[Gundam] Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Theme Song List | Opening, Ending, and Insert Song Artist Information

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is a new entry in the Gundam series and aired as a TV anime on MBS and TBS networks. The first cour aired in October 2022, and the sequel, the second cour, was broadcast from April 9 to July 2, 2023. As a TV anime within the Gundam franchise, this marks the first new series in five years since Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

The series’ tagline is "That witch rides a Gundam," and it features the first female protagonist in a Gundam TV series. The series composition and script for The Witch From Mercury were handled by Ichirou Okouchi, who also worked on the series composition and script for Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

This article compiles information on the opening, ending, and other theme songs (anisong information) from The Witch From Mercury.

What is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury? Do Theme Songs Change Each Cour?

The TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is the latest addition to the Gundam series, a hallmark of Japanese robot anime. Set in the fictional era of A.S. (Ad Stella) 122, featuring a massive economic sphere, the story begins as the protagonist, a girl named Suletta Mercury, transfers to the Asticassia School of Technology, which is run by the leading Mobile Suit industry conglomerate, the Benerit Group.

The first cour of The Witch From Mercury aired from October 2022 to January 8, 2023. The second cour (Season 2) began airing on April 9, 2023. With episode 13, which marked the start of the second cour, both the opening and ending themes were renewed with new songs.

Additionally, before the broadcast of the first cour, a prologue (PROLOGUE) that serves as a prequel to the main story was streamed. In the PROLOGUE, there was no opening theme; instead, an instrumental piece without vocals was used as the ending theme.

Second Cour Opening Theme Song: "slash"

The opening theme for The Witch From Mercury Season 2 is "slash" by yama. "slash" features a heavy rock sound paired with yama’s raw, emotional vocals, resulting in a track that defies yama’s previous image.

Regarding the opening theme "slash," yama commented that they tried to express Suletta Mercury’s hidden vulnerabilities and introverted side through the song. They said, "When the intentions of those around you and the truths of the world come to light, what will the protagonist cherish, and how will she stay grounded as she moves forward? Even if she is uncertain, I hope she'll be able to find resolve. That's the feeling I put into this song."

Who is yama, the Second Cour Opening Theme Singer?

yama is a new generation singer who gained attention mainly through social media. Starting in 2018, yama began uploading covers of Vocaloid songs, launching their music career as an utaite (cover singer). They are known for not showing their face, instead performing with a mask covering their eyes due to discomfort with public attention.

In April 2020, yama released their first original song, "Haru wo Tsugeru," which became a hot topic on social media. Their performance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE generated significant buzz. In October 2022, "Shikisai," a collaboration with composer kujira for the first time in two years, was chosen as the ending theme for the second cour of the anime SPYxFAMILY.

Regarding their song being chosen as a theme for The Witch From Mercury, yama wrote, "I am truly delighted to be part of such a wonderful work. I watched Season 1, and I’m looking forward to Season 2 as well. It’s a great honor for my music to be featured in the hugely popular Gundam series."

Other anime tie-up works by yama include "Oz.," the ending theme for Ranking of Kings cour 1, and "Mahi," the opening theme for 2.43: Seiin High School Boys Volleyball Club.

Second Cour Ending Theme Song: "Red:birthmark"

The ending theme of The Witch From Mercury Season 2 is "Red:birthmark" by Aina the End. The song was unveiled in episode 13, the first episode of the second cour. The ending animation features Suletta dancing in a dress.

"Red:birthmark" was written, composed, and produced by TK, the guitarist and vocalist of the popular three-piece band Ling Tosite Sigure. The track is a rock number noted for the combination of Aina's husky, emotional vocals and TK’s sharply honed sound.

Commenting on "Red:birthmark," Aina said, "There are moments when, as various inner struggles arise, we have to overcome them in order to live. From the song TK gave me, I keenly felt the strength needed to stand up while coexisting with such pain. I called forth the girlishness and stagnation within me and cast them into my voice."

Second Cour Insert Song: "Houseki no Hibi"

The insert song played toward the end of episode 24, the final episode of the second cour, is "Houseki no Hibi." Like the second cour ending theme "Red:birthmark," it is performed by Aina the End. With a gentle tempo and a softly spoken vocal delivery, it presents a different atmosphere compared to "Red:birthmark."

Aina not only performed "Houseki no Hibi" but also wrote and composed it herself. She commented on her Twitter, "When I suffered a major injury in March, there was a melody I kept humming at home. I realized from the bottom of my heart, 'It's enough just to be alive. I'm happy,' and created this song. I hope it adds a bit of life to The Witch From Mercury."

In March 2023, Aina suffered a forehead injury during a video shoot, requiring 30 stitches. At the time, she wrote, "While waiting for an ambulance that couldn't find a hospital to accept me, I could hardly breathe, it was cold, and I could feel my body chilling more and more. I thought, 'I don't want to die.'"

Who is Aina the End, Singer of the Second Cour Ending and Insert Songs?

Aina the End is a former member of the six-member girl group BiSH. She reportedly began dancing at age four and also created choreography for BiSH's songs. Her singing is characterized by her distinctive husky voice, described as truly unique.

While performing with BiSH, Aina also pursued a solo music career and expanded into a variety of activities, including starring in the Broadway musical Janis and voicing a character in the Japanese dub of the animated film Sing 2.

In the spring 2023 anime season, Aina performed The Witch From Mercury's ending theme "Red:birthmark" as a solo artist, and as a member of BiSH, performed "innocent arrogance," the opening theme for Heavenly Delusion. BiSH disbanded after their Tokyo Dome performance on June 29, 2023.

In January 2021, Aina’s solo performance of BiSH’s song "Orchestra" in a piano arrangement on the single-take YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE attracted attention, with comments praising her emotional expressiveness and artistry. By July 2023, the video had reached about 17 million views.

First Cour Opening Theme Song: "Shukufuku"

The opening theme for the first cour of The Witch From Mercury is "Shukufuku" by the two-member music unit YOASOBI. The anime-sized version of "Shukufuku" was first revealed during YOASOBI's All Night Nippon radio show on Nippon Broadcasting on September 16, 2022. Before the first episode aired, they refrained from discussing the lyrics in detail to avoid spoiling The Witch From Mercury.

Composer Ayase revealed that he researched Gundam extensively while creating "Shukufuku." He stated that, while composing the song, he felt as if he were in the cockpit of a Gundam, and proudly created the song by immersing himself in the world of Gundam.

Vocalist ikura commented on "Shukufuku," saying, "I sang with the wishes of a lonely girl and the determination of the Gundam that stands by her side and fights with her in my heart. I hope you can enjoy this song along with the anime."

YOASOBI's official Twitter described "Shukufuku" as "a song imbued with resolve and spirit, ready to engrave a new page in this historic franchise. Look forward to it."

In addition to the non-credit OP video, a music video featuring scenes from The Witch From Mercury is currently available on YouTube.

Episode 12, the final episode of the first cour aired on January 8, 2023, was titled "To Stand Above Escaping," a phrase taken from the lyrics of "Shukufuku." "Shukufuku" was also used as the ending theme in episode 24, the final episode of the second cour, whose title "With All the Blessings to You" similarly quotes a line from the "Shukufuku" lyrics.

Who is YOASOBI, Singer of the First Cour Opening Theme?

YOASOBI is a music unit consisting of composer Ayase and vocalist ikura. Their debut song "Yoru ni Kakeru," released in November 2019, became a sensation and reached No. 1 on various domestic streaming charts. Propelled by the success of "Yoru ni Kakeru," they became a popular unit and performed in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2020 and 2021.

YOASOBI operates under the concept of "turning novels into music," with every song based on a source novel. The Witch From Mercury's opening theme "Shukufuku" was made based on the original novel "Yurikago no Hoshi," written by Ichirou Okouchi, who handled the series composition and script for The Witch From Mercury.

As of October 2022, vocalist ikura was a fourth-year university student and is also active as a singer-songwriter under her real name, Rira Ikuta. She also voiced the protagonist’s best friend in the film Belle.

Composer Ayase began working as a VOCALOID producer in December 2018, posting original VOCALOID tracks online. He has revealed that prior to YOASOBI's "Yoru ni Kakeru" becoming a hit, he made almost no income as a VOCALOID producer and supported himself with part-time jobs.

In addition to "Shukufuku," YOASOBI's anime songs include "Kaibutsu," the second season opening theme for BEASTARS, and "Yasashii Suisei," the ending theme for the same series.

First Cour Ending Theme Song: "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are"

The ending theme for the first cour of The Witch From Mercury is "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are" by Shiyui. Beginning with a rushing, energetic intro, "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are" stands out with its rapidly shifting musical style. Shiyui had previously uploaded "tried singing" videos as an utaite, but made her major debut with this track.

The lyrics, composition, and arrangement for "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are" were all handled by ryo (supercell). Ryo is the central member of the creator collective supercell, producing their songs as well as providing music for other artists. In 2007, ryo became famous by posting Hatsune Miku songs such as "Melt" and "Black★Rock Shooter" on Nico Nico Douga. In addition to supercell, ryo has also served as the overall producer for the music unit EGOIST.

Notable anime songs by ryo include "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari," the ending theme for Bakemonogatari, as well as "My Dearest" (Guilty Crown OP), "The Bravery" (Magi 2nd ED), "Namae no Nai Kaibutsu" (PSYCHO-PASS 1st OP), "Heart Realize" (Noragami ED), and "Ghost of a Smile" (Harmony theme song), among others.

Who is Shiyui, Singer of the First Cour Ending Theme?

Shiyui, who performs The Witch From Mercury's ending theme "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are," began uploading "tried singing" videos on video sites as an utaite in January 2021. In autumn 2021, she was selected as a featured vocalist by Vocaloid producer jon-YAKITORY through the "MECRE" creator platform’s singer audition project.

In July 2022, Shiyui digitally released her first original EP "Shii" and made her major debut with "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are" as the ending theme for The Witch From Mercury. As of October 11, 2022, Shiyui tweeted, "Off to school now~!" suggesting that she was still a student at that time.

Shiyui revealed she started singing after being touched by supercell's music. About having "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are," written and produced by ryo, as the ending theme for The Witch From Mercury, Shiyui commented, "It’s truly more than I deserve. I sang every line of these encouraging lyrics with the intent that none would be left unsaid."

Ryo also commented about Shiyui’s voice, "When I first heard her sing, I felt she had an unfettered, natural voice—almost like a seven-colored rainbow."

Theme Song Artists Appeared at The Witch From Mercury Event on August 6!

The "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Festival Asticassia All-School Assembly" event was held at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall on Sunday, August 6, 2023. In addition to yama, who performed the opening for Season 2, Shiyui (Season 1 ending singer) and Aina the End (Season 2 ending singer) also appeared.

Summary

The TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is the latest addition to the Gundam franchise, set in an era that has established a massive economic sphere known as A.S. (Ad Stella) 122.

The opening theme for Season 1 is "Shukufuku" by YOASOBI, a unit whose debut song "Yoru ni Kakeru" was a major hit and who participated in NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2020 and 2021. The ending theme for Season 1 is "Kimi yo Kedakaku Are" by Shiyui, a breakout singer who made her major debut with this track, with lyrics and sound production by ryo (supercell), known for numerous anime songs.

The opening theme for Season 2 is "slash" by yama. The song fuses heavy rock sounds with grand strings, perfectly embodying the world of the anime. The ending theme for Season 2 is "Red:birthmark" by Aina the End, with lyrics, music, and production by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure.

(C)SOTSU·SUNRISE·MBS

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