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 songs (21–30)
“Macross F” O.S.T. 2 Nyan Tora.Kanno Yōko
Macross Frontier, the third anime installment in the Macross series that began with The Super Dimension Fortress Macross broadcast in 1982, carries on the franchise’s hallmark love triangle.
It portrays the romance and lives of a young male protagonist and two songstresses.
The songs featured in the series are all very popular—especially one of the opening themes, Lion, which has become a karaoke staple.
This second soundtrack includes not only the popular theme songs but also insert songs, making it irresistible for fans.
Anime “Kids on the Slope” Original SoundtrackKanno Yōko
Speaking of Yoko Kanno, she boasts worldwide recognition for her genre-defying style and is one of Japan’s leading composers, active across a wide range of fields since the success of Macross Plus in 1994, including animation works like Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, as well as her collaborations with Maaya Sakamoto.
Opinions on Kanno’s best work likely vary from listener to listener, but this time I’d like to introduce the soundtrack to Kids on the Slope, which was adapted into an anime and aired in 2012.
Centered on the theme of jazz, the series was highly praised for its superb visuals that faithfully recreated scenes of the characters actually performing jazz classics.
Naturally, the soundtrack Kanno produced is “jazz”-conscious as well, featuring up-and-coming musicians of the time such as Takashi Matsunaga on piano and Shun Ishiwaka on drums.
From Kanno’s original pieces to famous jazz standards, the album is a striking collection where thrilling, high-tension sessions give rise to spectacular performances.
Yoko Kanno’s masterpieces. Recommended tracks (31–40)
Kanno Yōko
This is Sumitomo Life’s 2011 commercial, “My Future, Our Future.” It features Masaki Aiba from Arashi talking about the future.
At the beginning there’s a slow-motion running scene; his long limbs look lithe and healthily beautiful, like a gazelle.
The words “Rinki ōhen” (adaptability) written in chalk on a scoreboard—apparently in Aiba’s own handwriting—add a nice touch.
Seeds of LifeKanno Yōko
The world-renowned music producer Yoko Kanno.
Her piano piece “Seeds of Life” has long been beloved as the background music for Cosmo Oil’s commercial series.
The “Trajectory of Growth” version is crafted to look back on Cosmo Oil’s journey to date in harmony with the beautiful tones.
The gentle mood of the piece and the commercial’s worldview are a perfect match.
It also runs a bit longer than a typical TV commercial, allowing you to savor the music at leisure.
Tenko ~ Tiger WomanKanno Yōko
This is the theme song for “Onna Joshu Naotora,” composed by Yoko Kanno.
“Onna Joshu Naotora” is the 56th Taiga drama, broadcast since January 8, 2017.
It portrays Ii Naotora, the female lord of Ii Valley in Enshu who raised Ii Naomasa, with Kou Shibasaki—making her first appearance in an NHK drama—playing the lead.
The opening theme begins with a brilliant fanfare, as if a party is about to start, followed by a gorgeous melody.
Kanno Yōko
This is a commercial featuring Masaki Aiba and Keiko Kitagawa.
Judging from their ages at the time, it’s clearly a message aimed at young people.
I think it perfectly fits the image of “supporting the future.” The natural, conversational tone while communicating with others enhances the sense of reassurance.
The brand image also comes across positively.
The BGM by Yoko Kanno matches well.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some of Yoko Kanno’s masterpieces and recommended tracks.
What did you think? Even if this was your first time consciously listening to her music, I bet there was at least one song you recognized.
There are many more Yoko Kanno songs out there.
If you’d like to dive deeper into her world, be sure to check out her other tracks too!