The Girls Band Cry universe is growing. The official game Girls Band Cry First Riff (GaruRif) has introduced a brand-new rival band called Canna Lily. This announcement came during a special livestream on March 22, 2026, where developers revealed the band’s members, the voice actors behind them, and details about their first solo concert.
The arrival of Canna Lily adds a fresh layer to the franchise, giving fans a new group of characters with their own struggles and musical drive. The project is a joint effort between DONUTS and Toei Animation, expanding the world beyond the original anime series that first captured audiences in 2024.
A New Band With a Heavy Backstory
Canna Lily is not a brand-new group starting from scratch. According to the official storyline, they were once a high school rock band based in Kawasaki. They were known for dominating local band competitions and were seen as the champions of their generation. Their goal was to move on to bigger stages after graduation. But things took a difficult turn. The band faced a tragedy, leading to their breakup while their dreams were still within reach.
The story picks up when a group of girls who care about the band’s past come together. They refuse to let the band stay forgotten. The members of Canna Lily decide to pick up their instruments again, playing rock music with everything they have to change their fate. The name “Canna Lily” represents a flower that withered but is now ready to bloom again.
Meet the Members of Canna Lily
The band consists of five members, each with a distinct personality and role. Their voice actors were chosen through an audition held by Asobi System and DONUTS.
- Ayame Hoshi (Guitar) – Voiced by Rine Hayasaka. At 16 years old, she is a focused but clumsy guitarist. Her raw and determined playing style is described as the force that can change the band’s fate.
- Kaede Kitsuta (Vocals) – Voiced by Yuwa Yano. Also 16, she is a somewhat natural and inexperienced singer. When her budding voice meets the band’s fierce energy, they find a way to reclaim their future.
- Rindo Chigasaki (Drums) – Voiced by Arune Shiina. At 19, she is a moody drummer with a short temper. Once she gets fired up, her passionate drumming takes over completely.
- Nazuna Yukishima (Keyboard) – Voiced by Sakura Sano. At 17, she acts as the manager type in the group. She often gets frustrated by her bandmates’ wild behavior, sighing more times than there are keys on her keyboard.
- Shion Sakakibara (Bass) – Voiced by Kisaki Shinotsuki. Also 19, she is a skilled bassist with a pleasure-seeking attitude. For her, life is simply about whether something is fun or not.
Each voice actor has also opened new official X (formerly Twitter) accounts to connect with fans, sharing updates and behind-the-scenes content.
First One-Man Live Show Announced
Before the mobile game even releases, Canna Lily will take the stage in real life. The group will hold their first one-man live concert titled “Mimei ni Saku Hana” (Flowers Blooming Before Dawn).
The live show is set for June 26, 2026, at Daikanyama UNIT in Tokyo. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the show starts at 7:00 PM JST.
Ticket sales started quickly. A lottery pre-sale began on March 22, 2026, at 9:00 PM JST and will run until April 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM JST through LivePocket.
What We Know About the Game
The mobile game Girls Band Cry First Riff is being developed for both iOS and Android platforms. While the exact release date has not been set yet, the game’s official website and social media channels are now active, giving fans a place to follow updates.
The game will feature the original characters from the anime alongside the newly introduced band Canna Lily. The official genre of the game has not been shared, but it is expected to focus on music and storytelling, staying true to the franchise’s style.
Appearances at AnimeJapan 2026
Fans attending AnimeJapan 2026 will get a first look at exclusive content. The event runs on March 28 and 29, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. The Toei Animation booth will showcase both the original Girls Band Cry anime and the upcoming First Riff game.
Visitors to the booth can receive special freebies, including clear files and logo guitar picks. There will also be exclusive illustrations that cannot be seen anywhere else. These details are meant to build excitement as the game’s release approaches.
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Expanding the Girls Band Cry Universe
The original Girls Band Cry anime first aired from April to June 2024. The series was directed by Kazuo Sakai, with series composition by Jukki Hanada and music by Kenji Tamai. The original band in the anime, TOGENASHI TOGEARI, features voice actors Rina, Yuuri, Mirei, Natsu, and Shuri.
Since the anime ended, the franchise has grown to include manga, a webtoon, and now a movie that is currently in production. The addition of Canna Lily through the game marks a major step, giving the story new characters and a rival band that brings fresh conflict and energy.
The full anime series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, where new viewers can catch up on the story of Nina Iseri and her friends as they chase their musical dreams in Tokyo.
Also Read: Sentenced To Be A Hero Episode 11 Recap: Rhyno’s Surprising Comeback And Kivia’s Shocking Betrayal
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