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[2026] Popular in America! A Collection of Japanese Anime Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Do you know which songs have captured people’s hearts where Japanese anime has washed ashore? Beyond the shows themselves, the anime songs that color their openings and endings are passionately discussed by fans overseas, especially in the United States.

Videos of people humming the lyrics spread on social media, and massive sing-alongs break out at live events—the excitement is beyond imagination.

Effortlessly leaping over language barriers, resonating through melody and emotion—that’s the mysterious power of anime songs.

In this article, we’ve gathered a rich selection of Japanese anime songs beloved in America, from the latest hits to timeless classics.

Give them a listen, and you’ll surely feel the heat for yourself!

[2026] Popular in the U.S.! A Collection of Japanese Anime Songs (11–20)

Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon

Crimson Bow and Arrow

Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon

This is a song by Linked Horizon, the music project led by Revo, which achieved explosive worldwide popularity as the opening theme of the anime Attack on Titan.

It was included on the single “Jiyū e no Shingeki,” released in July 2013, and sparked a social phenomenon, even reaching number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Its structure—melding German mixed chorus, symphonic orchestra, and intense band sound—is nothing short of overwhelming.

The anger and resolve of humanity confronting the threat of the Titans are expressed through dramatic melodies.

It offers an immersive experience that conjures scenes from the story each time you listen, making it a grand rock number perfect for moments when you want to fire yourself up or belt it out at karaoke to get the crowd going.

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In conclusion

Behind the rising popularity of Japanese anime songs across the ocean in the United States lies the sheer energy of the music itself and its deep connection to the stories. The power of music to leap effortlessly over language barriers is truly something special. If a song catches your interest, be sure to experience it alongside the anime it comes from. In the moments when the work and the music overlap, you’re sure to find a new kind of excitement waiting!