GATE Season 2 Announcement: Major Collaboration for the Ending Theme Begins!
The long-awaited news for fans of the beloved series GATE: Jieitai Kano Chi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, which combines military strategy with a fantasy world, has finally arrived. The ending theme (ED) for the series' new installment, GATE SEASON 2: Jieitai Kano Umi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, will be determined through a special open call organized as part of The VOCALOID Collection ~2026 Summer~ (VocaColle). This collaboration will give independent music producers (Vocalo-P) the chance to have their work featured in a globally popular anime series.
Adapted from the original novel series written by Takumi Yanai, GATE follows the modern Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) as they pass through a mysterious gate that opens in the middle of Tokyo, detailing their diplomatic and military struggles in a fantasy world. The first season, produced by A-1 Pictures and aired in two parts between 2015 and 2016, gained a large fan base by blending realistic military elements with magic and dragons. The subtitle of the new season, Kano Umi nite (In That Sea), indicates that the story will this time focus on naval operations and new regions across the ocean.
This announcement proves once again the importance the anime industry places on community-focused content. Announced during the Niconico Chokaigi event, this competition will be open not only to professional composers but to all digital music producers. The winning piece will be used as the official ending theme for GATE Season 2, bringing a fresh breath to the series' atmosphere. This approach aims to maximize excitement by involving the series' fan base in the production process.
Although a definitive release date has not yet been announced, the fact that the song competition will take place in the summer of 2026 suggests that the anime could hit screens in late 2026 or early 2027. Fans who followed the adventures of iconic characters like Youji Itami, Tuka, Lelei, and Rory Mercury in the first season are eagerly waiting to see how naval battles will be handled in the new season. Further details regarding the production team and voice cast are expected to be shared in the coming months.
