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: classic and popular pieces of Japanese movie music (21–30)
Happy Endingback number
Heart-wrenching lyrics that read like raw thoughts at the moment of parting from someone you love really hit home.
It’s a song by the three-piece rock band back number, released in 2016 as their 16th single.
A rock ballad marked by striking string arrangements, its sound is grand in scale.
Yet, perhaps because the words are so candid and down-to-earth, the message feels very close and relatable.
Give it a listen when you want to reset the sadness after a breakup.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
MONGOL800’s signature song “Chiisana Koi no Uta” (“A Little Love Song”).
Released in 2001, it’s one of the tracks on the smash-hit album MESSAGE and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at live shows and festivals.
It’s also well known for ranking first in the men’s category of Heisei-era karaoke songs.
The song became a hot topic again when a band featured in the film adapted from it, Chiisana Koi no Uta, performed it as the movie’s theme song.
Beloved across generations, it has been covered by numerous artists.
Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music (31–40)
Love SomebodyOda Yūji
It’s the 13th single, released in 1997.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the film series “Bayside Shakedown: The Movie” starring Yuji Oda.
Since it was used starting from the TV drama, it’s become natural to associate this song with “Bayside Shakedown.”
Starting OverMr.Children
It was used as the theme song for Mamoru Hosoda’s 2015 film The Boy and the Beast, and the track is included on the album REFLECTION released the same year.
The director heard the song, which had already been released, and requested it because its worldview matched the film.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
This is a song created through a collaboration between director Makoto Shinkai and RADWIMPS as the theme for the hugely popular animated film Your Name.
The lyrics, which evoke the story of the work, pair perfectly with the refreshing sound.
It’s also noteworthy that all the music in the film was composed by band member Yojiro Noda.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
Sukima Switch’s “Zenryoku Shonen” is a song you’ve likely heard as many different theme songs, insert songs, and commercial jingles.
It was used as an insert song in the 2006 film “Rough.” More recently, many people came across it as the Japanese ending theme for Disney and Pixar’s “Onward.” It’s easy to see why the song has become famous and popular through so many tie-ins: it’s an uplifting, encouraging anthem that gives you a push forward.
It’s a number that fills listeners—children and adults alike—with strength and positivity.
Dawn BeatFujifaburikku
Fujifabric’s “Yoake no BEAT” is a beloved gem among many film fans.
Guided by a comfortable rhythm, the song has the power to seize listeners’ hearts.
Its melody is gentle yet tinged with a distinctive wistfulness, serving as a kind of encouragement for those who work through the night.
It greatly uplifts and inspires, instilling a forward-looking spirit.
For people greeting the dawn, this track is sure to be the perfect companion.
When it plays in the quiet, it’s as if it announces the start of a new day.
A song that stirs the emotions will be passed down across time.