RAG MusicBand
A wonderful Japanese music band

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!

A special feature on WANIMA’s standout masterpieces and popular songs, shining with exhilarating freshness and care!! (41–50)

GongWANIMA

When it comes to performing tracks that lift your spirits and push you forward, no one tops WANIMA—the kings of positive songs.

Their track “GONG” serves as the theme song for One Piece Stampede, the theatrical film commemorating the 20th anniversary of the hugely popular anime One Piece.

It meshes perfectly with the world of One Piece and is quintessentially WANIMA, pulling you powerfully toward the light.

A showcase of WANIMA’s standout and popular songs, shining with exhilarating freshness and meticulous care!! (51–60)

HOPEWANIMA

[WANIMA] HOPE - Tried Playing the Bass
HOPEWANIMA

A song that evokes a story in true WANIMA fashion starts off with music that gives a surf vibe.

From there, KENTA’s straightforward voice rings out, and it really hits you in the chest.

I think it’s one of the most wonderful masterpieces among WANIMA’s songs.

Hey yo…WANIMA

WANIMA / Hey yo… bass [cover] with lyrics
Hey yo...WANIMA

Among their songs, this one is relatively rare—a piece with a notably calm atmosphere.

Even so, you can clearly feel the WNAIMA touch in the undulating bassline, airy guitar, and tight drums—impressive as always.

The lyrics are said to be about the earthquake disaster, but what one senses there seems adaptable to each listener; it feels like there are as many interpretations as there are people who listen.

SubmarineWANIMA

I tried playing WANIMA's “Submarine” on guitar, everybody!
SubmarineWANIMA

Many of WANIMA’s songs are high-energy and fiery, but this track starts quietly and gradually builds up.

The sections with lots of call-and-response are very characteristic of WANIMA and get everyone pumped up together!

Foam on the ShoreWANIMA

WANIMA “Utakata on the Beach” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Foam on the ShoreWANIMA

Another side of catchy WANIMA is songs with “mature lyrics,” like this one! Besides “Nagisa no Uketamashi,” they’ve released plenty of tracks in this vein, but the lyrics of this one are almost too much to look at head-on (lol)! As for the music, it’s the quintessential WANIMA: a danceable, body-swaying beat centered on the drums, intertwined with guitar and bass whose straightforward sound leaves a strong impression.

Sunset StripWANIMA

You can feel the flavors of ska and reggae, making it a song you want to listen to while swaying your body.

The lyrics spun out one after another by KENTA’s high-pitched vocals are addictive! Overall, the guitar backing that marks a ska rhythm takes the lead, but in the build-up sections before the chorus and the like, the three members’ performances become one, and you’re steadily carried along by their groove.

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.