Summer 2023 is a time that anime lovers eagerly anticipate, as it brings new and returning anime series for fans to enjoy. As various anime make their debut, their opening songs serve as a hook that potentially makes fans lifelong followers of the series.
These opening songs can be just as memorable as the shows themselves, with catchy melodies and stunning visuals that capture the essence of each series. As the season kicks off, various opening songs have gained popularity with their musical quality and how well they have captured the show's essence, but which ones serve as the best?
10 "Renai Miri Film" (Rent A Girlfriend Season 3)
Starting with an intense beat off the bat, the Rent a Girlfriend season three opening song, 'Renai Miri Film,' by Halca, is an emotional one. The song talks about the importance of having someone special in one’s life and the idea of capturing and preserving memories with a loved one.
With its positive and uplifting message, ‘Renai Miri Film’ introduces fans to the third season of Rent a Girlfriend and what it has in store for them. As Kazuya and Chizuru continue their interactions amidst the complications, fans see just how comedically romantic things get.
9 "Please, Please!" (Masamune Kun's No Revenge R)
The renowned Ayaka Ohashi is back with an energetic song for the opening song of Masamune-kun's Revenge R. After performing the theme song of Masamune-kun’s Revenge, fans get to listen to the incredible vocals of the star once again.
While the prequel features Masamune plotting his revenge against Aki while looking for a mysterious individual, Masamune-Kun's Revenge R takes them to Paris, where they meet a French Otaku. The opening song, 'Please, please!' showcases their adventures in Paris with the French otaku as they get entangled with the mafia, fake dates, and much more.
8 "STARS" (Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc Part 2)
As Bleach’s Thousand Year Blood War Arc comes to a close, fans are treated to an amazing opening song featuring similar visuals to the early days of the anime.
The visuals of the song give a sneak peek at some of Ichigo’s adventures and the loss that came with them. But all that does not stop Ichigo as he chases after his heart, and the song captures that perfectly. Bleach’s opening song is ‘STARS’ by w.o.d., the band from Japan with a flair for Alternative Rock and Garage Rock.
7 "Life Goes On" (Liar Liar)
Starting with incredible vocals, ‘Life Goes On’, the opening theme song for the Liar Liar anime series, shows Hiroto Shinohara, the protagonist of the show, a sneak peek of his allies and enemies in the mind game of lies he finds himself in.
As the Liar Liar anime series focuses on Academy Island and how everything is settled through games and gambling, the visuals and lyrics of the opening song are a perfect fit for the anime. The opening song ‘Life Goes On’ by May’N has a lighthearted feel that makes it stick with fans easily.
6 ‘Crack-Crack-Crackle’ (Undead Girl Murder Farce)
Mixing history with drama and fantastical elements, the Undead Girl Murder Farce anime series has a lot of intrigue. The series features Aya Rindo, a female demon who leaves Japan with Tsugaru Shinuchi and her servant Shizuku Hasei to retrieve her body, which had her head decapitated from it.
The opening song of the series portrays the bizarre elements of the anime, showing clips of Aya’s head as she embarks on a journey to retrieve her body with her helpers. The opening song of the series, ‘Crack-Crack-Crackle,’ was performed by Classy, a South Korean girl group.
5 "Ao no Sumika" (Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2)
With a second season, the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series returns to explore Satoru Gojo’s past and the Shibuya arc. While fans get ready for the adventures of Itadori Yuuji and Satoru Gojo in season two, Jujutsu Kaisen has a new opening song that helps fans settle in nicely.
‘Ao no Sumika’, the opening song by Tatsuya Kitani, portrays an upbeat song with catchy vocals and incredible visuals that show clips of Gojo’s past with his friend Suguru Geto. Fans also get a few clips of Fushiguro Toji as they listen to the heartwarming song, which portrays tales of friendship.
4 "Shiawase" (Horimiya: The Missing Pieces)
Horimiya is back, featuring more of the interactions between the beautiful and smart Hori and the meek and distant Miyamura. Back with a new J-pop opening song by the three-piece band Omointake, the series explores themes present in the manga but not in the anime. The opening song of Horimiya: The Missing Pieces is ‘Shiawase,’ meaning happiness in English.
The song tells of the never-ending love between Hori and Miyamura and how they navigate their lives through the situations they find themselves in. ‘Shiawase’ portrays a lot of emotion and the love that lies beyond fights, arguments, and misunderstandings.
3 "Song of the Dead" (Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead)
Bringing a new zombie theme to anime, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead combines horror with zombies and comedy. While the show has gotten a lot of fans intrigued by what it has to offer, the opening song ‘Song of the Dead’ by KANA-BOON, makes the anime even better.
With KANA-BOON known for making opening songs for shows like Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Fire Force, their song ‘Song of the Dead’ is a banger. With incredible visuals, intense beats, and incredible vocals, Zom 100’s opening song is one for fans to watch out for.
2 "Kenka" (Reign Of The Seven Spell Blades)
The recently aired Reign of the Seven Spell Blades anime series has come with a lot of intrigue. But the story of the series is not the only thing that has fans glued to it; its opening song, ‘Kenka’, by Kujira Yumemi, has an allure that fans would love.
The opening song begins with great instrumentals that draw fans in. Moreover, the combination of the singers’ strong vocals and the upbeat melody earns it a spot on this list. With a catchy chorus and visually stunning animation that fits the show's themes, ‘Kenka’ is a good listen.
1 "Tetsu no Ori" (Bungou Stray Dogs Season 5)
The rivalry between Atsushi and Akutagawa has always been intense. However, with how the opening song for Bungou Stray Dogs' fifth season portrays the duo, fans expect their rivalry to get much more intense. The fifth season's opening song, ‘Tetsu no Ori, is by Granrodeo, the Japanese rock band with a knack for creating anime soundtracks.
After creating soundtracks for various anime, such as previous Bungou Stray Dog seasons and Kuroko’s Basketball The Movie: Last Game, fans get to listen to their amazing beats once more. The opening song begins with some intense beats before the more intense vocals come along. The visuals of the opening song are similarly great, possibly leaving fans wanting more.