Lovely anime song

A compilation of jazz insert songs and covers from anime

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.

Looking for anime songs you can enjoy in a jazz style?

Theme songs, insert songs, and ending themes from Japanese anime have now established themselves as a major genre known worldwide as “anisong.”

At first glance, anime and jazz might not seem like they go together.

But once you listen, you’ll find that many famous anime tracks actually have a strong jazz flavor.

For those who love both anime and jazz, here are some songs you should definitely hear, including notable cover versions.

Give them a listen!

Anime Jazz: Insert Songs and Covers Collection (11–20)

Genesis of AquarionPlatina Jazz

Sousei no Aquarion (Cover)

Aquarion - Platina Jazz

This is the opening theme composed by Yoko Kanno for the 2005 robot anime Aquarion.

You might have heard its memorable chorus line, “I’ve loved you since ten thousand and two thousand years ago,” in commercials and elsewhere.

The powerful female vocals and the piano arrangement toward the end are also really cool.

I’ve fallen in love with Aquarion in a jazz rendition, too.

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N.E.W.Hitomi Uehara

N.E.W.

Hitomi Uehara (N.E.W.)

This is an insert track from the animated film BLUE GIANT, crafted by world-renowned jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara.

The piece captures the passion of Dai Miyamoto and his fellow young jazz musicians, featuring a powerful, high-energy performance by piano, saxophone, and drums.

Released as a soundtrack in February 2023, it has been widely embraced by jazz fans.

The free, improvisational interplay of Uehara’s piano, Tomoaki Baba’s saxophone, and Shun Ishiwaka’s drums seems to call on listeners to pursue their dreams.

Listening to this piece, which colors the film’s climax, may inspire you to take on something new yourself.

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For Thunderbolt Main ThemeNaruyoshi Kikuchi

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt OST – 01. Thunderbolt – Main Theme Version

Naruyoshi Kikuchi for the Thunderbolt Main Theme

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is an anime released between 2015 and 2017 in the form of OVAs and films.

Perhaps reflecting the protagonist Io Fleming’s love of jazz, the entire soundtrack is—believe it or not—jazz! This opening theme is by one of Japan’s leading jazz musicians, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, and it’s impressively authentic.

After a session featuring drums, bass, sax, and trumpet, it shifts to a sax solo, and I can’t help but fall in love with the improvisations on trumpet and piano.

Thunderbolt really is all about free jazz.

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Refrain of SoulsAnime That Jazz

Refrain of Souls

Soul's Refrain Anime That Jazz

This is a jazz-arranged cover of a classic song beloved by anime fans.

It’s included on the album “EVENING!”, released in September 2010, and features a refined piano, bass, and drums trio performance.

While preserving the grandeur and poignancy of the original, it adds jazz’s hallmark improvisation and a gentle atmosphere, resulting in a fresh and captivating rendition.

It’s impressive how the piece draws out a new side of the song through the freedom of jazz expression while honoring the anime’s worldview.

Recommended for those who enjoy both anime and jazz, it also makes for pleasant background music when relaxing at home or spending a leisurely time in a café.

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Detective Conan ThemeJacob Koller

Detective Conan Main Theme – Insanely Difficult Jazz Piano Cover by Jacob Koller | Sheet Music

Jacob Koller’s Theme of Detective Conan

This piece is a jazz piano arrangement of a well-known theme song from a Japanese anime.

While preserving the tension of the original, it adds the freedom of jazz to create a sophisticated work.

Featured on Jacob Koller’s album “Jazz Piano Japan,” released in August 2019, the track showcases his exceptional technique and rich expressive range.

It’s recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone who wants to experience the appeal of jazz piano.

It works well as everyday background music or as something to savor attentively—there are many ways to enjoy this track.

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Aim to be a Pokémon MasterLowland Jazz

[Lowland Jazz] Aim to Be a Pokémon Master [Big Band]

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master Lowland Jazz

Lowland Jazz is a Japanese big band that performs under the catchphrase “lowering the barrier to jazz.” What catapulted them to popularity were their covers of anime songs and Vocaloid tracks.

This one is that famous Pokémon theme sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices Satoshi (Ash), but did anyone recognize the song from just the intro? Listening to Pokémon in jazz is pretty nice, isn’t it?

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Anime Jazz Insert Songs and Covers Compilation (21–30)

Guns & RosesParadise Lunch

Baccano – Guns & Roses

Guns & RosesParadise Lunch

The 2007 TV anime BACCANO! is a television adaptation of a popular light novel.

Its opening theme is a big band jazz piece with a glamorous vibe.

The striking saxophone and trumpet intro leads into a blistering, saxophone-centered solo that’s seriously cool.

The trumpet that comes in as backing is incredibly cool as well! It really makes you want to pick up the sax.

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