Legendary Composer of the Anison World! Ranking of Kohei Tanaka’s Popular Songs
Composer Kohei Tanaka has been responsible for numerous anime songs since he began his career in 1982.
He studied abroad for two years at Berklee College of Music, and in 2002 he won the Music Award for Animation of the Year at the Tokyo Anime Award.
With a career spanning over 40 years, his body of work is something that people of virtually any generation have likely encountered in some form.
Here, we present a ranking of Kohei Tanaka’s most popular songs, befitting his reputation as a legendary composer.
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Legendary Anisong Composer! Kohei Tanaka’s Top Songs Ranking (1–10)
For the Imperial Capital…Tanaka Kouhei8rank/position
In the original Sakura Wars, the track used in the latter-half battle scenes is “For the Imperial Capital…”.
After the new armament “Jinbu,” used by the characters in the game, is completed, the regular battle theme switches from the original to this one as a stylistic choice.
It’s a fiery, quintessential battle BGM that’s highly regarded among gamers.
Future (Voyage)Tanaka Kouhei9rank/position
In Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?, the third installment in the Sakura Wars series, the story shifts from Japan, the setting of the previous titles, to Paris, France, as the title suggests.
“Mirai (Voyage)” is the ending theme, a song about the protagonist’s farewell to the people of Paris.
As the French word “voyage” suggests, the song centers on the theme of setting out on a journey.
Kiss me sweetTanaka Kouhei10rank/position
This is the ending theme of the fifth installment in the Sakura Wars series, Sakura Wars V: So Long, My Love.
Set in New York, it differs markedly from previous entries, featuring a jazz-style song sung over piano and strings.
It’s a gentle, balladic piece that evokes the feel of the final scene of a romantic film.
Legendary Composer in the Anisong World! Kohei Tanaka's Popular Songs Ranking (11–20)
Wholesome Teigeki LifeTanaka Kouhei11rank/position
The popular game Sakura Wars is set in the fictional “Taisho era,” and this track uniquely blends a real Taisho Romance ambience with techno elements.
It was used as the BGM when moving around inside the Grand Imperial Theater that appears in the story.
In contrast to the tense battle scenes, it has a heartwarming feel—just as the title suggests.
We are!Tanaka Kouhei12rank/position
Composer Kohei Tanaka has created countless masterpieces and is an indispensable presence in the world of anime music.
The single released in November 1999 as the first opening theme for the TV anime One Piece is memorable for its powerful words and melody that evoke the exhilaration of adventure and the bonds of friendship.
Its sound, brimming with a sense of scale like setting out to sea, and its driving beat would surely shine in a wind ensemble performance as well.
The pop-infused ensemble lifts the energy, making it enjoyable for both performers and listeners.
If showcased on a school festival stage, this catchy number is guaranteed to unite the entire venue in excitement.
Sakura Wars Jump: Debate, Maidens!Tanaka Kouhei13rank/position
This work was produced by composer Kohei Tanaka, the creator of the series’ music, as a related recording for the game Sakura Wars 4 ~Fall in Love, Maidens~.
Released in April 2002, it is included on the acclaimed album Sakura Wars 4 ~Fall in Love, Maidens~ Complete Collection: Geki! Teikoku ~Final Chapter~, which won the 17th Japan Gold Disc Award.
The dazzling sound arrangement feels as if it’s rallying the maidens—truly wonderful.
Victory!Tanaka Kouhei14rank/position
In Sakura Wars, this is the BGM that plays when you win a battle.
Paired with each character’s victory pose, this music is something fans who’ve played the game have heard countless times.
A game’s victory theme is like a triumphant war cry—its exhilarating sound and frequent repetition make it instantly familiar to gamers.