A special feature on WANIMA’s finest and most popular songs, shining with piercing exhilaration and meticulous craftsmanship!!
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!
- WANIMA's Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- WANIMA's Graduation Songs, Entrance Songs, and Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- WANIMA songs that are easy to sing, including tracks that are approachable even for those who struggle with high notes!
- WANIMA's Support Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- WANIMA Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Songs with powerful lyrics. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Hit and popular songs by SUPER BEAVER
- A huge hit with “Betsukano”! Must-listen wacci songs with emotionally moving lyrics
- WANIMA Karaoke Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Popular Songs by SHANK] Straight Outta Nagasaki! A Showcase of Masterpieces from the Melodic Hardcore Band
- Hi-STANDARD’s Signature Songs and Hidden Gems Guide [2026]
- 10-FEET Support Songs and Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Hi-STANDARD Popular Song Ranking [2026]
A special feature on WANIMA’s standout classics and popular tracks that shine with exhilarating freshness and meticulous care!! (21–30)
To Be ContinuedWANIMA
I think WANIMA’s songs are distinctive in that, whether they’re about their hometown, a way of life, regrets, or the future, they evoke scenes that resonate personally with anyone who listens.
This song is one of those, and I believe it hits home precisely because it’s sung by WANIMA, who live life to the fullest.
SHADESWANIMA
This is a promotional commercial announcing a campaign to deliver in Jelly and a WANIMA live performance to high school students nationwide.
In the commercial, WANIMA performs “SHADES” on a school rooftop while handwritten messages of encouragement are sent to high schoolers.
Combined with the lyrics of “SHADES,” which sing about pressing forward even while struggling, the result is a deeply moving commercial.
HumanWANIMA
KENTA’s straightforward singing over the clean guitar sound in the intro is truly gripping.
The lyrics convey a strong will to keep going—refusing to give up—even while living with anxiety about the present.
WANIMA is known for lyrics that resonate with people’s hearts, and I’m sure many will relate to the words in this song as well.
I believe it will be a track that gives you a push forward.
LIFEWANIMA
WANIMA is a band that energizes many people with power-packed songs.
All members are from Kumamoto Prefecture: vocalist/bassist KENTA and guitarist KO-SHIN are from Amakusa City, and drummer FUJI is from Kumamoto City.
Before forming WANIMA in 2010, they had a predecessor band called HANIWA.
In 2014, they released their first nationally distributed mini-album, “Can Not Behaved,” and subsequently gained attention by appearing at numerous major festivals such as Kyoto Daisakusen and ROCK IN JAPAN.
In 2017, they performed on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, delivering a powerful vocal performance.
Their many invigorating tracks—songs that fill you with energy just by listening—have been featured in numerous tie-ins for TV dramas, anime, and commercials.
DriveWANIMA
It was released as a single in 2018 and was chosen as the theme song for the film OVER DRIVE.
The straightforward, simple lyrics are striking, and it’s a track that really fires people up.
It’s packed with WANIMA’s signature style, and the powerful vocals linger in your ears.
flying fishWANIMA
This song was released on August 13, 2025.
Since it’s mostly composed in the low-mid to high-mid range, I think it’s relatively easy to sing in terms of vocal range.
There’s a C5 in the first and last chorus, and it feels great if you ride the melody and push it out with momentum there.
It has WANIMA’s signature rock vibe with a distinctive rhythm, so let’s lock in a few key points.
The song actually starts from the chorus, and it kicks off on the offbeat.
It’s fine to place the accent on the first beat, so make sure to line up firmly there.
The A section has rap elements, so rhythm matters more than pitch.
Try using your hands like you’re shaking maracas and keep time at double speed.
It’s a short track at about three minutes, but it sounds really cool if you can nail it—definitely give it a try at karaoke!
Yesterday’s SongWANIMA
A song that’s so quintessentially melodic hardcore it blasts by in just under a minute.
That said, it’s packed with WANIMA’s signature style, blending melodic hardcore with ska elements.
The aggressive, forward-driving delivery is seriously cool.
Pay attention to the guitar riffs and the tight, perfectly synced groove of the three members as you listen!