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!
- [2026] Relive those iconic moments… Recommended theme songs and insert songs from Western films
- [Western Films] Moving Movie Theme Songs: A Compilation of Tear-Jerking Theme Tracks
- Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema
- Theme and insert songs of 'Your Name'
- Summary of theme songs and insert songs from the Godzilla series throughout the years
- [90s Western Films] Theme Songs & Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics
- Theme and insert songs from dramas and films that color the story
- 【2026】A Roundup of the Latest Masterpieces and Popular Tracks in Film Music
- Theme Songs of NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Allure of Music That Colors Historical Stories
- [Film Music] Theme songs from Western movies: those unforgettable classics and popular tunes
- The theme song of a romantic film that gives you a heart-fluttering, moving feeling.
- Theme and insert songs from the long-running Monday 9 p.m. dramas: classic hits from popular series and recommended fan favorites
- A compilation of film music played on the piano / that I want to play on the piano
Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music (31–40)
dead endHoshino Gen
How about a ballad woven from nothing but a wistful piano melody and vocals? This song is by Gen Hoshino, a singer-songwriter behind numerous hits.
Created as the theme for the film “Hiraba no Tsuki,” released in November 2025, it’s a non-album single that stands in contrast to the May 2025 album “Gen.” Its stripped-down, simple arrangement is irresistible.
You can feel a kind of resolve to keep living in that place, even while carrying emotions with no outlet and thoughts that won’t fade.
It’s perfect for when you want to sink into memories of a past love.
Listen alone on a quiet night, and you’ll likely find yourself facing the precious memories in your heart.
Isn’t it a song that offers a gentle warmth, as if drawing close to an inner landscape where no exit is in sight?
fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu
It’s a track included on “Peace and Highlights,” whose release was announced at the same time as the band’s return to activity, and which served as the theme song for the 2013 film The Eternal Zero.
Since the original novel of the same name is set around World War II, the song’s theme is a prayer for peace.
A pair of jewelsHara Morihiko
This is a mesmerizing instrumental where serene piano melodies shimmer like radiant gems.
As delicate tones blend together, they skillfully portray the characters’ strong wills and the inseparable bonds of fate amid the stillness.
You can’t help but be captivated by the story woven by its sounds.
Composed as part of the score for the film “National Treasure,” released in June 2025, it is included on the album “National Treasure Original Soundtrack.” It’s a deeply moving masterpiece—perfect for revisiting the film’s most emotional scenes or immersing yourself in music within a quiet space.
FLASHPerfume
Why does it feel so warm despite being electronic? This is a track by Perfume, a technopop unit active internationally.
It’s included on their fifth album, COSMIC EXPLORER, released in 2016.
The song was the theme for the film Chihayafuru, which centers on competitive karuta.
While weaving the story’s content into the lyrics, it still retains that quintessential Perfume finish—classic Yasutaka Nakata sound.
It’s an exhilarating electronic tune with meticulous production that never gets old.
Highwaykururi
This is Quruli’s 12th single, released in 2003.
It was selected as the theme song for the film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.
Quruli also handled the soundtrack for the film.
The promotional video features Satoshi Tsumabuki, evoking the film.
Theme and insert songs from Japanese films: Famous and popular pieces in Japanese movie music (41–50)
Last sceneikimonogakari
Released in 2016, this song was written specifically as the theme for the film Your Lie in April, starring Kento Yamazaki and Suzu Hirose.
The lyrics and composition for this piece were done by the band’s leader, Mizuno, with arrangement by Masanori Shimada.
It was released as a double A-side single along with Bokura no Yume.
Into the Unknown ~ As My Heart LeadsMatsu Takako
Frozen II, the Disney film that became a worldwide smash hit.
The movie features many memorable songs, but for many people, the strongest association is with “Into the Unknown,” which was used in commercials.
Takako Matsu’s vocals as Elsa are truly clear and beautiful—absolutely perfect for highlighting the story’s pivotal scenes.
Since the song has been performed in numerous languages, it’s also fun to compare versions from different countries.