[Theme Song & BGM] Popular Anime Soundtrack Special

Anime “Kids on the Slope” Original SoundtrackYoko Kanno

Moanin’ ORIGINAL COVER from “Kids on the Slope”

Speaking of Yoko Kanno, she boasts worldwide recognition for her genre-defying style and is one of Japan’s leading composers, active across a wide range of fields since the success of Macross Plus in 1994, including animation works like Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, as well as her collaborations with Maaya Sakamoto.

Opinions on Kanno’s best work likely vary from listener to listener, but this time I’d like to introduce the soundtrack to Kids on the Slope, which was adapted into an anime and aired in 2012.

Centered on the theme of jazz, the series was highly praised for its superb visuals that faithfully recreated scenes of the characters actually performing jazz classics.

Naturally, the soundtrack Kanno produced is “jazz”-conscious as well, featuring up-and-coming musicians of the time such as Takashi Matsunaga on piano and Shun Ishiwaka on drums.

From Kanno’s original pieces to famous jazz standards, the album is a striking collection where thrilling, high-tension sessions give rise to spectacular performances.

Mother’s BroomJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – Mother’s Broom (from Kiki’s Delivery Service)

Conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself, who is active worldwide, “A Mother’s Broom” from Studio Ghibli’s gem of a film Kiki’s Delivery Service is being performed by an overseas orchestra.

It begins with an introduction reminiscent of “A Town with an Ocean View,” which plays in the film, and then transitions into a lovely violin solo.

This piece accompanies the scene where Kiki sets off on her journey, seen off by her parents and friends, and it’s a masterpiece that conveys her mother’s kindness and the warmth of her hometown.

The performance itself also conveys that gentleness and warmth, bringing a sense of comfort to the heart.

Ashitaka DiaryJoe Hisaishi

Princess Mononoke – The Legend of Ashitaka

This is “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke, a work that stands proudly as a heavy and grand orchestral piece in its own right.

Studio Ghibli began as a feature animation production company with the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on March 11, 1984, and Princess Mononoke is its tenth film.

It is also known for elevating animation from something consumed solely by fans to a form of “art.” The production scale was immense, and from around this time, more recordings featured live orchestral performances.

Listening to the music, it is not merely background accompaniment for animation but sounds like a worthy new classical work in its own right.

The orchestral performance was by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra, and this was also the first time a permanent professional orchestra, rather than an ad hoc ensemble, was employed.

Haru’s MemoriesYuji Nomi

영화 고양이의 보은 – Haru’s Memoriesㅣ 재패니메이션 OST 콘서트

From the film The Cat Returns, this is “Haru’s Memories.” The Cat Returns is framed as a story written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart, and the tale begins when the heroine, Haru, saves a cat that is about to have an accident.

Both The Cat Returns and Whisper of the Heart were scored by Yuji Nomi, whose works are known for their gentle warmth.

In the film, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra—familiar from game and anime music concerts—performs the score, and on the soundtrack a bonus track features the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, resulting in a work of high caliber even as a listening experience.

In the video, a Korean orchestra performs it in concert, showing its popularity abroad as well.

The flute, harp, and tender strings are truly soothing.

SpiceSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Spice” Music Video (Theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Super Splendid! Blazing Kasukabe Dancers”) <9th Mini Album “Curry Rice” out 12.17>

This is a song written as the theme for the 2025 film Crayon Shin-chan: Ultra Glamorous! Blazing Kasukabe Dancers.

The track was created by Saucy Dog, a rock band hugely popular among young listeners.

The piece features a refreshing, nostalgic sound that evokes a free-spirited heart unafraid of childhood mistakes, and brings back the scenery you saw while taking the long way around.

It gently affirms that even the hardships of life are precious spices that color who you are.

Vocalist Shinya Ishihara reportedly read the film’s script and drew on his own childhood while creating the song, and that straightforward sincerity really comes through.

It’s sure to resonate with every adult doing their best each day.

TAIDADAI wish it could stay midnight forever.

ZUTOMAYO – TAIDADA (Audio Track)

Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni., a music unit that captivates listeners with their one-of-a-kind worldview, crafted this piece, which was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Dandadan.

Inspired by the clumsy words of the characters, it’s a song that conveys a quiet, heartwarming sense of happiness—like the kind you feel in a small four-and-a-half-tatami room.

Within a meticulously woven ensemble where funky grooves and rock intertwine, ACA-ne’s delicate yet energetic vocals come alive.

Released in October 2024, the track is included on the mini-album “Koke no Ichinen Kaiba ni Takusu.” It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sink into when you want to savor the tenderness of everyday life that follows an occult uproar.

Ta-da☆Zedd feat. C&K

TV Anime “Dragon Ball DAIMA” Non-Credit Opening Video | “Jaka☆Jaan”

It’s the opening theme for the TV anime Dragon Ball DAIMA.

This track sparks a chemical reaction between cutting-edge dance music crafted by Grammy-winning producer Zedd and the soul-stirring vocals of C&K! The exhilarating feeling that heralds the start of an adventure and the lyrics depicting bonds with friends link perfectly with the story’s worldview.

Whether you’ve been following the series or are discovering it for the first time, it’s a moving masterpiece that’s sure to set your heart ablaze.