[2026] Perfect for road-trip BGM too! A stylish anime song roundup

PROVANTNEW!SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA

SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Jean-Ken Johnny & TAKUMA『PROVANT』 Music Video

Sawano Hiroyuki, who has brought color to numerous visual works as a composer for film and television, leads the project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], which unfolds with guest vocalists.

The 14th single, produced as the opening theme for the TV anime Fate/strange Fake that began airing in January 2026, became a hot topic for its lavish collaboration featuring Jean-Ken Johnny from MAN WITH A MISSION and TAKUMA from 10-FEET as guest artists.

The aggressive arrangement—fusing a heavy sound with a driving, high-velocity beat—elevates your spirits just by listening.

Its thrilling progression, where voices with distinct characters intersect, also ties in with the anime’s worldview.

It’s an energetic rock tune perfect for mornings when you want to get fired up or moments when you want to rally yourself.

SesameKroi

Kroi – Sesame [TV anime “Bucchigiri?!” opening theme]

Kroi is a five-piece band that stands out with a mixed sound blending R&B, funk, and other genres.

Their second major single, released in January 2024, is a stylish track perfect for driving.

The song was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “BUCCHIGIRI?!”.

Its sound is striking, with a catchy melody reminiscent of Jamiroquai intertwined with Middle Eastern–style exotic phrases.

The lyrics evoke a world where pent-up defiance and energy explode, sure to rouse the listener’s spirit.

Another highlight is the meticulously crafted ensemble born from the members’ advanced musicianship.

It’s a recommended soundtrack for blowing away everyday frustration.

Let Me Be With YouRound Table featuring Nino

TV anime “Chobits” OP video (Let Me Be With You / ROUND TABLE featuring Nino) [NBC Anime × Music 30th Anniversary Daily OP/ED Posting Project]

Layering airy electronic tones over gentle guitar pop, the sound is perfectly deserving of the label “Akishibu-kei.” In this track, Nino’s sweet, clear vocals convey a straightforward, single-minded wish: “I want to stay by your side.” The tender, enveloping string arrangement further amplifies that pure sentiment.

Released in April 2002 as ROUND TABLE featuring Nino’s debut single, the song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Chobits.

Its worldview, mirroring the protagonist’s innocent affection, captured the hearts of many fans.

With a comfortable beat and a floating, weightless ensemble, this stylish, dreamy pop tune sprinkles sparkle over a leisurely weekend drive.

Summer MirageWada Kanako

[Anison] Summer Mirage / Kanako Wada (with lyric subtitles) Kimagure Orange Road, Ending Theme

Kanako Wada is a singer-songwriter whose urbane, sophisticated sound and clear, translucent vocals helped support the rise of city pop in the 1980s.

This song, used as the ending theme for the TV anime Kimagure Orange Road, was released as a single in May 1987.

Like a summer mirage, it captures the elusive flutter and bittersweetness of love, and its echo-drenched production gives it a dreamlike quality.

The arrangement unfolds from a melody where slide guitar resonates with a touch of melancholy into a sentimental chorus, making it perfect for a wistful drive at dusk.

As a quintessential classic of ’80s city pop, it’s also beloved by music fans overseas—truly an indispensable pick for this theme!

FlashbackMIYAVI vs KenKen

Anime 'Kokkoku' OP / Theme Song 'Flashback / MIYAVI vs KenKen' TV ver.

If you’re looking to enjoy a funky, thrilling drive, I recommend a track by MIYAVI and KenKen.

The Samurai Guitarist’s slap guitar and the genius bassist’s bass go head-to-head in a fierce exchange, creating an addictive sound you could call alternate-funk.

Lyrics that express the impatience and inner conflict against unstoppable time build a unique world that blends ruthlessness with bittersweet emotion.

The song is included on MIYAVI’s session album “Samurai Sessions, Vol.

2,” released in November 2017, and was used as the opening theme for the anime “Kokkoku.” The album, a bona fide classic featuring this track, peaked at No.

11 on the Oricon charts.

Give it a listen while driving at night on the expressway or through tunnels.

Wild SideAli

TV anime “BEASTARS” Non-Credit OP

When you’re cruising through the city at night, you can’t help but crave songs with a mature vibe.

The debut track released by the multinational music collective ALI in November 2019 is the perfect number for just that kind of drive.

The song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime BEASTARS.

Its dazzling big band jazz-inspired sound, fused with funk and hip-hop, creates an irresistibly smooth groove.

The lyrics, which seem to depict the characters’ struggle between reason and instinct, match the thrilling tone of the track perfectly.

The song is also included on their debut mini-album, ALI.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a sophisticated, urban-style anime song!

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

A colorful, stylish pop tune that gets your heart bouncing from the very first listen.

Released in May 2015 by the three-piece rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, this track brims with playful spirit—inviting you to enjoy life’s sweetness and bitterness alike with a light, upbeat step.

Even amid the chaos of everyday life, its message of moving toward the future in your own way rings pleasantly through Kosuke Saito’s high-toned vocals.

The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront and debuted at No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The video featuring the characters dancing also became a hot topic.

It’s the perfect track to boost your mood on a feel-good drive.