The highly anticipated anime adaptation of the “Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc” is set to premiere in April 2025, and fans are buzzing with excitement, not only for the continuation of the storyline but also for the unique collaboration behind its opening theme song. The rock band Cö shu Nie and the renowned musician HYDE have joined forces for the first time to create “Maisie,” a track that promises to capture the dark, gothic essence of the series.
A First-Time Collaboration
This collaboration marks a significant moment for both artists. Cö shu Nie, known for their innovative and genre-bending sound, brings a modern edge to the project. HYDE, a legendary figure in the Japanese rock scene, lends his distinctive vocals and songwriting prowess. This unexpected pairing has generated considerable attention, with fans eagerly anticipating the results of this creative fusion. The song will be released under the name Cö shu Nie feat. HYDE, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.
“Maisie” – The Perfect Fit for Black Butler
HYDE, who wrote the lyrics for “Maisie,” stated he drew inspiration directly from the “Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc” story, which is known for its gothic horror elements. He described being relieved to receive reference materials from the “Black Butler” team, noting that the series’ unique and dark world view resonated with him. He aimed to create a song that fully embodies the story of Ciel and Sullivan. Mirai Nakamura from Cö shu Nie was responsible for the arrangement, adding her genius touch to the track. The result is a song that will likely become a staple for fans of the anime.
Behind the Scenes
In a statement, HYDE expressed his honor at being involved with a series he loves. He admitted to being worried about whether the song would fit, but was ultimately relieved by the materials provided by the “Black Butler” team. Nakamura, on the other hand, shared her excitement about working with both the “Black Butler” franchise and HYDE, stating she was allowed creative freedom to expand on HYDE’s initial ideas. She also expressed a personal fondness for the manga, indicating that she hopes fans will enjoy the song alongside the anime.
The Emerald Witch Arc Storyline
The “Emerald Witch Arc” sees Sebastian Michaelis and Ciel Phantomhive traveling to Germany. They are tasked by the Queen to investigate mysterious deaths. A terrifying curse falls upon them while exploring the Werewolf Forest, where anyone who steps in is doomed. This arc promises a thrilling, suspenseful story filled with gothic horror and supernatural elements, which “Maisie” is expected to complement perfectly.
Anime Production Details
The anime is produced by CloverWorks, with Kenjirō Okada returning as director, a role he also filled for the previous “Black Butler: Public School Arc”. The series will also see the return of Hiroyuki Yoshino as the series script supervisor, Yumi Shimizu designing the characters, and Ryo Kawasaki composing the music. Daisuke Ono and Maaya Sakamoto will reprise their roles as Sebastian Michaelis and Ciel Phantomhive, respectively. Additional cast members include Rie Kugimiya as Sieglinde Sullivan and Chikahiro Kobayashi as Wolfram.
AnimeJapan 2025 Event
Fans will have an opportunity to see the cast of “Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc” at AnimeJapan 2025, where they will appear on the Green Stage on March 23 at 11:35 a.m. JST. This event will serve as a precursor to the anime’s official premiere in April.
Where to Watch
Crunchyroll has secured the rights to stream the series globally, excluding Japan. This ensures that fans across the world will be able to watch the “Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc” as it airs.
The Black Butler Legacy
“Black Butler” is a Japanese manga series, written and illustrated by Yana Toboso, that has been serialized in Monthly GFantasy since 2006. The story follows Ciel Phantomhive, a young Earl who serves as the Queen’s Watchdog, and his demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis. The series has spanned multiple anime seasons, OVAs, and films, solidifying its status as a beloved franchise. The “Emerald Witch Arc” is the fifth season of the anime adaptation. The previous seasons include:
- Black Butler (Season 1) (2008)
- Black Butler II (Season 2) (2010)
- Black Butler: Book of Circus (Season 3) (2014)
- Black Butler: Public School Arc (Season 4) (2024)
There are also several OVAs and movies in the franchise, including:
- Black Butler: Book of Murder (OVA) (2014)
- Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (Movie) (2017)
Cö shu Nie and HYDE: A Closer Look
Cö shu Nie is a Japanese rock band known for its experimental and eclectic sound, which blends rock with elements of electronic music and classical. They have performed theme songs for various anime, including “asphyxia” for Tokyo Ghoul:re and “give it back” for Jujutsu Kaisen. Their top songs include “red strand,” “YumewoMisete”, and “Wage of Guilt”. They released their second studio album, “Flos Ex Machina,” in 2022.
HYDE, the lead vocalist of the rock band L’Arc-en-Ciel, is a celebrated solo artist known for his powerful vocals and stage presence. His solo career began in 2001, and his music is characterized by a fusion of hard rock with gothic and electronic influences. Some of his popular solo tracks include “MUGEN,” “Red Swan,” and “Who’s Gonna Save Us”. HYDE has collaborated with several artists, including Mika Nakashima on the song “Kiss of Death,” which was the opening theme song for the anime Darling in the Franxx.
Anticipation Builds
The collaboration between Cö shu Nie and HYDE has created significant buzz within the anime and music communities, with many eagerly awaiting the release of “Maisie.” The song will be released under the name Cö shu Nie feat. HYDE. Fans are confident this opening theme will be a perfect fit for the dark and captivating world of the “Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc.” The combination of Cö shu Nie’s unique sound with HYDE’s distinctive vocals will likely create a memorable and impactful experience for viewers.
