[2026] A compilation of Western songs used in Japanese anime

Walk Like An EgyptianThe Bangles

The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian (Official Video)

Released in 1986, The Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” was chosen as the ending theme for the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, generating excitement among fans.

Its lyrics, which pay homage to Egyptian culture and reflect changing times, emphasize respect for different cultures and a sense of freedom.

The song is also said to have been inspired by the band’s visit to Egypt, and it went on to become an international hit.

Since the anime’s story unfolds in Egypt, the selection is a perfect match, with the track’s exotic allure amplifying the show’s adventurous elements.

The synergy with Hirohiko Araki’s work makes the song stand out even more, resonating with both longtime and new fans alike.

Baby IAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – Baby I (Official Video)

“Baby I,” included on Ariana Grande’s 2013 debut album Yours Truly and still beloved by many listeners today, conveys an indescribably strong love for someone special, carried by a swaying beat.

At the same time, its polished production is pleasantly smooth, and its ’90s-style sound is irresistible.

Known for her deep love of Tamagotchi, Grande even released a newly arranged version in 2014 as the ending theme for GO-GO Tamagotchi!.

It’s a perfect track not only for fans of love songs, but also for younger generations of anime fans.

Distant DreamerDuffy

[Japanese-to-English Translation] Duffy – Distant Dreamer | Anime “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean” Ending Theme

Welsh artist Duffy’s “Distant Dreamer” is a song that reflects a longing for freedom and the strong resolve of a dream-chaser.

Included on her 2008 album Rockferry, the track was also used as the ending theme for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean.

Its lyrics portray an inner struggle—facing reality while wishing for the best circumstances, and never abandoning hope for one’s dreams.

Perfectly capturing Jolyne Cujoh’s hidden strength and conflicts, the song saw a sharp rise in streams in Japan with the anime’s 2021 debut, cementing its popularity among fans.

Offering the courage to gain the strength to overcome any hardship, this piece is especially recommended for those pursuing their dreams!

ShiverLucy Rose

Lucy Rose – Shiver

Lucy Rose’s song “Shiver” is a moving piece that captures the delicate emotional nuances of complex, fragile human relationships.

Chosen as the opening theme for the 2014 anime Mushishi: The Next Chapter, it features Rose’s delicate vocals that resonate deeply with listeners and lyrics that explore universal themes of love, vulnerability, and the fear of losing someone dear.

The song’s narrator looks back on a fading relationship, tormented by its impending end despite the deep love they share.

It portrays a bond that, despite efforts to sustain it, ultimately shatters—expressing a poignant conflict between lingering attachment to the past and the reality of the present.

The synergy with the anime is outstanding, leaving a lasting echo in viewers’ hearts.

Whether you’re new to Rose’s music or a fan of the anime, this is a work I highly recommend.

Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel

Arrietty’s Song / Cecile Corbel

This is the theme song written by singer-songwriter Cécile Corbel from Brittany, France, for Studio Ghibli’s film The Secret World of Arrietty.

Released in 2010, it’s a memorable track that weaves a fantastical atmosphere through Celtic musical traditions and the sound of the harp.

It captures the film’s theme of “the great power of small beings” in a delicate and beautiful melody and is loved in both its Japanese and English versions.

As the first Ghibli work to feature a foreign artist overseeing the entire musical production, it’s a groundbreaking piece—highly recommended for fans of fantasy works and those interested in Celtic music.

I Want YouSavage Garden

Savage Garden – I Want You (Official Video)

It was used as the ending theme for the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable.

It’s an upbeat and cool track, and the rapid whispery vocals are pleasant to listen to.

I also recommend it as background music for a walk or a drive.

Bad ReputationAvril Lavigne

Bad Reputation

A song used as the theme for ONE PIECE FILM Z.

The track was originally released in 1981 by Joan Jett, and Avril covered it in 2008.

With Avril’s signature brisk, sun-drenched pop-punk vibe, it became the film’s theme in 2012 after Eiichiro Oda took a liking to it.

Incidentally, ONE PIECE FILM Z also featured Avril’s How You Remind Me as a co-main theme, which was a cover of the rock band Nickelback’s song.

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Hane Keisuke

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