[Theme Song & BGM] Popular Anime Soundtrack Special

Ya Boy Kongming! Original SoundtrackGenki Hikota

TV anime “Ya Boy Kongming!” OP theme “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” non-credit video

Paripi Kōmei, which was adapted into an anime in 2022 and became a hot topic, has such an entertaining story: Zhuge Liang Kongming, the famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms, is reincarnated in the modern era.

The opening theme, Chikichiki Banban, is also popular for its dance, with tons of “I tried dancing” videos posted online.

And with the ending theme, Kibun Jōjō↑↑, many people probably couldn’t help but exclaim, “So nostalgic!” The soundtrack includes not only the main themes but also a wealth of background music used throughout the show!

Weathering with YouRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do? [Official Music Video]

This animated film is the second collaboration between director Makoto Shinkai—who achieved worldwide success with Your Name—and RADWIMPS.

It won Best Animated Feature and Best Music at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize.

All of the music used in Weathering with You, including the main theme and insert songs, was written specifically for the film by RADWIMPS.

Throughout the soundtrack, RADWIMPS—and by extension Yojiro Noda’s—distinctive, philosophical lyrics and worldview stand out.

It somehow prompts reflection on the preciousness of everyday life as it quietly slips by.

Also, Grand Escape, produced by RADWIMPS and sung by Toko Miura, resonates deeply with her clear, crystalline vocals.

Ashitaka DiaryJoe Hisaishi

Princess Mononoke – The Legend of Ashitaka

This is “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke, a work that stands proudly as a heavy and grand orchestral piece in its own right.

Studio Ghibli began as a feature animation production company with the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on March 11, 1984, and Princess Mononoke is its tenth film.

It is also known for elevating animation from something consumed solely by fans to a form of “art.” The production scale was immense, and from around this time, more recordings featured live orchestral performances.

Listening to the music, it is not merely background accompaniment for animation but sounds like a worthy new classical work in its own right.

The orchestral performance was by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra, and this was also the first time a permanent professional orchestra, rather than an ad hoc ensemble, was employed.

Haru’s MemoriesYuji Nomi

영화 고양이의 보은 – Haru’s Memoriesㅣ 재패니메이션 OST 콘서트

From the film The Cat Returns, this is “Haru’s Memories.” The Cat Returns is framed as a story written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart, and the tale begins when the heroine, Haru, saves a cat that is about to have an accident.

Both The Cat Returns and Whisper of the Heart were scored by Yuji Nomi, whose works are known for their gentle warmth.

In the film, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra—familiar from game and anime music concerts—performs the score, and on the soundtrack a bonus track features the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, resulting in a work of high caliber even as a listening experience.

In the video, a Korean orchestra performs it in concert, showing its popularity abroad as well.

The flute, harp, and tender strings are truly soothing.

Mother’s BroomJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – Mother’s Broom (from Kiki’s Delivery Service)

Conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself, who is active worldwide, “A Mother’s Broom” from Studio Ghibli’s gem of a film Kiki’s Delivery Service is being performed by an overseas orchestra.

It begins with an introduction reminiscent of “A Town with an Ocean View,” which plays in the film, and then transitions into a lovely violin solo.

This piece accompanies the scene where Kiki sets off on her journey, seen off by her parents and friends, and it’s a masterpiece that conveys her mother’s kindness and the warmth of her hometown.

The performance itself also conveys that gentleness and warmth, bringing a sense of comfort to the heart.

TAIDADAI wish it could stay midnight forever.

ZUTOMAYO – TAIDADA (Audio Track)

Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.

, a music unit that captivates listeners with their one-of-a-kind worldview, crafted this piece, which was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Dandadan.

Inspired by the clumsy words of the characters, it’s a song that conveys a quiet, heartwarming sense of happiness—like the kind you feel in a small four-and-a-half-tatami room.

Within a meticulously woven ensemble where funky grooves and rock intertwine, ACA-ne’s delicate yet energetic vocals come alive.

Released in October 2024, the track is included on the mini-album “Koke no Ichinen Kaiba ni Takusu.” It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sink into when you want to savor the tenderness of everyday life that follows an occult uproar.

SpiceSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Spice” Music Video (Theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Ultra Glamorous! Scorching Hot Kasukabe Dancers”)

This is a song written as the theme for the 2025 film Crayon Shin-chan: Ultra Glamorous! Blazing Kasukabe Dancers.

The track was created by Saucy Dog, a rock band hugely popular among young listeners.

The piece features a refreshing, nostalgic sound that evokes a free-spirited heart unafraid of childhood mistakes, and brings back the scenery you saw while taking the long way around.

It gently affirms that even the hardships of life are precious spices that color who you are.

Vocalist Shinya Ishihara reportedly read the film’s script and drew on his own childhood while creating the song, and that straightforward sincerity really comes through.

It’s sure to resonate with every adult doing their best each day.