When something comes along that is childhood-defining it's the little things that bring back the unforgettable moments. That’s Naruto for many who grew up with it and when Crunchyroll released a video compilation of every single ending theme from the original series it hit like a time-space jutsu from the show.
The music compilation about Naruto, the anime about ninjas with magic powers, showed every single closing song and animation from the original series. These 15 songs may as well been the soundtrack to the entire show, each bringing with it a reminder of the moments that defined each season.
Naruto is one of the most well known manga and anime franchises of all time, spanning 46 volumes in manga and 220 episodes of anime. The franchise itself turns 18 this year with Naruto: Shippuden and Boruto: The Next Generation picking up the torch after Naruto finished up in 2007. For a franchise full of memorable moments its the original series that deliver ones with the most emotional weight behind them. There are some things that happen in Naruto that take years to finally resolve themselves.
Opening and ending theme songs for anime in particular become memorable in and of themselves, attracting famous artist to perform and even putting some on the map. While anime openings are often more well known and are usually an upbeat lead-in for an entire season, endings wind things down and are more reflective, acting like that deep breath to slow things down after things get hectic.
Some of the notable tracks are the ninth ending “Lost Words” by No Regret Life, a somber track for a time when a certain character breaks his bonds with friends. Then there is the upbeat second ending “Harmonia “by Rythem featuring the series most prominent woman in the series Sakura. The first ending “Wind" sung by Akeboshi will always be iconic for the imagery and setting the tone for a journey that would take years to complete. Here is the full list:
- "Wind" by Akeboshi (from 0:00 to 1:30)
- "Harmonia" by RYTHEM (from 1:31 to 3:01)
- "Viva★Rock ~ japanese side ~" by ORANGE RANGE (from 3:02 to 4:32)
- "ALIVE" by Raiko (from 4:33 to 6:10)
- "Ima made nando mo" ("Many Times Before") by The Mass Missile (from 6:11 to 7:39)
- "Ryusei" ("Falling Star") by TiA (from 7:40 to 9:08)
- "Mountain-a-Go-Go-Two" by Captain Straydum (from 9:09 to 10:38)
- "Hajimete kimi to shabetta" ("The First Time I Spoke with You") by GaGaGa SP (from 10:39 to 12:07)
- "Nakushita kotoba" ("Lost Words") by No Regret Life (from 12:08 to 13:38)
- "Speed" by Analogue Fish (from 13:39 to 15:07)
- "Soba ni iru kara" ("Because You are With Me") by AMADORI (from 15:08 to 16:38)
- "Parade" by CHABA (from 16:39 to 18:08)
- "Yellow Moon" by Akeboshi (from 18:09 to 19:38)
- "Pinocchio" by Ore Ska Band (from 19:39 to 21:08)
- "Scenario" by SABOTEN (from 21:09 to 22:38)
The whole video is a shot of nostalgia for some and for others a good sample of Japanese pop music. For those who grew up with the beloved ninja in an orange jumpsuit and his friends, it's a must listen.
Source: Crunchyroll