hope this song becomes as beloved as the anime itself."
【Profile】
Launched in June 2021, Rokudenashi is a next-generation music project featuring vocalist 'Ninzin' and a rotating lineup of cutting-edge Vocaloid producers. By collaborating with different composers like MIMI and Nayutalien for each track, they deliver music that resonates with listeners' feelings of 'difficulty in living' and 'loneliness.' A major solo performance at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A is already scheduled for November 22, 2026.
■ Single Information
Digital Release: July 15, 2026 (Wed)
▼ "Shooting Star" Streaming & Download
https://rokudenashi-ninzin.lnk.to/ShootingStar
*Pre-add/Pre-save is available until July 15. By registering, the song will be automatically added to your library upon release.
■ Comment from Eve
"I had the pleasure of writing the song 'Shooting Star' for this series.
Ninzin-san really took the time to understand the depths of the lyrics, pouring emotion into every single breath of the vocal performance. The result is a track that amplifies the world of the anime to its fullest. I hope you enjoy the song alongside the story as it unfolds."
【Profile】
Since 2016, Eve has been writing and composing his own music, starting with the national release of "OFFICIAL NUMBER." He has provided theme songs for numerous hit anime, including the massive hits "Kaikai Kitan" and "Fight Song." Known for collaborating with diverse creators to produce high-quality animated music videos, his YouTube channel currently boasts over 5.5 million subscribers. After a sold-out 2025 Arena Tour in Japan, he is set to embark on a Zepp Tour this summer, continuing his expansion both domestically and internationally.
■ Latest Release Info
Available June 26, 2026 (Fri)
▼ "Abyss in the World" Streaming & Download
https://lnk.to/aitw_eve
TV Anime "Though I Am an Inept Villainess" Streaming Update!
Starting July 13 (Mon) at 0:15 JST, the series will be available on the following platforms (Japan-region focus):
ABEMA Premium
Amazon Prime Video
Disney+
DMM TV
dAnime Store
dAnime Store for Prime Video
dAnime Store Nico Nico Branch
FOD
Hulu
J:COM STREAM
Lemino
milplus
TELASA
U-NEXT
WOWOW On Demand
Anime Hodai
Nico Nico Channel
Bandai Channel
TV Anime "Though I Am an Inept Villainess" Series Information
Streaming starts July 12
Synopsis
The Maiden Court is a place where young ladies from five noble families are gathered to be groomed as the next potential Empress.
Among them is Reirin of the Kou Family. Beautiful, brilliant, and known as the "Butterfly of His Highness," she is the darling of the court. However, on the night of the Qixi Festival, she falls victim to a plot by Shu Keigetsu—a girl from the Shu Family scorned by everyone as a "villainess." Through a mysterious ritual, the two find their bodies swapped.
When Reirin wakes up, she discovers she is in Keigetsu's body and is already facing an imminent execution. Most would despair, but Reirin has spent her entire life struggling with a frail, sickly body, living constantly in the shadow of death. Instead of panicking, she is thrilled to finally have a healthy body!
What was meant to be a tragedy becomes a triumph. With a spirit of pure steel, Reirin begins to enjoy her new freedom even after being exiled to a shack. She charms those sent to kill her with her innate brightness and kindness, overcoming every obstacle in her path.
Meanwhile, Keigetsu—who once hated and envied Reirin—finds her own heart wavering as she experiences the true nature of the girl she tried to replace.
On the night a shooting star streaked across the sky, two lives were traded. From that day on, their destinies change forever, eventually drawing them into a conspiracy that threatens to shake the very foundations of the Inner Palace.
The ultimate Body Swap reversal drama between two polar-opposite girls is about to begin!
Cast
Kou Reirin: Manaka Ishimi
Shu Keigetsu: Natsumi Kawaida
Ende: Makoto Furukawa
Kou Shin-u: Yuichiro Umehara
Riirii: Hana Hishikawa
Kou Tou-setsu: Farahnaz Nikray
Kou Ken-shu: Rei Igarashi
Shu Ga-bi: Ai Kayano
Kin Sei-ka: Mai Nakahara
Ran Hou-shun: Inori Minase
Gen Ka-sui: Yui Ishikawa
(C)Satsuki Nakamura, Ichijinsha / "Inept Villainess" Production Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
