Funky Monkey BΛBY’S Announces New Single and 20th Anniversary Finale

Japanese musical group Funky Monkey BΛBY’S has officially announced the upcoming release of their new single, “Natsuko,” scheduled to debut on August 5. The announcement was made during the final performance of their national tour, “20th anniversary TOUR ～Sono Manma Higashi e Nishi e～,” held at Showa Women’s University Hitomi Memorial Hall in Tokyo on May 24, 2026.

“Natsuko” and Collaborative Highlights

The title track, “Natsuko,” is set to serve as the opening theme song for the third season of the television anime Grand Blue. The track is described as having a tropical, summer-inspired sound tailored specifically for the series. Beyond the title track, the upcoming single will feature new material and a special collaborative track titled “Kiseki Janai,” which features the duo Ikimonogakari.

Celebrating Two Decades of Music

In addition to the single, the group revealed plans for a milestone concert titled “WE ARE FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S -20th finale-,” which will take place on December 5, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. This event is intended to serve as a conclusion to their 20th-anniversary celebrations.

The concert is positioned as a modern “Reiwa era” iteration of the solo live performances that were held periodically during the group’s original tenure as Funky Monkey Babys. Fans can expect a retrospective performance that highlights the group’s extensive musical history.

Tour Recap

The recent tour finale at Showa Women’s University Hitomi Memorial Hall featured a setlist of 23 songs, including encores, designed to encapsulate the band’s two-decade career. For fans who were unable to attend the performance in person, organizers have confirmed that the concert will be available for streaming on U-NEXT at a later date.

Key Takeaways

• New Single Release: “Natsuko” arrives on August 5, 2026.
• Anime Tie-in: “Natsuko” is the opening theme for Grand Blue Season 3.
• Special Collaboration: The single includes “Kiseki Janai,” a collaboration with Ikimonogakari.
• 20th Anniversary Finale: A commemorative concert is scheduled for December 5, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO.
• Streaming Availability: The tour finale will be broadcast on U-NEXT.