Rock is a Lady's Modesty Director Shinya Watada and the Rise of Girl Bands

Inside the walls of Oshin Girls' Academy, an unexpected story is forming. Lilisa, the new step-daughter of a rich father, is determined to cement her status and become the school's next Noble Maiden. However, deep in her heart is a love for rock music and guitar. She attempts to abandon her past, but when she discovers fellow student Otoha smashing on her drums, Lilisa gets pulled back into the world of rock music.

Anime News Network spoke with BAND-MAID, the inescapable appeal of female rockers, and how they reflect the times we live in.

What drew you to the Rock is a Lady's Modesty project? I heard from the series' producer that you also happen to be a drummer.

Shinya Watada: About two years ago, my friend recommended the original manga to me, saying, “This is a really interesting story.” At the time, I never imagined I would end up being involved with it myself, but I was completely taken by its impact and ion. Later, I was unexpectedly approached by BNP (Bandai Namco Pictures) about directing the anime adaptation. I was surprised, but also felt it was some kind of fateful connection, so I gladly accepted the offer.

As for drumming, I dabbled a bit when I was a student, but to be honest, I never got very good at it…I do understand how instruments and performance work, but in of the animation production this time, it was actually our assistant director, Ōri Yasukawa, whose experience as a drummer in an amateur band really came into play. For example, in episode 2's drumming scenes, we relied heavily on his skills during the pre-production phase.

The series utilizes motion capture for Lilisa and Otoha's rock-out sessions, with two of BAND-MAID as the motion capture artists. Was it always the plan to use motion capture for these scenes?

WATADA: From the start, we intended to depict the band performances in 3DCG, so motion capture was part of the original production plan. However, the idea to have the motion capture performed by the same band that would also handle the opening theme song—BAND-MAID—was something that came from the producer.

Was BAND-MAID brought in early on as the opening sequence song performers and motion-capture artists, or was there a process to decide which band would fit the series?

WATADA: As I mentioned earlier, the idea was to have the band performing the theme song also handle the motion capture, but during our initial meetings, we had not yet decided on a specific band. The question posed to us was, “Do you know of any bands that would be a good fit for this project?” I suggested, “How about BAND-MAID?” and the response was very positive—“Great idea!”—and from there, everything moved forward smoothly.

So, it was not a project built around BAND-MAID from the outset. That said, the synergy between the original manga and BAND-MAID was so strong that it feels as if it was always meant to be. I think the result was a perfect “marriage” between the two.

I have to ask: Were there any special technical considerations for the performance scenes and the day-to-day animation scenes due to Lilisa's impressively large hair?

WATADA: That is a fun question!

The answer is both yes and no. In manga and anime, it is not uncommon for characters to have highly distinctive silhouettes or dramatic size differences. These kinds of features can create a number of technical challenges when animating them, but we have the knowledge and experience to address those issues as they arise. So in this case, while we did need to be mindful of certain aspects, I would not say there was anything “special” that required extraordinary measures. Still, yes, we definitely kept it in mind.

Recently, we've seen more anime focusing on girls in rock bands. Why do you think these types of stories appeal to audiences now?

WATADA: Looking at trends in Japan, I think we are seeing a shift from the idol-centric smartphone game content of the 2010s, blending with the influence of Bocchi the Rock!—outstanding examples of Kirara-style anime. This fusion has helped establish the band anime genre as something fresh and more evolved.

Beyond that, I think the themes in girls' rock band stories—things like “iration” and “sparkle,” but also “struggle,” “grief,” and “resistance”—speak to today's audiences, who are navigating an unstable world and society. The raw power and intensity of rock music seem to resonate deeply with the emotional needs of viewers in this era.

Can you talk about music's role in Otoha and Lilisa's sense of self?

WATADA: We received a general outline from the original creator, Mr. Fukuda, about the pasts of Lilisa and Otoha (and their families), particularly as it relates to music. Our anime production is based on that information. However, since some of that content would count as spoilers, I cannot go into too much detail at this point.

What I can say is that, for both of them, music represents a moment where they can be free from outside interference and fully themselves. It is a pure expression of their inner drive, a time when they can truly feel like who they are. That mutual resonance between them elevates them to something even greater—and that is what makes their bond so special.

Rock is a Lady's Modesty presents an interesting idea of what it means to be a “lady” in a traditional versus modern sense. Can you talk about how these ideas are presented in the anime?

WATADA: From a production standpoint, we try to stay true to the values and perspectives already presented in the original manga. So, we did not make any major changes when adapting it into anime.

That said, the image of a “lady” as envisioned by Oshin Girls' Academy, where Lilisa attends, is certainly very old-fashioned by modern Japanese standards. Still, globally speaking, Japan does not have a particularly high standing in of gender equality. For Lilisa, who moved from poverty into the upper class, that sharp contrast in environment reflects the social gap she experiences.

It is similar to the kind of societal friction she and her bandmates face by choosing to be an instrumental rock band. Lilisa who tries to be the “lady” her mother wants her to be, and the Lilisa who cannot lie to rock music—these two aspects are both part of her. I see her as a symbol of the strength of modern women who live boldly and, at times, cunningly within today's society.

What feelings do you hope viewers will have while watching the anime series?

WATADA: I would be happy if viewers feel a sense of empathy for people who are ionate about something they genuinely love—whether it is music or something else. I think that is a universally relatable feeling. Beyond that, I hope viewers can also sense the rebellious, middle-finger-in-the-air spirit of rock—a big, loud “F**k” aimed at everything that tries to suppress who we are or drag the world down.

Can you share three rock bands you're currently listening to?

WATADA: This is the toughest question! I really cannot narrow it down to just three. While answering this, I happened to be listening to VOW WOW, BUCK-TICK, and ARCH ENEMY. But if watching this anime has sparked your interest in bands like BAND-MAID, I highly recommend diving into Japan's girls' rock band scene. There are truly amazing bands out there.

Among them, LOVEBITES and NEMOPHILA have a heavier sound that might resonate with many listeners. Also, although they are not a Japanese band, there is a girls' band called COBRA SPELL that I kept thinking, “Otoha would probably love this” during production. Please check them out—their visuals and concept are seriously cool.

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Rock is a Lady's Modesty is currently Yen Press licensed the original manga and will release the first volume on September 25, 2025.