Japanese rock legends ELLEGARDEN have made their anime debut with the release of the official music video for Carmine, the latest opening theme for the long-running One Piece anime. The video premiered on August 17 and quickly grabbed attention with its raw, energetic concert-like performances. Around 300 fans were invited to join the shoot as extras, adding to the authentic live atmosphere of the production.
Carmine holds special significance for the band as it is their very first song written exclusively for an anime. It also marks their first new release in three years, following their 2022 album The End of Yesterday. The track is now available to stream across major global platforms, bringing ELLEGARDEN’s sound to anime and music fans alike.
Directed by O and produced by Kaishu Kamotani, the music video captures the high-energy spirit of the band while blending it with the epic scale of One Piece. The production team included Issyo Suzuki as assistant director, Ryuji Noda as offline director, and post-production by Drug Store Cowboy and Ayumu Yokoi from Moff.
Within the anime, Carmine debuted with Episode 1139 on August 10 in Japan, officially becoming the series’ 28th opening theme. It replaced GRe4N BOYZ’s Tenshi to Akuma (Angel and Devil), which had been the show’s previous opener. Fans were quick to notice how ELLEGARDEN’s powerful rock style matched the intensity and adventure of the Straw Hat Pirates’ latest journey.
As One Piece continues to be one of the most iconic anime franchises worldwide, the collaboration with ELLEGARDEN represents another major cultural milestone. For both longtime fans of the band and those who discovered them through this anime debut, Carmine serves as a reminder of how music and storytelling can combine to create unforgettable moments.
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