Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music.
What are your favorite theme songs or insert songs from Japanese films?
In this article, we’ve selected beloved classics that once topped the charts and are still cherished by listeners, as well as the latest theme songs from Japanese movies—picked based on research by our editorial team and tips from music fans!
So, what kind of works made the list?
You’re probably curious whether your favorites are included, right?
We carefully chose from a wide range of Japanese films, old and new, so please enjoy!
You’re sure to find some nostalgic tunes too!
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Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music (151–160)
OH MY LITTLE GIRLOzaki Yutaka
OH MY LITTLE GIRL, a famous song by Yutaka Ozaki that sings of sweet, passionate feelings for a loved one.
It was included on the 1983 album Seventeen’s Map and later released as a single in 1994.
When the single came out in 1994, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama The End of the World, and in 2014 it was chosen as the theme song for the film Hot Road.
The steady, flowing melody paired with Ozaki’s fervent vocals makes the love woven into the lyrics resonate even more deeply.
Happy Breakfast, Boring DinnerSaitō Kazuyoshi
It is the 14th single by Kazuyoshi Saito, released in 1997.
It was used as the ending theme for the 2010 film Golden Slumber.
Kotaro Isaka, the author of Golden Slumber, is said to have resolved to live as a writer after listening to this song.
Frog SongMori Nana
This song was chosen as the theme for the film “Last Letter.” It’s sung by Nana Mori, who is also active as a voice actress and actress, and it was released in 2020 as her debut single.
It’s a ballad with a dreamy atmosphere, and perhaps because of its melody and lyrics, it evokes a sense of nostalgia when you listen to it.
The way Nana Mori’s gentle voice blends with the sound is absolutely incredible.
Try listening to it carefully while enjoying a coffee alone.
AiHata Motohiro
It’s the theme song for the 2017 film Shabondama, starring Kento Hayashi.
The song itself was released in 2010, and later, when he was asked to provide a theme for the movie, Hata watched Shabondama and thought that Ai might be a good fit.
When he conveyed that, it was accepted as is.
Watercolor MoonHata Motohiro
This piece was written as the theme song for the 2015 film An.
After we participated in an event together the previous year, director Naomi Kawase asked me to create a song, and I produced it.
The music video was also filmed by Kawase herself, who personally handled the camera.
The Great Space War / “The Great Space War” / Operation YashioriSagisu Shirō
This is a collaborative work by Shiro Sagisu and Akira Ifukube included on the soundtrack of the film Shin Godzilla.
Its intensely suspenseful sound colors the movie’s climactic scenes.
Featuring a distinctive fusion of grand orchestral resonance and digital sound, it conveys Godzilla’s menace and humanity’s struggle through music.
Released in March 2017, this track is recommended for those who want to experience the film’s world more deeply.
With its powerful music, it fully communicates the film’s tension and epic scale.
Theme and insert songs from Japanese films: Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music (161–170)
The FabelmansJohn Williams
Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans was released in November 2022.
The music was composed by John Williams, the composer who has partnered with Spielberg on numerous classics.
The film also marks the 50th anniversary of their collaboration.
The main theme, The Fabelmans, was recorded as a solo piano piece, and its warm sound—capturing even the surrounding air unique to acoustic instruments—is especially appealing.
