Hosted by the music production duo “manamik”! What are Manami Kiyota’s popular songs?
Composer Aimi Kiyota, who became interested in video game music from a young age thanks to Dragon Quest, made her debut as a singer while still in college.
She built her musical background by playing trumpet in her junior high school brass band and studying classical vocal music in high school.
She is also known for her multifaceted activities, including performing instruments for the scores of TV dramas and anime.
This time, we present a ranking of Aimi Kiyota’s most popular songs—why not take a look and discover the depth of her talent?
Hosted by the music production unit “manamik”! What are Manami Kiyota’s most popular songs (1–10)?
Tiger! Tiger!Kiyota Manami1rank/position
This track, which plays during an in-game minigame, is characterized by its light, rhythmic tempo.
Its sound design perfectly suits a retro 8-bit arcade game style, energizing the player’s actions.
Composed by Aimi Kiyota, it is included on the soundtrack for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, released in 2017.
The piece charms with a nostalgic atmosphere that matches the game’s content, evoking a sense of old-school familiarity while carrying an energetic tone that fits fast-paced action.
It’s a recommended listen for fans of retro games and action alike.
Mantokun’s Song♪Kiyota Manami2rank/position
Mantokun is a famous mascot character from Nara Prefecture, alongside Sentokun, and is notable for having been created by a private organization.
This theme song sings about Mantokun’s background and characteristics.
The singer is Aimi Kiyota, known for her work on video game music.
Elpis Spirit CavernKiyota Manami3rank/position
I imagine most players were most impressed by how it was used in the Elpis Ruins.
It’s also used in Episode 1’s Uzushio and inside the Arkadia Colossus in Episode 5.
The mysterious chorus and the simple, beautiful piano—perhaps a touch unique to a female composer? It’s lovely.
Saihate VillageKiyota Manami4rank/position
Village and town themes in games are often so comforting, aren’t they? This track is no exception—it’s very soothing.
It has that calm, coming-home-to-your-parents’ house kind of feeling.
There’s a strong sense of security, and I can picture you as the player really relaxing and taking a deep breath.
It has a slightly folk-like vibe and feels very reassuring.
Doesn’t it make you feel as if you’re being gently rocked in a cradle?
ZanzaKiyota Manami5rank/position
It’s a mystical intro with a futuristic-sounding texture and something like a chorus, right? And then midway through, the mood suddenly shifts—doesn’t it make your heart race? Games are supposed to get your heart pumping, and this track takes that feeling to the next level.
The striking, super-cool chorus really stands out.
It gives you chills, doesn’t it?
Makna ForestKiyota Manami6rank/position
As the title suggests, it’s a track brimming with wildness.
This game has a lot of grim scenes, but I remember this one piece being strangely soothing.
It’s such a calming song.
The percussion nicely evokes a primitive atmosphere, while the piano, in contrast, gives it a touch of civilization.
ancient shipKiyota Manami7rank/position
This is the BGM that plays on one of the maps in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the Ancient Ship.
Since the Ancient Ship is an area you explore early in the game, players who have played it may find the track quite memorable.
It’s an arrangement that conveys a mystical atmosphere.
The composer is Aimi Kiyota, a composer who is also active as a radio personality.
In the Fallen Land… / NightKiyota Manami8rank/position
This song really evokes a hopeless, utterly irredeemable situation.
It makes me feel kind of sad… That kind of tragedy, where even a helping hand can no longer reach, is almost a staple in games.
And maybe it’s precisely those sad moments that make a work truly memorable.
This track could be called the essential BGM for scenes like that.
Awakening of the ColossusKiyota Manami9rank/position
The majestic sound arrangement is simply overwhelming.
The existence of the Bionis is crucial to Xenoblade’s story.
It has the weight perfectly suited to that scene where the very world—the sort of field map the protagonists have been journeying across—gains a will of its own and begins to move.
You can feel the tension and power from the music itself.
A common thread throughout the Xenoblade series is that everything operates on a grand scale, and this piece is exactly that.
hopeKiyota Manami10rank/position
This song feels like the clouds are clearing to reveal a bright sky.
You can almost imagine light streaming through the breaks in the clouds, right? As it goes on, the way it becomes more rhythmic is wonderfully pleasant to listen to.
Intense game music is cool too, but hearing a gentle track like this is comforting, isn’t it? It feels like coming home.