Legendary Composer of the Anison World! Ranking of Kohei Tanaka’s Popular Songs

Under the imperial bannerTanaka Kouhei1rank/position

[HD] Sakura Wars 3 — Theme Song “Under the Imperial Banner”

This is the opening theme of Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?, released in 2001.

Along with “Gekitei (The Imperial Assault Force),” it is considered one of the most popular songs among fans.

The opening animation was produced by the renowned anime studio Production I.G, which drew attention together with the song.

Its rousing orchestral sound is particularly striking.

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Rousing! Imperial Assault ForceTanaka Kouhei2rank/position

Sakura Wars Theme Song “Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan” [FULL]

When it comes to Sakura Wars, this is the song that immediately comes to mind, isn’t it? Just hearing the intro gets you hyped! In the game, it’s used as the opening theme.

When the first Sakura Wars was released, it was rare for game characters to sing at all, and this song is often cited as one of the first so-called “character songs.” You can hear different arrangement versions across the series and in the anime adaptation.

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Flower of ParisTanaka Kouhei3rank/position

Paris of Flowers

Hana no Paris was produced as an insert song for the third installment of the Sakura Wars series, Sakura Wars 3: Is Paris Burning?.

It was also released as a single as the B-side to the theme song Under the Imperial Flag.

As the title suggests, it’s a track with a lively, joyful rhythm that seems to pack the glamorous atmosphere of the city of Paris straight into the music.

cherry blossomTanaka Kouhei4rank/position

cherry blossom

The first animated adaptation of the popular Sakura Wars game series was the OVA Sakura Wars: Ouka Kenran, released in 1997.

The insert song featured in it is Sakura, performed by the main character, Sakura Shinguji.

Lyricist Oji Hiroi and composer Kohei Tanaka took on the challenge of creating a traditional Japanese shoka with this piece, resulting in a song that brings out the beauty of the Japanese language.

We, the Kuro-no-su SocietyTanaka Kouhei5rank/position

Sakura Wars: We, the Kuro-no-Sukai (Black Nest Society)

In the first game of the Sakura Wars series, the enemies are the Kuro no Subakai.

This piece, “We Are the Kuro no Subakai,” was created as their theme song.

It has an ominous, downright sinister atmosphere, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better villain theme.

Despite not being performed by voice actors, it enjoys a kind of hidden popularity among fans.

The continuation of a dreamTanaka Kouhei6rank/position

The continuation of a dream

This song was used as the ending theme for Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die.

With its bright and glamorous tone, it really conveys that the game reaches a happy ending.

Listening to it somehow lifts your spirits.

It’s included on releases such as the 1998 album Sakura Wars 2: Song Collection, so check it out if you’re interested.

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For the Imperial Capital…Tanaka Kouhei7rank/position

Sakura Wars: For the Imperial Capital...

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.