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 songs and insert songs from Japanese films: Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music (11–20)
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
“Himawari no Yakusoku” has continued to be loved by a wide audience as the theme song of the heartwarming film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” Motohiro Hata’s gentle vocals beautifully capture the film’s warm worldview and are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Its memorable melody is so familiar that anyone will find themselves humming along, and its popularity at karaoke shows no sign of fading.
Transcending genres, it is highly praised not only by movie fans but also by music lovers.
Adorning nostalgic scenes, this song is a timeless classic that, even as years go by, retains its luster and has the power to draw you back into the world of the film.
New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado
Ado’s “New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)” captivated many with its poppy, catchy melody.
Released digitally in 2023, the song was used as the theme for the film ONE PIECE FILM RED and, for a time during the movie’s theatrical run, also served as the opening theme for the TV anime.
Written and composed by Yasutaka Nakata, it features a powerful technopop sound that instantly cements the image of a diva of a new era.
Sung fully in character as Uta from the story, it conveys her strong resolve—through music—to create a wonderful world with her own voice.
Beautiful finsupittsu
Spitz’s “Utsukushii Hire” feels like it gives you a gentle push to live as your true self.
Released in 2023, the song was chosen as the theme for the feature film Detective Conan: The Black Iron Submarine.
Written specifically for the movie, its lyrics evoke the changing emotions of Ai Haibara, a central character, moving longtime fans to tears along with the film’s story.
With its light, tender Spitz sound and Masamune Kusano’s vocals, it’s a song that warms the heart.
HitotsuboshiKOH+
The theme song for the third film adaptation of the hit drama Galileo, Silent Parade, is Hitotsuboshi by KOH+, a duo consisting of the film’s lead actors Masaharu Fukuyama and Kou Shibasaki.
It is included on the 2022 mini-album Hitotsuboshi: Galileo Collection 2007–2022, which compiles theme songs from the Galileo series.
The lyrics, which convey the feelings of a woman who appears in the film, are so moving that you may find yourself in tears when you listen after watching the movie.
It’s a song that will surely make you want to revisit the film and draw closer to those emotions.
Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK
The manga Kingdom, with its grand world-building, is especially popular among men.
The anime also gained popularity, and it was adapted into a live-action film starring Kento Yamazaki, which became a major hit.
The theme song is Wasted Nights by ONE OK ROCK.
It’s an original track written for this work that perfectly matches the epic scale of the story.
Although most of the lyrics are in English, I recommend listening while reading the Japanese translation—you’ll feel how well the meaning fits the imagery of the piece.
KanadeSukima Suichi
Many people would probably say this is their favorite among the group’s songs.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the musical duo Sukima Switch, released as their second single in 2004.
It served as the theme song for the films “Rough” and “One Week Friends.” The lyrics, which depict a farewell with someone precious, are truly moving.
The gentle vocals, perfectly suited to the relaxed tempo, further deepen the song’s appeal.
It’s a classic ballad that makes you want to love without regrets.
Theme and insert songs from Japanese films: classic and popular pieces of Japanese movie music (21–30)
One more time, one more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Many people might say this is the definitive song for heart-wrenching love.
It’s one of singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature tracks, released in 1997 as his fourth single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film “Moon and Cabbage,” in which Yamazaki himself starred, and later for Makoto Shinkai’s 2007 animated film “5 Centimeters per Second.” The scenes of searching for a beloved person who’s gone are truly gut-wrenching.
It’s a timeless, soul-stirring masterpiece that I hope will be sung for generations.