Japanese artist 7co (pronounced Nanako) has announced their major debut single “nekojarashi,” marking a key moment in what is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the rising act.

The track has been selected as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime You and I Are Polar Opposites (Seihantai na Kimi to Boku), giving 7co their first anime tie-in and a major step forward in their growing career. The single will be released globally on Sunday, 5 July 2026, alongside the anime’s new season premiere.

Written specifically for the series, “nekojarashi” reflects the emotional tone of the story while carrying 7co’s lyrical style, known for its vivid imagery. Inspired by the image of a foxtail plant that keeps swaying even after being stepped on, the song captures the awkward, honest feeling of young love through soft melodies and direct, emotional writing.

Alongside the release, 7co will also hold their first self-produced live event, “75 no Hi vol.1,” on the same day. The title plays on the Japanese readings of “7” (nana) and “5” (go), referencing the artist’s name. The group has also been confirmed for SUMMER SONIC 2026, one of Japan’s biggest music festivals.

The timing aligns with the continued success of You and I Are Polar Opposites, based on the award-winning manga by Kocha Agasawa. The series has surpassed 2 million copies in circulation worldwide and has already earned multiple manga awards. After a well-received first season in January 2026, the second season is set to air this summer.

The story follows Suzuki, a lively girl who worries about how others see her, and Tani, a quiet boy who speaks his mind without hesitation. Their opposite personalities slowly bring them closer, forming a gentle romantic comedy about understanding and everyday school life.

Speaking about the project, 7co shared how strongly the story connected with them. They described becoming emotionally connected to the characters while reading the manga, even joking about being “obsessed” with Tani-kun’s cat, Tempura. During recording, they imagined the characters while singing, aiming for a softer tone than usual.

“This song expresses the bittersweet feelings of young love and the fleeting emotions of youth,” 7co said. “It would make me really happy if it gently supports the feelings of the characters in the story.”

Behind the project is 7co, a collaboration between vocalist Nanako Ashida and producer RYUJA. The duo combines hip-hop, R&B, and modern pop with a focus on storytelling. Their work has already gained international attention, including a No.1 spot on China’s QQ Music J-POP Weekly Chart with “0.0000%” and selection for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2025.

In 2026, 7co was also named the only Japanese artist in Shazam’s Fast Forward 2026 list. With an anime tie-in, festival appearances and a major debut release all arriving at once, 7co is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new acts of the year.

Featured image courtesy of 7co / Nanako Ashida

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