Singer Mao Abe's Country Sound for Anime Hit

Singer Mao Abe has released two new songs in early 2026: "Ding-dong" and "Buddy." "Ding-dong" serves as the opening theme for the TV anime The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife. Abe aimed to create a song that deeply resonated with the anime's themes, focusing on the unique romance between an invisible man and a blind woman.

Inspired by her listening habits in 2024, Abe chose a country music style for "Ding-dong," finding it a better fit than rock or J-pop for the anime's aesthetic. The song's title and theme of a ringing bell symbolize meeting a soulmate and returning home to a loved one, referencing evening bells and the characters' dates after work.

The music video for "Ding-dong" was filmed over two days in Hakodate, despite freezing temperatures. Abe collaborated with the director to incorporate various outfits and settings that depicted meeting a significant other, going on a date, and returning home, mirroring the anime's visual style.

Abe is also releasing "Buddy" on February 18, 2026. This song explores the tentative nature of childhood friendships and the hope that mutual affection is shared. The lyrics convey a character's quiet desires and his value for his friend, reflecting a modest and reserved perspective.

Looking ahead to 2026, Abe expressed a sense of personal transformation and readiness to perform live. She plans to actively write new songs and deliver dynamic shows that reflect her current self, embracing honesty and self-acceptance.