Anime is more than just an art form—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has spread its influence into various aspects of global entertainment, including music. Over the years, anime has left a lasting impact on the music industry, with musicians from around the world drawing inspiration from anime themes, soundtracks, and even the fandom. From iconic anime opening songs to full-fledged musical compositions that evoke the atmosphere of anime worlds, the connection between anime and music has created a new wave of cultural cross-pollination. In this article, we will explore how anime has influenced music, and how bands and singers have incorporated anime themes into their works.
The Role of Anime Soundtracks in Shaping Music
Anime soundtracks are a crucial part of the anime experience. The music is often just as important as the animation itself, enhancing the mood and emotional depth of a scene. Iconic anime openings, endings, and background scores have become synonymous with the anime itself, and the impact of these songs has spilled over into the music industry. Many anime composers have become highly respected in their field, with their compositions influencing both anime-related music and mainstream music.
Anime Music That Resonates Globally
- Yoko Kanno and Joe Hisaishi are two of the most well-known anime composers whose works have transcended the world of anime. Kanno’s compositions for Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex have become iconic in the music world, with their jazzy, atmospheric tunes influencing many genres of music. Similarly, Hisaishi’s legendary scores for Studio Ghibli films, such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, have been celebrated worldwide for their emotional depth and orchestral beauty.
- These soundtracks have not only contributed to the storytelling in anime but have also become part of global music culture, influencing a variety of genres, including jazz, classical, and electronic music.
Anime Opening Songs as an Influence on Music Genres
Anime opening songs are more than just a catchy tune to start a show; they are an integral part of anime culture and are often beloved by fans. Many anime opening songs are performed by popular Japanese bands or solo artists, and these songs often become hits in their own right. The influence of anime openings has expanded beyond Japan, with international musicians incorporating anime-inspired elements into their works.
Anime Openings in the Music Industry
- J-Pop and Anime: The rise of J-Pop (Japanese Pop) music has been heavily tied to anime culture, with many of the most popular anime series featuring J-Pop opening songs. Artists like LiSA, Aimer, and Eir Aoi have gained international recognition for their anime-related songs, including LiSA’s hit “Gurenge” from Demon Slayer. These songs not only top Japanese music charts but also find success abroad, especially with anime fans who connect emotionally with the music.
- Global Music Influences: The success of anime opening songs has led to a growing fusion between J-Pop and Western music. For example, Western pop stars have increasingly cited anime as an influence in their music, leading to collaborations or homages to anime in mainstream music. Artists like Travis Scott and Lil Uzi Vert have been seen wearing anime-themed clothing or have incorporated anime visuals into their music videos, further showing how anime themes are being woven into popular culture.
Musicians and Bands Drawing Direct Inspiration from Anime Themes
Beyond anime soundtracks and opening songs, there are musicians and bands that have directly incorporated anime themes, concepts, and characters into their music. This influence is most evident in genres like rock, metal, and electronic music, where anime’s storytelling, imagery, and philosophy have inspired entire albums and songs.
Anime-Inspired Music Projects
The Pillows and FLCL: One of the most well-known examples of an anime influencing a music group is the Japanese rock band The Pillows, whose music became synonymous with the anime series FLCL (Fooly Cooly). The Pillows’ energetic and emotionally charged rock music perfectly captured the chaotic, youthful spirit of the anime. FLCL’s soundtrack has since become iconic, and The Pillows have continued to incorporate anime themes into their music, contributing to the cultural overlap between anime and alternative rock music.
The Impact on Visual Kei Bands: The Visual Kei movement in Japan, which blends rock music with elaborate fashion and dramatic visual elements, has often drawn inspiration from anime themes and aesthetics. Bands like Malice Mizer and Versailles have embraced anime-inspired costumes and theatrical performances, which often evoke the same fantastical and larger-than-life qualities found in anime series. Their music often carries themes of romance, fantasy, and rebellion—common themes in anime.
Anime Music as a Bridge Between Cultures
Anime has created a unique cultural bridge, allowing Western audiences to discover not only the stories and animation of Japan but also the music that accompanies them. The international success of anime music has introduced fans to J-Pop, J-Rock, and other Japanese music genres, further expanding the reach of anime beyond its original audience. This cultural exchange has also had a positive impact on Japanese music, allowing Japanese artists to gain a global fanbase.
Anime Music Festivals and Concerts
- Anime Music Concerts: In recent years, there has been a growing trend of anime music concerts, where live performances of anime music are held for international fans. These concerts often feature orchestras performing famous anime soundtracks, as well as live performances from anime singers and bands. Events like Anime Expo and Japan Expo host anime music performances, bringing together anime lovers and music fans from around the world.
- Collaborations and Soundtrack Releases: As anime becomes more mainstream globally, more international artists and anime producers have begun collaborating on projects. The growing popularity of anime music has led to the release of official soundtracks that fans can purchase, and streaming services like Spotify now have curated anime playlists, making anime music more accessible than ever.
Anime’s Influence on New Music Styles and Genres
Anime has also encouraged the development of new music styles and genres that blend Japanese influences with Western sounds. Lo-fi hip hop, for example, has become a popular genre worldwide, with many tracks incorporating anime visuals and themes. This genre, often used as relaxing background music for studying or working, often uses anime clips and visual themes to enhance the listening experience.
Lo-fi and Anime Culture
- Anime and Lo-fi Hip Hop: One of the most notable trends in recent years is the rise of anime-inspired lo-fi hip hop. This genre of music, which incorporates calming beats and soothing melodies, often uses anime visuals to create a nostalgic, relaxed atmosphere. Anime scenes, particularly from popular shows like Your Name and Naruto, are frequently used in lo-fi music videos, blending the aesthetics of anime with smooth, ambient sounds.
The Lasting Impact of Anime on Music
Anime has had a profound influence on music, shaping not only the music of Japan but also the global music scene. From J-Pop hits to anime-inspired rock bands, the relationship between anime and music continues to grow. With the increasing globalization of anime and its music, the future of this cultural fusion looks bright, as new artists and genres emerge to carry the torch of anime’s influence on the music industry.
The Fusion of Anime and Electronic Music
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the incorporation of electronic music elements into anime-inspired music. This has led to the creation of new hybrid genres, where electronic sounds and anime aesthetics merge seamlessly. As anime continues to embrace futuristic themes and high-energy action sequences, electronic music has become a natural companion to amplify the emotional intensity and atmosphere.
Anime-Inspired Electronic Music
EDM and Anime: Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has seen an increasing influence from anime, especially in its use of high-energy, bass-heavy tracks to accompany intense fight scenes or dramatic moments. Shows like Attack on Titan and Psycho-Pass use electronic music to underscore action-packed moments, enhancing the adrenaline rush of the animation. The fast tempo, sharp beats, and cinematic intensity of electronic music complement the high-stakes world-building and animation style of these anime, creating an unforgettable experience for the viewer.
Collaborations with DJ Artists: More frequently, anime shows are now collaborating with DJ artists and electronic musicians for their soundtracks. For example, the collaboration between Shingeki no Kyojin and Japanese EDM producer Taku Takahashi (of m-flo) has brought anime closer to the electronic music scene. These collaborations show how anime’s impact on music has become more diverse, incorporating different genres and influencing music producers outside the traditional J-Pop and J-Rock worlds.
Anime-Inspired Music Videos: Bridging Animation and Music
The rise of anime-inspired music videos has also strengthened the connection between anime and mainstream music. Artists and bands are increasingly using anime visuals and themes to tell their stories in music videos, blurring the lines between animation and music. These music videos not only serve as a tribute to anime but also introduce anime culture to audiences who may not traditionally be anime fans.
Music Videos with Anime Themes
- “Hikaru Utada” and Anime-Inspired Visuals: One of the most prominent examples is the use of anime aesthetics in music videos. Japanese singer Hikaru Utada, known for her music’s crossover appeal, has used anime-style visuals in her music videos. The music video for her song “Sakura Drops” is an example of how anime aesthetics can be incorporated into live-action and animation to create a captivating visual and musical experience.
- Western Artists and Anime Influences: Western music artists are also tapping into the anime world for inspiration. For example, Katy Perry and Travis Scott have embraced anime-inspired visuals in their music videos. Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” features scenes reminiscent of Japanese animation, and Travis Scott‘s use of vibrant colors and surrealism in his music videos has led fans to draw comparisons to anime art styles. These examples show how anime is not only a cultural product but a pervasive influence that extends into the broader entertainment industry.
The Influence of Anime on the Music Aesthetic: Fashion and Branding
Beyond the music itself, anime has also influenced fashion and branding within the music industry. Artists are now increasingly incorporating anime-inspired fashion into their personal brands, merging the worlds of music and anime even further. Clothing lines, merchandise, and album covers often feature anime motifs or character designs, making anime culture visible and accessible to a wider audience.
Anime-Inspired Fashion in the Music Industry
- Fashion Collaborations: International musicians are incorporating anime-themed clothing lines and branding into their work, working with brands like Uniqlo, Supreme, and Adidas to launch limited-edition collaborations. These clothing lines, often inspired by anime characters or aesthetics, create a blend of anime culture and streetwear fashion, a trend that has exploded among music fans and anime enthusiasts alike.
- Visual Aesthetics in Album Covers: Album covers and promotional materials for music often feature anime-inspired art, from the detailed character designs to the vibrant color schemes typical of anime. The use of these anime-style visuals has helped bridge the gap between two vibrant cultures, allowing music artists to reach new fanbases and engage with anime’s growing influence.
The Evolution of Anime and Music Integration: From Niche to Mainstream
As the global popularity of anime continues to rise, its integration with the music industry is only expected to grow. We are already witnessing the cross-pollination of genres and cultures, and anime’s influence on music is becoming a more significant part of mainstream music culture. The increasing presence of anime in international pop culture, whether through music, fashion, or social media, shows that the bond between anime and music is not a fleeting trend—it is a cultural movement.
The Future of Anime and Music
Musical Fusion: The future of anime and music will likely see even more fusion between genres. From trap music to classical compositions, anime’s influence on the soundtracks and musical choices for future projects will continue to diversify. As anime creators and musicians collaborate more frequently, we will see a broader range of genres experiment with anime’s influence.
International Collaborations: As anime continues to expand internationally, global collaborations between anime creators and musicians will lead to even more groundbreaking projects. These partnerships will further blur the lines between music and animation, creating unique experiences for fans worldwide.
The Ongoing Impact of Anime on the Music Industry
Anime has evolved from being a niche entertainment medium to a major influence in the global music industry. From iconic soundtracks to anime-inspired fashion and viral music videos, anime’s impact on music is undeniable. As artists continue to draw inspiration from anime, the connection between these two cultural forces will only grow stronger, shaping the future of both industries. With the growing popularity of anime across the globe and its deep connection with music, it is clear that anime will continue to influence and inspire the world of music for years to come.
