[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] Compilation of Western Songs Used in Japanese Anime (41–50)
We Were LoversJean-Jacques Burnel
The opening theme of Gankutsuou.
It was reportedly created after director Mahiro Maeda went all the way to the UK to ask Jean-Jacques Burnel, former bassist of the British rock band The Stranglers.
The piano melodies make it a lovely piece.
DrowningBackstreet Boys
The ghost comedy manga Hanada Shonen-shi was serialized in 1993 and adapted into a TV anime in 2002.
The song used for the ending theme at that time was this track by the American idol group Backstreet Boys, and a Backstreet Boys song was also used for the opening theme.
To Be Freestella furst
The theme song of Sol Bianca: The Legacy.
This anime, Sol Bianca: The Legacy, is an OVA (original video animation) produced by AIC and Pioneer.
Its cyberpunk-style setting has been praised in some circles.
The singer, Stella Furst, is said to be an Austrian opera singer.
Laflora PrincessLa Flora the Princess Academy
The opening theme of “la flora the princess academy.” This anime is from Thailand, but details are unclear.
However, from the art style and so on, you can tell it’s heavily influenced by Japan.
Is this the standard for Thai anime?
Duvetbôa
Bôa’s song “Duvet,” used as the opening theme for the anime Serial Experiments Lain and loved by a wide audience, delicately portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they carry disappointment and a sense of loss while continuing to move forward.
Released in 1998 alongside the anime’s broadcast, the track struck a chord not only with anime fans but also with music lovers.
Jasmine Rodgers’s wistful yet warm vocals evoke a certain nostalgia and gently resonate with listeners.
The lyrics vividly bring to light our connections with others and inner conflicts, perfectly matching the anime’s profound worldview.
In conclusion
If you’re an anime fan who isn’t very familiar with Western music, you may have discovered, “So this song was by that band or artist.” Conversely, if you know the bands and artists first, you might have been surprised to find, “Their song was used in an anime?” You’d be surprised how many examples you can find if you look—so definitely give it a deeper dive!