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. Classic and popular pieces of Japanese movie music (51–60)
It’s all too muchYUI
Singer-songwriter YUI, whose debut-era vocals were dubbed the “angelic koto tone,” has continued to captivate fans.
Her 14th single, “It’s all too much,” released as a double A-side with “Never say die,” was chosen as the theme song for the film Kaiji: The Ultimate Gambler.
The lyrics, which tie in with the film’s story, evoke an image of moving forward precisely because one believes in miracles.
It’s a cool pop tune where the delicate timbre of the acoustic guitar and its contrast with the band sound create a thrilling atmosphere.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
It’s the theme song for the film Akegarasu, starring Masaki Suda.
Akegarasu was first staged in 2011 and again in 2015.
It’s an exhilarating number that vividly conjures the image of a bird—featured in both the film’s title and the song’s title—spreading its wings wide and taking flight.
The high notes delivered by vocalist Yohei Kawakami in the chorus add a bright, uplifting feel.
KissHugaiko
This song was released as an insert track for the 2008 film Hana Yori Dango Final, starring Jun Matsumoto and Mao Inoue.
Its working title, inspired by the movie, was “Tsukushi’s Theme.” It was aiko’s first insert song.
The music video was filmed in Yokohama.
Magic Wordssupittsu
This is Spitz’s 31st single, released in 2006.
It was used as the theme song for the film Honey and Clover.
Many Spitz songs were featured in the TV anime version, and thanks to that connection, they wrote a brand-new theme song for this live-action adaptation.
Theme and insert songs from Japanese films: Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music (61–70)
User ManualNishino Kana
It’s Kana Nishino’s 27th single, released in 2015.
It was used as the theme song for the film “No Longer Heroine.” The lyrics explain how a woman wants to be treated by her boyfriend; they list a bunch of things that would make most women nod along in agreement, but from a man’s perspective they can seem like a handful.
The result is a song that clearly highlights differences between men and women.
Moon DropsRUI
“Tsuki no Shizuku” is a song performed by Kou Shibasaki, who plays RUI in the film, and it serves as a wonderful theme song that enriches the emotional impact of the movie “Yomigaeri.” When it was released in 2003, it moved countless listeners, and it remains beloved by many today.
Its lyrics evoke the film’s story, intertwining exquisitely with Shibasaki’s clear, translucent vocals, and the gentle, enveloping melody leaves a lasting impression.
Listening under the darkening evening sky, you can forget the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in a unique world where wistfulness and warmth mingle.
It is a track that makes you once again feel the power of music.
Dead End in TokyoMAN WITH A MISSION
This song, Dead End in Tokyo, sung by MAN WITH A MISSION, was used as the theme for the 2017 film Shinjuku Swan II starring Go Ayano.
MAN WITH A MISSION also performed the theme for the first film.
As the title suggests, it’s set in Shinjuku, and the content ties into the film’s world, expressing the murky human drama that plays out in a corner of the big city.
The lyrics are entirely in English, but when you look at the Japanese translation, you really get it—it’s a dense track packed with the essence of the nightlife world.
