A wonderful Japanese music band

A special feature on WANIMA’s finest and most popular songs, shining with piercing exhilaration and meticulous craftsmanship!!

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Here’s an introduction to some of the classic and popular songs by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto that helped reignite the melodic hardcore (melodic punk) boom in the 2010s!

They’re a new-generation melodic hardcore band carrying on the wave from Hi-STANDARD, MONGOL800, and 10-FEET.

In addition to their musical strengths—catchy tracks that skillfully weave in reggae and ska elements, tight musicianship, and impressive vocal harmonies—their boundlessly cheerful personalities are also a huge part of their appeal.

By the way, it’s well known that “1106” is a song dedicated to bassist-vocalist KENTA’s grandfather, who was a fisherman.

KENTA himself is also said to be quite skilled at fishing, often dropping a line with whatever gear he has on hand during breaks between tours.

Now, enjoy!

A showcase of WANIMA’s standout and popular songs brimming with exhilarating freshness and polished craftsmanship!! (71–80)

Waiting for springWANIMA

Haruwo Matte

Waiting for springWANIMA

It’s a hopeful rock tune that sings about how even if things are tough now, you’ll surely be rewarded someday.

It’s a song by WANIMA, a band known for their powerful sound and hits like “Tomoni” and “Yatte Minayo.” Released as a single in 2020, its strong vocals and driving tempo are a perfect match, and it really stirs the heart.

It’s a positive song you’ll want to belt out with your right hand raised high in the air during spring, the season of new beginnings.

It might be great to sing arm-in-arm with friends, too.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Beyond the doorWANIMA

Lipovitan D, made by Taisho Pharmaceutical, is a nutritional drink with overwhelming name recognition.

WANIMA’s “Tobira no Mukou” (“Beyond the Door”), featured in its commercial, is a refreshing rock tune that lifts your spirits.

KENTA’s piercing vocals, KO-SHIN’s aggressive guitar, and FUJI’s powerful drums all blend perfectly to create a comfortable groove.

By the way, the commercial features professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama, and his straightforward passion is a perfect match for the song’s straight-ahead sound.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

WANIMA

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

WANIMA

CHARM,” with WANIMA’s signature burst of radiant energy, feels great.

WANIMA’s songs are perfect for getting everyone hyped together—their high energy is such a thrill.

The track was used in Kikkoman’s Olympic support commercial, and just like this song, we want to have fun, get fired up with our friends, and cheer on the athletes who are fighting together!

Raise the rankinglower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Think That…WANIMA

WANIMA 1st Single “Think That…” Trailer

Think That...WANIMA

“Think That…” is WANIMA’s debut single, released on August 5, 2015.

They are a three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture.

The band is well known for “Yatte Minayo,” a rock-arranged version of the children’s song “Picnic,” which was used in the au Santaro series commercials.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

existenceWANIMA

WANIMA “Existence” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO / Flower Cupid Mother’s Day CM song

existenceWANIMA

This song features a warm melody filled with gratitude and prayers for family that truly resonates.

Memories of growing up in a seaside town and days spent with loved ones are expressed in gentle words, conveying WANIMA’s sincere feelings.

Flowing comfortably at a medium tempo, the track preserves the band’s core rock sound while ambitiously venturing into more emotional expression.

It was selected as the Mother’s Day campaign theme song for Hana Cupid in March 2025 and was used in a commercial featuring actor Shohei Miura.

It’s the perfect track for times when you’re working hard with friends to prepare for school festivals, or when you want to deepen bonds with your teammates.

WANIMA’s message-driven music is highly recommended for anyone who wants to share their feelings for someone important.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem