The upcoming GATE SEASON 2: Jieitai Kano Umi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri (English Name: GATE 2: Tides of Conflict) anime is giving aspiring singers a chance to become part of the series, announcing an open audition to select the anime’s official ending theme performer.
The announcement was made as part of UtaOdori Collection 2026 Autumn, where participants can submit their own “Utattemita” (Japanese internet slang meaning “tried to sing”) singing videos for a chance to perform the anime’s official ending theme.
Unlike traditional anime music productions, where artists are selected internally or through record labels, GATE 2 is opening the opportunity to the public, allowing anyone who meets the contest requirements to audition for the role.
According to the official announcement, the winner of the GATE 2 Prize will receive:
- The opportunity to perform the official ending theme for GATE SEASON 2: Jieitai Kano Umi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri
- A cash prize of ¥300,000
Participants are invited to submit their own singing performances as part of the competition, with the official ending theme singer selected from those entries.
The campaign is being held alongside the VOCALOID Collection Summer 2026 song contest, which offers an additional ¥700,000 in prizes. Combined, the two events feature a total prize pool of ¥1 million.
A Rare Opportunity for Aspiring Singers
Open auditions for anime theme songs are relatively uncommon, particularly for television anime based on established franchises.
Rather than announcing a well-known artist, the GATE 2 production is using the competition to discover new talent from Japan’s online singing community, giving independent creators an opportunity to perform a theme song for a nationally broadcast anime.
The production team encouraged participants to help “color GATE 2 with your voice,” inviting aspiring singers to take part in the audition.
GATE 2 Premieres in 2027
GATE 2: Tides of Conflict is scheduled to premiere in 2027 as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the original GATE anime franchise.
The series adapts Takumi Yanai’s sequel novel, GATE Season 2: Jieitai Kano Umi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, shifting the story’s focus from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Toru Takahashi (Inari Kon Kon) directs the anime at Studio M2 (Known for PLUTO), with Tatsuhiko Urahata returning for series composition and scripts, while Shigeru Fujita handles character designs.
The story follows Petty Officer Hajime Tokushima, a former chef serving aboard the submarine Kitashio, as he embarks on a rescue mission in the Special Region alongside new allies while confronting pirate fleets, naval warfare, and mysterious sea creatures.
Further details regarding the ending theme song itself are expected to be announced after the audition concludes. Bookmark Otaku Mantra for more anime news and updates!
About GATE
GATE is a Japanese fantasy light novel series written by Takumi Yanai and illustrated by Daisuke Izuka and Kurojishi. The story begins when a mysterious gate connecting modern-day Japan to a fantasy world suddenly appears in Tokyo, leading the Japan Self-Defense Forces to enter the “Special Region” and become involved in political conflicts, diplomacy, and battles against dragons, monsters, and rival kingdoms.
The original anime adaptation aired from 2015 to 2016, spanning 24 episodes, and became well known for blending modern military tactics with fantasy elements. GATE 2: Tides of Conflict adapts the sequel novel series, expanding the setting from land to sea as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force takes center stage in a new adventure celebrating the franchise’s 10th anniversary.
Source: X
