[2026] A compilation of Western songs used in Japanese anime
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!
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[2026] Western songs used in Japanese anime (21–30)
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.
THE LIGHT BEFORE WE LANDThe Delgados
The Delgados’ “The Light Before We Land,” by the indie rock band from Scotland, is a gem featured on their 2002 album Hate.
With its alternative sheen, melodic guitar fuzz, and the understated yet resonant vocals of Emma Pollock and Alun Woodward, the song made a strong impact on the mood of the anime Gunslinger Girl.
The lyrics convey a fleeting state of mind in which the value of life feels diminished and things once beautiful seem drab—deeply resonating with the characters’ inner worlds.
Even among those who listened to the Delgados in real time, many may not know that this song was used in the anime.
[2026] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Japanese Anime (31–40)
Samurai Jack Japanese IntroSamurai Jack
Samurai Jack opening theme.
Like the previous one, it’s an animated series produced by Cartoon Network.
It’s rap-style—another type of anime song that’s rarely heard in Japan.
Composed by James L.
Venable.
It uses plenty of sounds that evoke Japan.
The OneBackstreet Boys
The opening theme of Hanada Shonen-shi.
They’re an ultra-popular American idol group.
You could even say they were a forerunner to today’s groups like One Direction.
They’re a monster group with total CD sales exceeding 130 million.
It’s a refreshingly upbeat song, very fitting for idols.
Fly Me To The MoonClaire Littley
An insert song from Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Sung by Claire Littley, who is active in London.
Her husky yet strangely warm voice suits this track very well.
Apparently, she is currently working in advertising design and as an illustrator.
Colorado BulldogMr. BIG
Only episode 1 of “Heaven’s Memo Pad” uses this ending theme.
It’s included on the album Bump Ahead by the virtuoso band Mr.
Big.
I think you’ll understand why only the first episode used this song if you watch the main story.
From episode 2 onward, Kenichi Suzumura’s “Asunaro” is used.
My Foolish HeartBill Evans Trio
It’s an insert song from Seraph of the End.
It’s a famous piece by Bill Evans, a leading pianist in modern jazz.
It has been covered by many other artists, and some versions even have lyrics.
In Japanese, the title is rendered as “Orokana watashi no kokoro,” which means “My Foolish Heart.”