A roundup of anime works themed around music

BECK

Moon on the water – Koyuki Tanaka (Beck)

Based on the manga by Harold Sakuishi and later adapted into a live-action film, BECK is an anime centered on a rock band.

It follows Koyuki, an ordinary middle schooler who awakens to rock music and dives headfirst into band life with the new friends he meets.

The series captures the feeling of youth spent with music, and it’s packed with scenes that will resonate with anyone who’s played in a band.

Many viewers were struck by the memorable line from Ryusuke Minami, a key character in the story: “Chemistry is essential in a band.” Fans of music will find countless touches to love, from real rock songs appearing as tracks by the bands in the anime to characters and story elements inspired by actual musicians.

Music

71 minutes all hand-drawn! Trailer for the animated film 'On-Gaku: Our Sound'

The anime film Music has a straight-to-the-point title.

It’s a passionately crafted work based on Hiroyuki Ohashi’s manga On-Gaku: Our Sound, created over more than seven years under director Kenji Iwaisawa.

The story follows a group of protagonists who, after acquiring a bass by chance, start a band—but honestly, I feel the only way to appreciate this film’s appeal is to watch it.

In rock terms, this might be the embodiment of that so-called “first impulse.” After you finish it, you’ll almost certainly want to share your thoughts with someone.

Senki Zesshō Symphogear

Maria × Tsubasa Kazanari (CV: Yoko Hikasa × Nana Mizuki) “Celestial Galaxy Cross” live footage

Senki Zesshō Symphogear is a work that depicts heroines who turn song into power and charge into battle.

Created by music producer Noriyasu Agematsu, head of Elements Garden, the series’ biggest appeal lies in its high-impact tracks, including the insert songs.

Because the relationship between singing and combat is central to the story, the portrayals of fight scenes and live performances are noteworthy highlights.

The music alone is enjoyable thanks to its high quality, but it’s a series best experienced by immersing yourself in the songs’ world alongside the live and battle scenes.

Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-

“Hypnosis Mic -Rhyme Anima-” MV

Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle, popularly known as “HypMic,” is an anime where rap battles unfold, with characters fighting using rap as their weapon instead of conventional arms.

It originally began as a character rap project featuring male voice actors, with six rap teams competing.

Notable artists such as Zeebra and Creepy Nuts contributed to the music production, along with Shingo Fujimori of Oriental Radio and Dragon Ash.

Even if you don’t usually listen to rap, the uniquely charming characters might draw you in—before you know it, you could be hooked on both the anime and the world of rap!

Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji LOVE 1000%

'Maji LOVE 1000%' Non-Telop Version

This anime is based on a romance adventure game for women released by Broccoli Co., Ltd.

Noriyasu Agematsu of Elements Garden handled the original concept, and the story features episodes with the male idol group ST☆RISH.

The ending theme, performed by all members of ST☆RISH, is a noteworthy highlight, conveying each idol’s personality through their vocals.

The high-quality songs produced by the members of Elements Garden are also a major attraction of the work.

Your Lie in April

Your Lie in April - First Teaser PV

An anime based on Naoshi Arakawa’s manga, it tells the story of a middle school pianist and a violinist.

Kosei Arima, the protagonist, was drilled by his mother to believe that playing exactly as written on the score is the only correct way, and he delivers impeccably precise performances.

After his mother’s death, however, he becomes unable to play the piano.

A few years later, Kosei meets the heroine, Kaori Miyazono, whose free-spirited, uninhibited playing style contrasts with his own, and the two begin performing together, influencing each other along the way.

In addition to its musical narrative and the romance between the two, the anime portrays the feelings of each character, building to a tear-jerking conclusion.

It became a major topic of conversation when it aired and remains popular even among people who don’t usually watch anime.

K-On!

Don’t say “lazy”

It’s a story about four high school girls who form a band in a light music club that’s on the verge of being disbanded, and how they build the club up together.

Rather than a full-on band-centric work, it feels more like an anime depicting the members’ laid-back everyday lives.

The songs performed in the show are authentic and have a charm that makes you want to play them yourself.

Another distinctive point is how the vibe of the opening and ending themes differs greatly.

Guitar fans should also listen for the eyecatch sound effects!