A Fresh Look at The Daily Grind
Ahead of its October 1 premiere in Japan, the official Let’s Play anime website revealed a striking new visual featuring the four main characters gathered at The Daily Grind, the café where protagonist Samara “Sam” Young spends much of her time. The illustration, produced by studio OLM, captures the warm yet lively atmosphere that fans of the original web comic will instantly recognize.
Opening Movie and Theme Songs
Alongside the visual, the anime unveiled its creditless opening movie, accompanied by the theme song “1, 2, Play” performed by veteran Japanese R&B artist Toshinobu Kubota. Known for his soulful voice, Kubota marks his return to anime music after three decades. He also performs the ending theme “Left & Right.” Both tracks will be released digitally on October 2, followed by a physical CD single on November 26.
Kubota expressed his excitement about the project, noting that Let’s Play reminded him of the universal nature of falling in love and the challenges of modern youth. The opening movie itself was co-produced by Kamikaze Douga, the studio behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure openings, and French animation studio Bobby Pills.
Streaming and Broadcast
The series officially premieres on Fuji TV’s +Ultra block on October 1, 2025 (technically October 2 at 12:45 am JST). Crunchyroll will simulcast the anime worldwide, including North America, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia.
Directed by Daiki Tomiyasu (Pokémon Sun and Moon) with Aya Matsui (Marmalade Boy) overseeing series composition, Let’s Play is produced by OLM, with character design by Saki Ebisawa and music composed by Cornish (Recovery of an MMO Junkie).
From Web Comic to Anime
Let’s Play originated as a WEBTOON series by Leeanne M. Krecic, launching in 2016 and spanning three seasons. Rocketship Entertainment publishes the comic, which has developed a passionate fanbase for its witty blend of romance, gaming culture, and social commentary.
The story follows Samara “Sam” Young, a game developer whose dream project is harshly criticized by a famous streamer—only for her to discover that this critic is her new neighbor. Between awkward encounters, gaming rivalries, and moments of unexpected connection, the series dives into themes of self-doubt, love, and personal growth.
What to Expect
Fans can look forward to a mix of heartfelt romance and comedic slice-of-life drama, with relatable characters navigating careers, friendships, and love in the age of gaming and streaming. The opening theme “1, 2, Play” sets the perfect tone for a story about courage, vulnerability, and starting over.
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