Japanese singer 9Lana has been selected to perform the ending theme for BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, the fourth and final cour of the hit anime’s Thousand-Year Blood War adaptation. Her brand-new song, “Rasen,” will be released digitally on July 25, coinciding with the arrival of the anime’s concluding chapter.
The announcement marks one of the biggest milestones in 9Lana’s career since making her major-label debut in 2024. With an international audience that now accounts for more than half of her listeners, the singer’s collaboration with one of anime’s most recognizable franchises is expected to introduce her music to even more fans worldwide.
“Rasen” captures the emotional journey of Ichigo Kurosaki
According to Sony Music Japan, “Rasen” draws inspiration from protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki’s determination as he continues to fight through overwhelming challenges. The song reflects the emotional highs and lows that define his journey, blending themes of loneliness, despair, courage, and hope into a single performance.
Unlike many of 9Lana’s previous releases, “Rasen” embraces a more straightforward rock sound while incorporating orchestral arrangements to match the scale of BLEACH’s final battle. The track combines powerful band instrumentation with sweeping strings, allowing the singer to showcase the expressive vocal range that has become her trademark.
Known for shifting seamlessly between multiple vocal styles, 9Lana delivers everything from delicate, almost whisper-like passages to emotionally charged cries and powerful growls. Sony Music describes “Rasen” as one of her most emotionally intense performances to date, created to stand alongside the dramatic conclusion of the legendary anime series.
9Lana reflects on joining the BLEACH franchise
Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, 9Lana admitted she was both surprised and honored when she learned she would be performing the ending theme for the series.
“When I first heard that I had been chosen to perform the ending theme, I was genuinely surprised. At the same time, I remember feeling a sense of responsibility and determination, thinking, ‘I’m going to give this everything I have.'”
She also explained that working on a BLEACH song still feels surreal and said the story’s themes heavily influenced her performance.
“Even now, it feels almost unreal to be involved with BLEACH through music. Inspired by the strength and courage that Ichigo and his friends show as they struggle, grow, and overcome adversity, I poured my heart into this song while holding close all the emotions and lessons that BLEACH has given me.”
Since debuting with a major label in April 2024, 9Lana has steadily expanded her global reach, particularly across North and South America. Her vocal versatility and storytelling approach have helped her stand out, while her cover of “Propose” previously charted on Billboard Japan.
BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity is scheduled to premiere in July 2026, bringing Tite Kubo’s iconic series to its long-awaited conclusion. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to hearing “Rasen” when it launches digitally on July 25, giving listeners an early taste of the emotional finale awaiting the beloved anime.
