Brianna Fox-Priest
February 20, 2022 What is anime without its signature opening and closing songs? If you’ve seen any type of anime you are surely familiar with the curated songs for each season or arc.
Bands that create songs alongside animation studios become well known across the fandom. I’m sure you have your favorites that you’re thinking of right now. These songs are so synonymous with anime that singers and bands have received a cult following and even go on to win awards.
I recently updated my playlist with J-music artists that were recommended based on my listening habits (shocker it’s mostly anime OPs) and I wanted to share a curated list of artists whose songs you may have heard from your favorite anime and others you have yet to hear of until now.
It’s time for a music refresh! Enhance your playlist with these Japanese bands:
E ve
So you may be thinking E ve is pretty well-known thanks to singing the opening song for Jujutsu Kaisen and Josee, The Tiger and the Fish. Yes, you would be right! That being said, all of his songs are really good and the anime-inspired music videos are the cherry on top.
E ve’s songs are pretty busy with earworm guitar riffs, but he’s also known to use Vocaloid elements to enhance his voice. And as of this month, he collabed with the world’s favorite Vocaloid: Hatsune Miku.
Recommended:
Frederic
Frederic is a band I came across thanks to YouTube’s music recommendations. They did however sing the OP for the Koi to Uso (Love and Lies) anime which was released in 2017.
I love how forward (aka bright) the vocals are and how the instrumental track has a playful vibe to it, which is a great match for their music videos. It’s as though you can feel the passion through their playing.
Recommended:
Necry Talkie
Necry Talkie is the band I highly recommend to all my friends. Every song and album is a bop. By far they are my personal favorite, and I have a feeling you may like their music too. I just know, okay!
Singing the OP for the anime EAGLE TALON ~Golden Spell~, they are well known for their cutesy vibe paired with dark lyrics. It’s the perfect album to listen to if you also are experiencing millennial dread.
Recommended:
Kana-Boon
If you are a Naruto or My Hero Academia fan you will immediately know Kana-Boon’s music. They’ve been around since 2008 and still make great songs. They have a laundry list of anime OPs so you’re likely to know at least one of their songs!
Recommended:
Kana-Boon x Necry Talkie – Naimono Nedari
Sumika
There’s so much I like about Sumika, they’re fun, cheerful, and have so many earworm songs! You may know them for their OPs for shows like Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku and Pretty Boy Detective Club.
I bet you can’t last one song without wanting to get up and dance. Don’t worry we can’t either!
Recommended:
The Peggies
This all-female band knows how to play! The Peggies have quite a few anime opening and ending songs under their belt. You may recognize them from Rent-a-Girlfriend or Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.
The vocals and instruments are equal parts smooth and upbeat, making for a great listen while working from home.
Recommended:
The Oral Cigarettes
Need a song to just rock out to? The Oral Cigarettes has you covered. And can we talk about their guitar riffs?! Whether you’re familiar with J-Rock or not, they deserve a spot on your playlist.
The Oral Cigarettes created songs for anime like Noragami Aragoto and Scarlet Nexus. I’m excited to see what they create next.
Recommended:
Ryokuoushoku Shakai
And last, but certainly not least, Ryokuoushoku Shakai. They’ve sung openings most notably for My Hero Academia. What’s unique about some of their songs is that they utilize keys, violin, and occasionally trumpet, giving some of their songs a jazz-pop sound.
Overall their music is fun and easy to get hooked on.
Recommended:
Happy listening!
P.S. If you need more Japanese tunes to listen to the First Take’s YouTube channel has you covered.
