A compilation of jazz insert songs and covers from anime
Looking for anime songs you can enjoy in a jazz style?
Theme songs, insert songs, and ending themes from Japanese anime have now established themselves as a major genre known worldwide as “anisong.”
At first glance, anime and jazz might not seem like they go together.
But once you listen, you’ll find that many famous anime tracks actually have a strong jazz flavor.
For those who love both anime and jazz, here are some songs you should definitely hear, including notable cover versions.
Give them a listen!
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Anime Jazz: Insert Songs and Covers Collection (11–20)
Genesis of AquarionPlatina Jazz
This is the opening theme composed by Yoko Kanno for the 2005 robot anime Aquarion.
You might have heard its memorable chorus line, “I’ve loved you since ten thousand and two thousand years ago,” in commercials and elsewhere.
The powerful female vocals and the piano arrangement toward the end are also really cool.
I’ve fallen in love with Aquarion in a jazz rendition, too.
Moonlight LegendAnime That Jazz II
This track is included on Anime That Jazz II, an album that arranges classic anime songs into jazz.
All That Jazz sets the original—an anthem about the love and fate of a magical girl heroine—to a swinging rhythm, giving it a distinctly jazz sound.
While preserving the poppy spirit of the original, the piano melodies and smooth rhythms create a more mature atmosphere.
Released in October 2010, the album also features songs from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Dragon Ball Z.
Highly recommended for fans of both jazz and anime songs.
Listening to this record will make you feel both nostalgic and refreshed.
For Thunderbolt Main ThemeNaruyoshi Kikuchi
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is an anime released between 2015 and 2017 in the form of OVAs and films.
Perhaps reflecting the protagonist Io Fleming’s love of jazz, the entire soundtrack is—believe it or not—jazz! This opening theme is by one of Japan’s leading jazz musicians, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, and it’s impressively authentic.
After a session featuring drums, bass, sax, and trumpet, it shifts to a sax solo, and I can’t help but fall in love with the improvisations on trumpet and piano.
Thunderbolt really is all about free jazz.
Refrain of SoulsAnime That Jazz
This is a jazz-arranged cover of a classic song beloved by anime fans.
It’s included on the album “EVENING!”, released in September 2010, and features a refined piano, bass, and drums trio performance.
While preserving the grandeur and poignancy of the original, it adds jazz’s hallmark improvisation and a gentle atmosphere, resulting in a fresh and captivating rendition.
It’s impressive how the piece draws out a new side of the song through the freedom of jazz expression while honoring the anime’s worldview.
Recommended for those who enjoy both anime and jazz, it also makes for pleasant background music when relaxing at home or spending a leisurely time in a café.
Detective Conan ThemeJacob Koller
This piece is a jazz piano arrangement of a well-known theme song from a Japanese anime.
While preserving the tension of the original, it adds the freedom of jazz to create a sophisticated work.
Featured on Jacob Koller’s album “Jazz Piano Japan,” released in August 2019, the track showcases his exceptional technique and rich expressive range.
It’s recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone who wants to experience the appeal of jazz piano.
It works well as everyday background music or as something to savor attentively—there are many ways to enjoy this track.
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterLowland Jazz
Lowland Jazz is a Japanese big band that performs under the catchphrase “lowering the barrier to jazz.” What catapulted them to popularity were their covers of anime songs and Vocaloid tracks.
This one is that famous Pokémon theme sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices Satoshi (Ash), but did anyone recognize the song from just the intro? Listening to Pokémon in jazz is pretty nice, isn’t it?
Anime Jazz Insert Songs and Covers Compilation (21–30)
Guns & RosesParadise Lunch
The 2007 TV anime BACCANO! is a television adaptation of a popular light novel.
Its opening theme is a big band jazz piece with a glamorous vibe.
The striking saxophone and trumpet intro leads into a blistering, saxophone-centered solo that’s seriously cool.
The trumpet that comes in as backing is incredibly cool as well! It really makes you want to pick up the sax.