Japanese anime is loved worldwide, and the artists behind the theme songs are also gaining international attention. In today’s digital era, music crosses borders effortlessly through platforms like YouTube and Spotify, allowing Japanese artists to reach audiences across the globe.
10 Japanese Artists Who Are Popular Overseas for Their Anime Theme Songs
In this article, we’ll introduce 10 Japanese artists who have contributed anime theme songs and have gained significant popularity overseas.
1. YOASOBI
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “UNDEAD” (Opening for Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season)
- “The Brave” (Opening for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – First Cour)
- “Idol” (Opening for [Oshi no Ko])
YOASOBI is a duo consisting of composer Ayase, who is also a Vocaloid producer, and vocalist Ikura. They debuted with a unique concept—creating songs based on novels. Their breakout hit, “Into The Night”, became a viral sensation, gaining attention worldwide.
Especially “Idol”, the opening song for Oshi no Ko, broke records on YouTube, amassing millions of views in a short time. It even ranked high on the Billboard Global 200. Their signature style includes playful yet powerful melodies and unexpected key changes that keep listeners hooked.
Official Music Video
Official site(You can read original novel here!)
2. Creepy Nuts
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “Otonoke” (Opening for Dandadan)
- “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” (Opening for Mashle: Magic and Muscles – Season 2)
Creepy Nuts is a hip-hop duo featuring R-Shitei, one of Japan’s most respected rappers, and DJ Matsunaga, a world champion DJ. Their song “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” took over TikTok with its addictive rhythm and catchy chorus, making waves among overseas listeners.
Both of their anime OPs have received high praise for their music and animation, so if you haven’t heard them yet, it’s time to catch up!
Official Music Video
Official site
3. Zutto Mayonaka de Ii no ni. (Zutomayo)
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “TAIDADA” (Ending for Dandadan)
- “Zanki” (Ending for Chainsaw Man)
Zutomayo is known for their high-pitched vocals and surreal lyrics, making their music a perfect fit for anime soundtracks. “TAIDADA”, their latest ending for Dandadan, became a hit not only for the song itself but also for its ED animation featuring the turbo-granny—a character from the series that international fans found both hilarious and terrifying.
Official Music Video
Official site
4. Yorushika
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “Snake” (Ending for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth)
- “Aporia” (Ending for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth)
- “Sunny” (Ending for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – Second Cour)
Yorushika is a duo composed of vocalist suis and composer n-buna, who crafts melancholic yet poetic rock melodies. Their deep, emotional sound and powerful storytelling make their music a favorite among anime fans.
Fun fact: Neither of them reveals their faces or personal details, adding an air of mystery to their artistic identity.
Official Music Video
Official site
5. Kenshi Yonezu
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “BOW AND ARROW” (Opening for Medalist)
- “KICK BACK” (Opening for Chainsaw Man)
Kenshi Yonezu is one of Japan’s biggest singer-songwriters, with an enormous global following. His KICK BACK for Chainsaw Man was a chaotic masterpiece that perfectly captured the anime’s wild energy.
He also previously performed “Peace Sign”, an opening for My Hero Academia, proving his ability to deliver top-tier anime themes time and time again.
Official Music Video
Official site
6. Sakanaction
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “Kaiju” (Opening for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth)
Sakanaction is a genre-blending band that fuses electronic, rock, and pop elements. Vocalist Ichiro Yamaguchi’s deep and expressive voice brings a unique warmth to their tracks. “Kaiju”, their latest anime theme, fits perfectly with the philosophical themes of Orb.
Official Music Video
Official site
7. Vaundy
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “RUN SAKAMOTO RUN” (Opening for Sakamoto Days)
- “Finishing Strike (feat. Cory Wong)” (Ending for SPY×FAMILY – Season 2)
- “CHAINSAW BLOOD” (Ending for Chainsaw Man)
Vaundy is a one-man army, handling songwriting, production, and even visual design for his music. His latest anime theme “RUN SAKAMOTO RUN” is as energetic and stylish as the protagonist himself.
From intense rock to groovy pop, Vaundy continues to experiment across different genres, keeping fans excited for what’s next.
Official Music Video
Official site
8. Eve
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “Bokurano” (Opening for My Hero Academia – Season 6, Cour 2)
- “Fight Song” (Ending for Chainsaw Man)
- “Kaikai Kitan” (Opening for Jujutsu Kaisen)
Eve’s music is melodic, fast-paced, and rich with storytelling. His signature guitar-driven sound makes every song feel like an adventure. “Kaikai Kitan”, the opening for Jujutsu Kaisen, remains one of the most iconic anime openings in recent years.
Official Music Video
Official site
9. Official HIGE DANDism
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “Same Blue” (Opening for Aono Hako)
- “Mixed Nuts” (Opening for SPY×FAMILY – Season 1)
- “White Noise” (Opening for Tokyo Revengers)
- “Cry Baby” (Opening for Tokyo Revengers)
Official HIGE DANDism, or Higedan, blends jazz, rock, and pop into ultra-catchy melodies. Their song “Cry Baby” for Tokyo Revengers became a fan favorite thanks to its unique key changes and emotional delivery.
Official Music Video
Official site
10. King Gnu
Recent Anime Theme Songs:
- “SPECIALZ” (Opening for Jujutsu Kaisen – Season 2)
- “BOY” (Opening for Ranking of Kings)
King Gnu is a genre-defying band incorporating rock, jazz, and classical music into their compositions. Their Jujutsu Kaisen OP, “SPECIALZ”, captured the dark and intense atmosphere of the anime while still delivering a fresh, funky groove.
Official Music Video
Official site
Conclusion
Japanese anime is not just about stunning visuals and engaging stories—it’s also about the music. The right theme song can elevate a series to new heights, making it unforgettable for fans.
The artists in this list have not only dominated Japan’s music charts but have also gained international recognition thanks to their work in anime.
Listening tip: If you love anime, take a deeper dive into the lyrics of these songs! They often reflect the themes, emotions, and struggles of the characters, making the experience even richer.
Did your favorite artist make the list? Let us know which anime song you can’t get out of your head! 🎶
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