Lovely anime song

[Anison × Rock] A compilation of anime songs performed by rock bands

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Bassist and radio listenercucumber roll (kappa maki)
A Kyoto-based bassist who loves radio and ska punk. I mostly inhabit the ani-radio scene, but I’m not a professional. I’m a bit unusual in that I’ve built up my anison knowledge through ani-radio. My love of ska punk centers on Japanese bands. I’ve also worked as a staffer at a music studio. I’m always running around in circles every day.

In recent years, it’s become the norm for popular rock bands to handle anime theme songs!

High-energy, fast-paced Japanese rock is a perfect fit for hyping up anime.

These days, many bands have gone nationwide thanks to anime tie-ins, and there are plenty of people who got into anime, fell in love with the theme song, and then became fans of the band.

So in this article, we’ll be showcasing a bunch of anime songs created by rock bands!

A must-read for rock band lovers and anime fans alike.

[Anisong × Rock] A compilation of anime songs performed by rock bands (201–210)

Friendswacci

wacci 'Friends' Short Ver.

Friends wacci

Friends is a song written specifically for the anime Uchi Tama?! Uchi no Tama Shirimasen ka?.

While wacci is often associated with breakup songs like “Betsu no Hito no Kanojo ni Natta yo,” this track is packed with a light, cute feel—like a cat out for a stroll.

The anime personifies Tama, a character you often see on stationery and miscellaneous goods.

Even if you mainly think of wacci for heartbreak songs, listening to this track might reveal a new side to them.

By the way, it seems most of wacci’s songs are written by the vocalist Yohei Hashiguchi.

It’s impressive how they deliver such high-quality work in any style!

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RapturePanorama Panama Town

Anime “Juni Taisen” Opening Theme: Panorama Panama Town “Rapture” Music Video / PanoramaPanamaTown “Rapture”

Rapture Panorama Panama Town

Formed only a year earlier, the three-piece rock band Panorama Panama Town won the RO69JACK Grand Prix and made their major-label debut in 2018.

Their first digital-only single, “Rapture,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime Juni Taisen, hooks you with its distinctive bassline.

The dense, noisy guitar sound and heavy beat create a powerful backdrop that brings the catchy melody even more to the forefront.

It’s an addictive rock tune, marked by a lingering sense of melancholy and refrains that leave a strong impression.

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When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – When It Shines (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “The Heike Story” Opening Theme]

When It Shines by Hitsujibungaku

Heike Monogatari is an animated adaptation of a classic work of literature that every Japanese person knows.

Its opening theme is Hikarutoki, created by the three-piece rock band Hitsujibungaku.

The band’s signature ephemeral atmosphere fits the anime’s content perfectly.

The lyrics of the song, like the anime, are based on the real-life story of the Heike clan.

Because of that, if you listen after learning not only about the anime but also the actual history, you’re sure to make all kinds of new discoveries.

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dawn lightHalf time Old

Half time Old / Dawn Light Music Video

Akatsuki Light Half time Old

Half time Old is a rock band that debuted in 2011.

They also drew attention for creating AU’s commercial song “Minna Jiyū da” (“Everyone’s Free”).

The track they wrote for the anime Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer is “Gyokō.” It’s a pop tune with a driving melody and powerful lyrics.

The lyrics are said to be inspired by the story of the series.

The music video that uses footage from the anime has also become a hot topic, so be sure to check it out as well.

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antinomyamazarashi

amazarashi 'Antinomy' Music Video 1.1a Edition | NieR:Automata Ver1.1a Ending Theme

Antinomy amazarashi

A two-piece rock band, amazarashi, has been drawing attention with a message-driven worldview themed around “How many songs do I want to listen to while looking at the lyrics right now?” Their 8th single, Antinomy, written as the ending theme for the TV anime NieR:Automata Ver1.

1a, features an ensemble with depth and a floating feel that truly stirs the heart.

The lyrics, depicting a reality that doesn’t go the way we hope, resonate with the anime and likely strike a chord with many listeners.

With a plaintive vocal and melody, it’s an emotional, lyrical rock tune.

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sign; mark; symbol; omenLuck Life

ラックライフ / しるし [Music Video] (TV anime “Bungo Stray Dogs” Season 4 ending theme song)

Shirushi Rack Life

Luck Life is a band from Osaka that made their major debut in 2016.

Their ninth single, “Shirushi,” released in 2023, was used as the ending theme for Season 4 of the anime Bungo Stray Dogs.

It’s a memorable ballad with lyrics expressing feelings toward the person who taught the singer the meaning of life.

Fitting for an anime featuring famous literary figures as characters, the music video showcases the band performing in author-inspired fashion—be sure to check it out!

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Fluffy TimeAfter School Tea Time

Fluffy Time

Fuwa Fuwa Time After-School Tea Time

K-On! sparked a band boom among anime fans and had a major influence on later series as well.

Its big appeal lies in the gentle, everyday lives of the girls in the light music club, and the genuine band sound that’s born within those days.

“Fuwa Fuwa Time” is a song that appears in the show, and it’s notable that there are two different vocal versions depending on the story.

It’s a hit classic that conveys cuteness while delivering a light, energetic band sound—a catchy vibe that makes you want to cover it.

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