A masterpiece by Yoko Kanno. Recommended songs.
Yoko Kanno is so active across so many fields—anime, commercials, games—that it’s hard to imagine anyone who hasn’t heard her music.
Did you know she also composed and arranged “Ray of Water,” performed by Arashi at the national celebration honoring the Emperor’s enthronement?
In this article, we’ll introduce some of Yoko Kanno’s masterpieces and recommended tracks.
From nostalgic anime songs to famous commercial jingles, they’re all must-listen gems.
Take this opportunity to dive into the world of Yoko Kanno!
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Yoko Kanno’s masterpieces. Recommended tracks (11–20)
I don’t need promises.Sakamoto Maaya
I can feel the dedication to crafting songs that aren’t just “anime tracks.” You could have gone with a more pop, straightforward melody, but you didn’t… It sounds like it would be hard to follow the notes, so the karaoke version is probably for advanced singers.
I also love the way the lyrics spell out the question, “Does love have an end?”
HemisophiaSakamoto Maaya
Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo and featuring robots, this love story was used as the theme song for the anime RahXephon.
While the lyrics lean a bit toward the anime’s world, the music itself is pure Yoko Kanno at full power.
It’s a dynamic track with a strong sense of drive, sharply contrasted first and second halves, and a chorus that soars.
By the way, “hemisphere” means half of a sphere.
Starwing ParadoxChelly (EGOIST)
This sensational collaboration between Yoko Kanno and EGOIST’s vocalist Chelly drew a lot of attention, and the song was created as a promotion for The Star and the Wing Paradox, which began operating in arcades in 2018.
The cosmic vibe often felt in Yoko Kanno’s works clearly seeps through in this track as well.
And Chelly’s vocals—combining innocence with strength—perfectly suit the world she creates in her music!
was laughingSukoshi
This is the ending theme “Waratteta” from the anime Oban Star-Racers.
It’s sung by Skoshi, whose gentle vocals are captivating.
The song is centered on keyboards and whisper-like singing, with bass and strings joining in as it unfolds gradually—a track that showcases Yoko Kanno’s meticulous attention to detail.
It piques the curiosity of even those who haven’t seen the anime, making them wonder what the story might be like.
i doIlaria Graziano
This is the song “i do,” used in the anime Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, featuring a fragile, childlike voice that tugs at the maternal instinct.
The captivating vocals are by Italian singer Ilaria Graziano.
As the beautiful sound of the piano gently resonates, her delicate voice and the lyrics—imbued with both transience and strength—are deeply moving.
If you’re interested, be sure to read the Japanese-translated lyrics!
Step after the rainatarashii chizu
This is a song by Atarashii Chizu, the unit formed by three former SMAP members.
Atarashii Chizu is always in the spotlight, and I think many people have heard “Ameagari no Step” as well.
The parenthetical, dialogue-style lyrics are thoughtfully crafted.
With its upbeat melody and bright, hopeful production, every element of the track carries the distinctive touch of Yoko Kanno.
Yoko Kanno’s masterpieces. Recommended songs (21–30)
Blue feat. MayaKanno Yōko
A corporate advertisement from Honda featuring a commercial themed around the vehicles they create.
In the CM, people are shown riding cars, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes manufactured by Honda, but the vehicles themselves are transparent, leaving only the riders visible—a striking and mysterious visual.
The background music is “Blue feat.
Maya,” which carries a mystical atmosphere.
The original version sung by Mai Yamane was used as the theme song for the anime Cowboy Bebop, but for this commercial, the vocals are performed by Maya, a high school artist living in the United States.
