by The creditless opening (OP) video for the TV anime Game of Death: Eating has officially been released ahead of its broadcast premiere. The anime will begin airing tonight, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:00 PM (JST), marking the start of one of the darkest and most intense new titles of the Winter 2026 anime season.
Along with the opening video, both the opening theme song “Ersterbend” performed by MADKID (vocals by LIN) and the ending theme “Prayer” by Chiaki Fujikawa have been released digitally ahead of the broadcast, allowing fans to experience the anime’s haunting musical atmosphere in advance.
A Stylish Yet Ominous Creditless Opening
The newly released creditless OP features a moody night-time cityscape, with cars speeding along dark roads under neon-lit skies. The visuals are minimalist yet unsettling, perfectly matching the tone of the series.
Set to the aggressive and emotional sound of “Ersterbend,” the opening conveys a sense of inevitability and danger—hinting at the brutal survival game that defines the anime’s world. The lack of character names or staff credits allows viewers to focus entirely on the atmosphere, building tension before the story even begins.
This type of opening has become increasingly popular for suspense-driven anime, and “Game of Death: Eating” makes strong use of the format to leave a lasting first impression.
What Is “Game of Death: Eating”? (Beginner-Friendly Overview)
“Game of Death: Eating” is a dark survival suspense anime set in a cruel world where young girls are forced to participate in deadly “games.”
- Survive, and you earn a reward
- Lose, and you lose your life
At the center of the story is Yuuki, a seasoned and professional “murder gamer” who has learned how to survive within these twisted rules. As she encounters other girls—each with their own fears, motivations, and secrets the series explores not only physical survival, but also the psychological cost of living in constant danger.
The anime blends:
- Survival game tension
- Psychological drama
- Stylized violence
- Emotional character conflicts
making it a strong recommendation for fans of darker anime such as Battle Royale-style narratives.
Episode 1: One-Hour Special Premiere
The first episode will air as a 60-minute special, giving viewers a deeper introduction to the world, characters, and deadly rules of the game.
Broadcast Schedule
Episode 1 (60-minute special)
- TOKYO MX: January 7, 2026 (Wed) – 23:00
- ABC TV: January 7, 2026 (Wed) – 26:45
- WOWOW: January 13, 2026 (Tue) – 25:00
※ All episodes will be available free to watch
Episode 2 and onward
- TOKYO MX: Every Wednesday from January 14 – 23:30
- ABC TV: Every Wednesday from January 14 – 26:45
- WOWOW: Every Tuesday from January 20 – 25:00
Streaming Information
For viewers who prefer online platforms, the anime will be simultaneously streamed with terrestrial broadcasts on Netflix and other major streaming services, ensuring easy access for domestic and international audiences alike.
Cast & Characters
The anime features a strong voice cast capable of handling its emotionally intense material:
- Yuuki: Chiyuki Miura
- Aoi: Rena Motomura
- Kaneko: Inori Minase
- Brown Sugar: Haruka Sato
- Benino: Mutsumi Tamura
- Momono: Rina Kawaguchi
Each character brings a distinct personality and survival style to the story, adding layers of tension and unpredictability.
Production Staff & Studio
- Original Work: Yuji Ukai (MF Bunko J / KADOKAWA)
- Original Character Design: Nekometal
- Director: Sodai Ueno
- Series Composition: Rintaro Ikeda
- Animation Studio: Studio Deen
Studio Deen, known for handling both character-driven dramas and darker action works, is responsible for animating the series, with music produced by Nippon Columbia and sound production by Bit Groove Promotion.
Why This Anime Is Worth Watching
“Game of Death: Eating” stands out in the Winter 2026 lineup for several reasons:
- A bold and intense survival-game premise
- Powerful theme songs that enhance emotional impact
- A cinematic one-hour premiere episode
- Psychological tension beyond simple action
For viewers who enjoy dark anime with moral dilemmas, this series offers a gripping start that promises high stakes and emotional depth.
Final Thoughts
With its creditless opening now released, powerful music lineup, and one-hour premiere airing tonight, Game of Death: Eating is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about dark anime of early 2026.
Whether you’re a fan of survival thrillers or simply looking for a new anime that pushes emotional and narrative boundaries, this series is well worth checking out from its very first episode.
