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[2025] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Japanese Anime
In a sense, anime opening and ending themes are very important—many songs are so striking that they define a work’s image.
There are all kinds of anime songs, from classic “anison”-style tracks to songs performed by voice actors.
In this article, we’ve compiled songs by Western artists and bands that have been used as theme music in Japanese anime.
Some people might feel that Western music and Japanese anime don’t really go together, but in fact they’re used quite often.
You might even discover Western songs used in surprising titles—ones that even Western music fans didn’t know about.
Be sure to check it out!
[2025] A Roundup of Western Songs Used in Japanese Anime (1–10)
Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic
A newly written song by America’s OneRepublic, created as the ending theme for the special episode “Hoshina’s Day Off” of the anime Kaiju No.
8, was released in April 2025.
With its powerful melody and emotional lyrics that sing of courage and hope in the face of adversity, the track is an exhilarating piece that fully showcases the band’s signature pop-rock sound.
Skillfully capturing the anime’s world, the song was also used in the special feature Kaiju No.
8: Mission Recon, screened in North American theaters, drawing attention across borders.
It’s a work that beautifully fuses the musical sensibilities the band honed on their previous track “Nobody” with their understanding of anime culture, making it a recommended listen not only for anime fans but also for music lovers who enjoy pop rock.
RoundaboutYES
In 1971, YES released the album Fragile, whose opening track is Roundabout.
This progressive rock classic became instantly famous for its dramatic development woven from synthesizers and acoustic guitar.
Its meticulously constructed sound, crafted over a long span, has a grandeur reminiscent of a scene from a Western film.
It’s no surprise it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure—its quality speaks for itself.
The lyrics are sprinkled with adventurous phrases that evoke a winding journey through roundabouts.
The song’s complex rhythms and distinctive world fused with a landmark anime to create a splendid harmony.
It’s a fantastic gateway to YES’s music and a must-hear for a wide range of listeners—progressive rock fans and JoJo fans alike!
Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel
This is the theme song written by singer-songwriter Cécile Corbel from Brittany, France, for Studio Ghibli’s film The Secret World of Arrietty.
Released in 2010, it’s a memorable track that weaves a fantastical atmosphere through Celtic musical traditions and the sound of the harp.
It captures the film’s theme of “the great power of small beings” in a delicate and beautiful melody and is loved in both its Japanese and English versions.
As the first Ghibli work to feature a foreign artist overseeing the entire musical production, it’s a groundbreaking piece—highly recommended for fans of fantasy works and those interested in Celtic music.
This FffireFranz Ferdinand
Since their explosive debut in 2004, Franz Ferdinand have revolutionized the music scene with their one-of-a-kind sound.
With a concept of “music for girls to dance to,” they quickly took the world by storm.
It’s no exaggeration to say that choosing their song “This Fffire” as the opening theme for the Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was a decision perfectly in tune with the times.
Released as a single on October 4, 2004, the track is defined by its catchy melody and energetic sound.
Its lyrics trace themes of passion, love, and desire, mirroring the fierce inner worlds of the protagonists fighting within Night City’s dystopia.
Channeling a blaze of unruly passion and uncontrollable desire, the band captures it all with their signature high-voltage rock.
Longtime fans might find it unexpected to hear Franz Ferdinand in a cyberpunk anime, but it fits like a glove—so even if you haven’t watched the series yet, if you’re a fan of Western music, be sure to check it out!
Falling downOasis
The Oasis classic “Falling Down,” still loved by many, is a fantastic track selected from their 2009 album “Dig Out Your Soul.” The way their music intersects with the world of the anime “Eden of the East,” creating an unexpectedly perfect cross-cultural match, has drawn attention even beyond their fanbase.
Featuring lyrics that use the summer sun and a farewell to endings as motifs, the song highlights the inevitability of change and growth, and a liberation from preconceived notions.
It vividly paints, through music, a moment of challenge and transformation faced by the protagonist.
Its message still resonates today, making it recommended not only for anime fans but also for music lovers.
PARANOID ANDROIDRadiohead
Paranoid Android, the lead single from Radiohead’s 1997 album OK Computer—a band whose name resounds from the UK to the world—continues to evoke shock and resonance that never fade.
Spanning 6 minutes and 27 seconds, the track is filled with a complex beauty woven from its lyrics and diverse musical elements.
The lyrics, built around weighty themes such as political protest and the struggles of the human psyche, vividly reflect Thom Yorke’s raw emotions.
It also links superbly with the worldview of the anime Ergo Proxy, whose dark and intricate atmosphere is a perfect match; the portrayal of a soul seeking silence while wrestling with a turbulent reality surely struck a chord with many anime fans.
Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles
Released in 1986, The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” was chosen as the ending theme for the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, generating excitement among fans.
Its lyrics, which pay homage to Egyptian culture and reflect changing times, emphasize respect for different cultures and a sense of freedom.
The song is also said to have been inspired by the band’s visit to Egypt, and it went on to become an international hit.
Since the anime’s story unfolds in Egypt, the selection is a perfect match, with the track’s exotic allure amplifying the show’s adventurous elements.
The synergy with Hirohiko Araki’s work makes the song stand out even more, resonating with both longtime and new fans alike.