Summary of theme songs from the anime BLEACH
Bleach, which began airing as an anime in 2004, is one of the most popular works serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump.
The anime Bleach features many hit theme songs, and a lot of them are still beloved today as classic anison tracks.
In this article, we’ll introduce all the songs that have served as Bleach’s opening and ending themes over the years.
If you watched the anime in real time back then, hearing these songs might bring the story flooding back.
Alright, let’s dive in and start listening!
Summary of Theme Songs from the Anime “BLEACH” (1–10)
a single flowerHIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
This is the sixth single by the six-member rock band HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR, formed when female vocalist Maki joined the metal band Anti-NOBUNAGA.
With a heavy lineup featuring a seven-string guitar, a five-string bass, and twin vocals, along with technical playing, the rock sound they produced was quite rare for anime tie-in songs at the time.
From the thrilling opening that begins with guitar tapping, the song quickly drives into a high-speed, chorus-centered progression that really amps you up for an anime opening.
The contrast between the clean vocals and the gritty shouts is also outstanding, making it a rock number that makes you want to pump your fist in the air.
ALONESAqua Timez
This is the fifth single by the five-member mixture rock band Aqua Timez, who, despite earning high acclaim since their indie days, disbanded in 2018.
Following their work for the theatrical film, this track is another tie-in with BLEACH.
By deliberately making the normally uncountable word “ALONE” plural, the title conveys the meaning, “You’re not the only one who’s alone.” Its message, carried by a melody tinged with poignancy, resonates with the anime’s story and atmosphere.
The tension created by the many twists characteristic of Aqua Timez heightens anticipation for the anime, making it a fitting number for an opening theme.
Thank you!!HOME MADE Family
This is the third single by HOME MADE Kazoku, a hip-hop group with a 2 MC + 1 DJ setup that announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016 to level up as a group.
In addition to being used as the second ending theme, it’s also been chosen by numerous professional baseball players as their walk-up song, so even those who don’t know the anime may have heard it at least once.
From the striking arpeggios of the acoustic guitar in the opening to the relentless flow of the rap, its stylish vibe perfectly matches the tone of the anime.
With lyrics that express gratitude to the people they’ve met, it’s an uplifting number that really hits home.
Rolling starYUI
This is the seventh single by YUI, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka who began her career performing guitar-and-vocal sets while sitting cross-legged on the street and was even dubbed “the angelic koto-like voice” in her early days.
Selected as her second tie-in with BLEACH, it was used as the anime’s opening theme and is said to have sparked a Telecaster boom, especially among beginner female guitarists.
Its straightforward lyrical message and pop sensibility with a sense of speed linger in your ears, heightening anticipation for the anime.
With a fragile yet captivating vocal and a catchy melody that stirs the heart, it’s a perfect number for the opening theme of a battle-centric series.
After DarkASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A four-piece rock band known by the nickname “Ajikan,” ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION won popularity with their catchy melodies and driving sound; this is their 10th major-label single.
Used as the opening theme for the anime’s seventh season, the track kicks off with an attention-grabbing, distinctive beat that heightens anticipation for the show.
The lyrics, said to be inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s ‘The Nighthawk Star,’ convey a sense of strength in continuing down one’s own path even while feeling lost.
With words that tie into the anime’s story and an emotional melody that lifts your spirits, it’s a perfect song for an opening number.
HANABIIkimonogakari
A two-member band, Ikimono-gakari, known for their straightforward vocals and catchy songs that paint vivid scenes and have garnered numerous tie-ins, released this track as their second single.
Used as an ending theme in 2006, the song’s upbeat tempo—completely opposite to the image of their debut single and one of their signature songs, “SAKURA”—showcased to listeners the wide musical range of Ikimono-gakari.
The chorus’s leaping melody creates both a sense of speed and catchiness, leaving the afterglow of the anime while building anticipation for the next episode.
It’s a light, brisk number that reaffirms Ikimono-gakari’s pop sensibilities.
*~asterisk~ORANGE RANGE
This is the ninth single by the crossover band ORANGE RANGE, known for hit numbers like “Shanghai Honey” and “Hana,” and winners of Artist of the Year in 2004.
Used as the very first opening theme, the track is also known for achieving the band’s highest first-week sales for a single.
Notably, the anime version and the single version of the song differ significantly, and since the compilation album of theme songs, BLEACH THE BEST, includes the single version rather than the anime version, the anime cut has become something of a lost opening theme.
It’s a milestone song that served as the opening for the TV anime BLEACH itself.