[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)
SAYONARAMary MacGregor
This is the ending theme of the film Farewell to Space Battleship Galaxy Express 999, created by American singer Mary MacGregor, who topped the U.S.
charts in 1976 with her smash hit Torn Between Two Lovers.
For this animated film released in August 1981, she wrote both the lyrics and the music, resulting in a roughly five-and-a-half-minute ballad featuring an impressive, grand orchestration by the Los Angeles Symphony.
The lyrics, which sing of the sorrow of parting and the hope that follows, are carried by her delicate and emotionally rich vocals, and together with the movie’s final scene, they leave a deep impression on the audience.
Showcasing the power of music to transcend borders, this masterpiece is recommended not only for anime fans but also for lovers of Western pop.
I Really Want to Stay At Your HouseRosa Walton
Rosa Walton, originally from the UK, is an artist known for synth-pop and dream pop, performing as a member of the pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma.
This piece was created in December 2020 for the soundtrack of the game Cyberpunk 2077, and later drew attention when it was used in the 2022 Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Characterized by its emotional lyrics and melody, it plays during pivotal scenes depicting the relationship between the protagonists, David and Lucy, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
Following the anime’s broadcast, it achieved international success, reaching number 68 on the UK Singles Chart.
Highly recommended for fans of the cyberpunk aesthetic and anime enthusiasts.
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.