Summary
Anime music is one of the genre’s vital points. The key to getting fans hyped for an episode is a killer opening theme song (OP), and the answer to how to wrap up an episode perfectly, is in the ending theme. Not every anime gets it right, but the music that comes out of trying, and mostly succeeding, is legendary.
From pop-punk icons to math rock stars, bands that create music for anime are essential to the success of their respective shows. These bands have made Big Three classics like “Silhouette” by Kana-Boon forNaruto Shippuden, and slice-of-life masterpieces like “Kimi no Sei” by the Peggies forRascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai. They are integral to the genre and should be celebrated.
13YOASOBI
This J-pop duo is known for performing “Kaibutsu” fromBeastarsseason 2, “Shukufuku” fromMobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, and most famously"Idol" fromOshi No Ko.
The duo formed in 2019 and hasamassed 8 albums. Theymade number 1on Spotify’s “Most streamed Japanese artists in the overseas market in the year 2021,” and are known for creating music that is based on manga and novels.
12Ling Tosite Sigure
Ling Tosite Sigure is a Japanese post-hardcore/math rockband that formed in 2002. They are known for “Abnormalize” fromPsycho-Passand “Who What Who What” fromPsycho-Pass the Movie.
Member TK also went solo, releasing “Unravel” forTokyo Ghouland maintaining the group’s signature sound while he did it.
11Queen Bee
Also known asZiyoou-Vachi in Japan, Queen Bee has made numerous OP’s and ending themes for anime. Some notable ones include Ending 11 inChainsaw Man, “Violence”, the ending inOshi No Ko, “Mephisto”, and the OP forDororo, “Kaen”.
Formed in 2009, this foursome was chosen for the “rookie-a go-go” stage at theFuji Rock Festival. Now they have 6 full-length albums, and the lead singer, AVU, was chosen to perform in the Japanese Production ofHedwig And The Angry Inch.
10Man With A Mission
Known for performing with wolf heads on, Man With A Mission is a Japanese rock band with a lot under its belt. They have performed songs such as “Kizuna No Kiseki” and “Koi Kogare” fromDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,“Merry-go-round” fromMy Hero Academia, and “Raise Your Flag” fromMobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans.
9Eve
Eve is the only solo act on this list, but it’s a standout pick. Eve is known for “Fight Song"fromChainsaw Man, “Bokura No” fromMy Hero Academia, “Kaikai Kitan” fromJujutsu Kaisen, and “Bubble ft. Uta” from the movieBubble.
Startingas a cover artist, Eve can now be heard in the Netflix animation,Adam By Eve.
8Kana-Boon
Kana-Boon is a four-person rock band originating in Osaka, Japan. They are known for iconic songs like “Silhouette” fromNaruto Shippuden, “Baton Road” fromBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, “Starmarker” fromMy Hero Academia, and “Torch of Liberty” fromFire Force.
Their debut was in 2013, and they have since come out with numerous anime OP’s and ending themes, as well as 6 studio albums.
7Nico Touches The Walls
Although they broke up in 2019, this group has provided fans with hit after hit. They’re known for “Horoguramu” fromFull Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, “Diver” fromNaruto Shippuden, “Mashi Mashi” and “Tenchi Gaeshi” from Haikyuu!!.
Nico Touches The Walls has a discography consisting of 8 full-length albums and 5 EPs.
6Burnout Syndromes
Burnout Syndromes are a J-Rock band known for"Phoenix” fromHaikyuu!!, as well as “Hana Ichi Monme” fromGintama, and “Blizzard” fromThose Snow White Notes. They were formed in 2005 in Osaka.
Although their anime music is mostly rock, their other music is more experimental with genre and consists of “techno, ambient, hip-hop, and ethnic” music.
5Maisondes
Maisondes is a music collective that compares itself to anapartment building, with every room being a different song. They are new favorites and are known for “Tokyo Shady Rendezvous”, “Aiue”, “Ai Wann Muchuu” and “Aitarinai” from the 2022Urusei Yattsura.
4The Peggies
The Peggies are a three-person, all-female rock band. Unfortunately, they went onindefinite hiatus in 2022.
They are known for “Dreamy Journey” fromBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, “Kimi no Sei” fromRascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai, and “Ashiato” fromMy Hero Academia.
