[Editor's Picks] What Is an Anisong? A Look Back from the Past to the Present

Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, and the Definitive Fusion of Anime and J-pop

When the 2000s began, more and more major artists entered the anisong scene. As CD sales declined, it became clear that anime tie-ups could generate strong sales. Aniplex employed this strategy in Fullmetal Alchemist (2003). The theme songs included Porno Graffitti’s “Melissa,” ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s “Rewrite,” and L’ArcenCiel’s “READY STEADY GO.”

This approach worked not only in the first anime adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist but also in the complete version, the second adaptation, where both openings and endings became hits. This trend showed that the status of anisongs was rising, but the songs and the anime works were still distinctly separated. At this time, the “tie-up feel” remained strong, and it has been pointed out that not every song was created with a deep understanding of the work.

For example, “Melissa” was written specifically for the anime. Its lyrics included motifs such as “self-sacrifice,” “loss,” and “rebirth,” which tied directly to the series’ themes. This was said to be the decisive factor in its selection (according to PORNO GRAFFITTI × PATi PATi COMPLETE BOOK – 15 Years File).

On the other hand, L’ArcenCiel’s “READY STEADY GO” was an existing track born during the production of one of their albums. It was later rushed out as a single when chosen as an anime theme song. In this way, during this period, both songs written to fit the work and pre-existing songs adapted as tie-ups coexisted.

Naruto also adopted songs from many major singers and bands.

FLOW’s “GO!!!” (2004, 4th opening for Naruto) was the band’s first anime theme tie-up, and it was a newly written song. Its lyrics included phrases like “a shadow creeping up without a sound (音を立てず忍び寄る影が, Oto wo Tatezu Shinobiyoru Kage ga),” evoking the imagery of ninjas and giving a strong sense of connection to the series.

(Naruto and FLOW are a great couple. Collaboration MVs are performed often, and there are live performances and albums featuring only Naruto songs, which shows that they have a good relationship.)

Furthermore, Ikimono Gakari’s “Blue Bird” (2008, 3rd opening for Naruto Shippuden) was also written specifically for the anime. After hearing they had the chance to do a theme for Naruto, they said they “threw themselves into creating the demo with all their might.” The song was written with Naruto firmly in mind. With Japanese-style arrangements and a sense of speed, it reflected the world of ninjas while inserting an image of “hope” into serious storylines. The vocalist and composers have said, “This song was born because the work existed.” Their stance clearly showed an approach rooted in understanding the source material.

The musicians of this generation had grown up immersed in Japan’s anime and manga culture. I feel this is proof of a generational shift where creators’ awareness has changed.

[Source]
Lisani