Lovely anime song

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

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
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.

In a sense, anime opening and ending themes are very important—many songs are so striking that they define a work’s image.

There are all kinds of anime songs, from classic “anison”-style tracks to songs performed by voice actors.

In this article, we’ve compiled songs by Western artists and bands that have been used as theme music in Japanese anime.

Some people might feel that Western music and Japanese anime don’t really go together, but in fact they’re used quite often.

You might even discover Western songs used in surprising titles—ones that even Western music fans didn’t know about.

Be sure to check it out!

[2026] Western songs used in Japanese anime (21–30)

I love anime!

Last ChristmasWham!

Wham! – Last Christmas (Official Video)

Last ChristmasWham!

“Anime Daisuki!” Season 21 ending theme.

This show, called “I Love Anime,” was a Kansai-local program that introduced OVAs (original video animations), and it seems a wide variety of Western songs were used besides this one.

The song itself is one of the quintessential Christmas tracks by Wham!.

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Girls on FilmDuran Duran

Speed grapher OP girls on film

Girls on FilmDuran Duran

Duran Duran, the British rock band that helped ignite the New Romantic movement in the 1980s.

This track is irresistible for its post-disco groove driven by a funky bassline and tight drums.

Layered on top are razor-edged guitar riffs and shimmering synthesizer tones that feel oh-so-good.

Lyrically, the song shines with a sharp critical eye, exposing the exploitation and fabrication lurking behind the glamorous world of fashion models.

Released in July 1981 and included on the classic album “Duran Duran,” it became the band’s first UK Top 10 hit.

It was also used as the opening theme for the anime “Speed Grapher,” and its stylish, danceable sound is sure to lift your spirits!

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Section Manager Prince

CAUTIONARY WARNINGJohn Sykes

Cautionary Warning

CAUTIONARY WARNINGJohn Sykes

The ending theme of Kacho-Ōji.

Perhaps because the protagonist is a former guitarist, the song has a metal style.

This anime, Kacho-Ōji, is a TV series produced by Anime International Company and was broadcast on WOWOW.

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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Egypt Arc

Last Train HomePat Metheny Group

PAT METHENY Last Train Home

Last Train HomePat Metheny Group

This is also the ending theme from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Egypt Arc.

In contrast to the previous songs, this one is instrumental (no vocals).

The sound of the train whistle and the mellow guitar tones add a touch of emotion that enriches the anime.

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DRIFTERS

Gospel Of The ThrottleMinutes Til Midnight

Gospel Of The Throttle by Minutes Til Midnight

Gospel Of The ThrottleMinutes Til Midnight

The opening theme of Drifters.

It’s a track by the Los Angeles rock band MINUTES TIL MIDNIGHT.

The song is included on their 2015 album Bulletproof Dreams.

The languid vocals with an alternative vibe paired with the intense rock sound make it a really cool song.

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RWBY

RWBY OpeningCasey Lee Williams

RWBY Opening 1 Full (Lyrics)

RWBY OpeningCasey Lee Williams

The opening theme of RWBY.

It’s the opening song for the overseas web anime RWBY.

The series, which was originally popular only on the web, became so successful that it was eventually broadcast on television.

The composer is Jeff Williams, but it seems he has no relation to Jeff Williams, the former Hanshin Tigers player.

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SPEED GRAPHER

Gravure idol beautyDuran Duran

Speed Grapher Opening

Gravure Idol Beauty Duran Duran

The opening theme of SPEED GRAPHER.

It’s a famous song by the hugely popular glam rock band Duran Duran.

The English title is Girls on Film.

The promotional video, which was censored for being provocative by the standards of the time, is also a must-see.

Included on the album Duran Duran.

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In producing this article

Editorial Policy

Using YouTube and online articles as references, I’ve picked out Western songs that were used in Japanese anime. Drawing on my experience as a music writer, I’ll be selecting and introducing Western tracks that appeared as opening themes, ending themes, and insert songs in Japanese anime.

Fukkun :) Tatsuki Fukuda (dancer)

KOH-1 (music writer)

[Evidence]

https://news.awa.fm/columns/anime-popular

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

2025/8/16: Added/updated one review.
June 3, 2025: Added/updated four reviews and refreshed the entire article.
April 23, 2025: Added/updated one review.
Nov 1, 2024: Added/updated one review.
April 30, 2024: Added/updated one review.
2024/4/20: Added/updated 1 review.
January 31, 2024: Added/updated 15 reviews and updated the entire article.
Added/updated one review on 2018/9/15.
April 5, 2018: Added/updated 1 review.
Added/updated 21 reviews on 2018/4/4.
Published the article on 2018/4/1.