The Creative Process Behind Anime Theme Songs: Are They Made for the Series or Selected from Existing Tracks?

The Creative Process Behind Anime Theme Songs: Are They Made for the Series or Selected from Existing Tracks?

Reader’s Question:
Do anime theme songs and ending songs get created based on requests from the anime production team? Or are they already made and then chosen by the anime team to use later? I’m curious because many anime songs, like “Orange” from Haikyuu and “Curtain Call” from My Hero Academia,
have lyrics that really fit the content of the anime.

The Rhythm of Anime: The Creation of Theme Songs

You know, I was just thinking about how much we connect with anime through its music. It’s fascinating how those opening and ending themes can encapsulate the essence of a series in just a few minutes. When I stumbled upon a question about whether these songs are created upon request or if they exist beforehand, I felt compelled to dive into the topic. Reflecting on my experiences, I remember a time when I was deep into watching “Haikyuu!!” and “My Hero Academia.” The first time I heard “Orange” while watching a heartwarming scene of teamwork, it was like the music was speaking directly to me, amplifying the emotions on screen. It’s moments like these that make you wonder about the creative process behind such impactful songs. From what I’ve gathered, it turns out there are really two main routes for how these songs come about. One scenario is where the artists create a new song specifically for the anime, often after discussions between the record company and the anime production team. It’s like a matchmaking process where they find the perfect fit. For instance, I remember hearing about how “Sakanaction’s” “Kaijuu” was crafted explicitly for its anime. It’s almost like a collaboration where both the artists and the anime creators are in sync, resulting in magic. Then there’s the other route, where songs that already exist are pitched to the production team. I can’t help but chuckle when I think about how sometimes it must feel like being in a musical version of a game show, with record labels throwing songs at the anime creators like “What about this one?” I can just imagine the producers sitting around a table, munching on snacks and debating which track would resonate best with the themes of the show. I have to admit, as a part-time worker in a judicial scrivener’s office, I often find myself daydreaming about how music could enhance the often dry legal discussions. Imagine if we had theme songs for court cases! But I digress; that’s a whole different blog post. It’s intriguing how these creative processes mirror our own experiences—whether it’s in school, work, or personal projects. Sometimes, we have to be adaptable and open to new ideas, just like how an artist might tweak a song to fit the vibe of an anime. As I wrap up my thoughts, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever connected deeply with a song from an anime? Or do you have a favorite theme that you think perfectly encapsulates the spirit of its series? Let’s chat in the comments!