[2026] A Collection of Cool Western-Style Anime Songs
Japan’s world-renowned masterpiece anime are defined not only by their stories, but also by the crucial roles played by their opening and ending themes.
Sometimes the synergy with an anime becomes the springboard that propels a band or artist to fame, and just as often a great song elevates the anime’s worldview even further.
Among this rich and multifaceted anison culture, this time we’re highlighting the rare cases where Western songs were used—specifically, a roundup of especially cool Western tracks featured in anime.
Whether you’re a fan of Western music or an anime enthusiast, check out this article to see what Western songs have been used in Japanese anime!
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[2026] A Collection of Cool Western-Style Anisongs (11–20)
You won’t see me comingJean-Jacques Burnel
Did you know that the ending theme of Gankutsuou—the TV anime based on Alexandre Dumas père’s The Count of Monte Cristo and reinterpreted by GONZO—was actually performed by Jean-Jacques Burnel, the bassist of the legendary British punk band The Stranglers? Given that Jean is an avid reader of Yukio Mishima and a black belt in karate, making him well-versed in Japanese culture, this collaboration is especially fascinating.
True to a bassist’s sensibilities, the track is seriously cool, blending punk and alternative rock with a prominently heavy bass line.
RoundaboutYES
It’s such a stylish touch to use a masterpiece—virtually a monument of progressive rock—as an anime ending theme.
Released in November 1971, this YES track is distinguished by its complex structure and advanced musicianship.
Its poetic lyrics evoke the majestic landscapes of Scotland, blending beautifully with a psychedelic sonic aesthetic.
YES was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, and thanks to this song, they’ve become widely known among younger generations as well.
It’s an ideal track not only for anime fans but also as an introduction to progressive rock.
Put it on while driving, and you’ll feel as if you’re setting off on a grand adventure.
AbyssYungblud
A number by YUNGBLUD, a British singer-songwriter who has won support from today’s youth for his rebellious spirit and diverse musicality.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Kaiju No.
8.
This track fuses YUNGBLUD’s raw energy with the anthemic power of his co-producer, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons.
The punk-driven impulse and hard rock sound, which slam into the protagonist’s anguish over transformation and fighting spirit, are enough to get your blood pumping just by listening! Released in March 2024, the song is also included on the album Idols.
It’s the kind of track that will give you a push when you want to unleash the emotions you hold inside.
Colorado BulldogMr. BIG
Mr.
Big, the American hard rock band famed for their virtuosic guitar and bass work.
How about a track of theirs that ignites your fighting spirit the moment you hear it? Opening their classic September 1993 release “Bump Ahead,” this song instantly sends adrenaline surging with blistering high-speed unison lines where guitar and bass strike sparks.
The piece likens untamable energy and defiant spirit to a ferocious dog, making it a hard-hitting number that sings of uncontrollable impulses.
It was used as the special ending theme for episode 1 of the anime “Heaven’s Memo Pad” (Kamisama no Memo-chou).
When you want to crank your mood to the max or need courage to face challenges, this track is guaranteed to unleash an unbeatable power.
Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)OneRepublic
A newly written song by American band OneRepublic, composed as the ending theme for the special episode “Hoshina’s Day Off” of the anime Kaiju No.
8, was released in April 2025.
With its powerful melody and emotional lyrics, the track celebrates the courage and hope to face adversity, delivering a thrilling pop-rock sound that plays to the band’s strengths.
Skillfully capturing the anime’s world, the song was also featured in the special screening Kaiju No.
8: Mission Recon shown in North American theaters, drawing attention across borders.
Fusing the musicality cultivated in their previous work “Nobody” with a deep understanding of anime culture, this piece is highly recommended not only for anime fans but also for music lovers who enjoy pop rock.
In conclusion
If you’re a Western music fan who isn’t very familiar with anime, or an anime fan who isn’t particularly interested in Western music, you probably found a few surprises among the songs we introduced—like “I didn’t know this artist’s track was used as an anime theme,” or “I had no idea this anime song was by a Western band or artist.” In recent years, there have been more cases of Western music being used as anime theme songs, and we can look forward to more wonderful synergies in the future!