While people are talking about their favourite Japanese anime, they will also appreciate the characters, storylines, painting styles, and most importantly, the soundtracks.

Certainly, a good anime is not limited to things that are listed above, but as I said, the best anime that can be remembered by audience cannot appear without a stunning soundtrack.

#10 DEATH NOTE

Its first original soundtrack was released in Japan on December 21, 2006, composed by Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi. Death Note is known for its exposure of thoughts deep inside humans. The combination of electronic rock with traditional instruments or orchestral pieces makes it attractive and immersive.

#9 MY (BOKU NO) HERO ACADEMIA

My Hero Academia is a superhero series with 3 seasons (not finished). Like many other type of superhero anime, My Hero Academia is very hot-blooded and popular among anime fans. The soundtracks composed by Yuki Hayashi give a clear view of a colorful world for the audience. People can tell by the soundtracks that the anime contains a lot of positive emotions and attitudes (totally opposite to Death Note), optimism and hard-working throughout the whole performance make it more vibrant.

#8 KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN (REBORN!)

Its first original soundtrack was released on December 20, 2006, composed by Toshihiko Sahashi, Keita Tachibana. It is a controversial anime. People who like it regard it as their childhood and pursuit, people who don’t like it also have a reasonable explanation. But undoubtedly, the success in music is also worth the attention of interested people. Toshihiko Sahashi as a famous Japanese composer is known for his achievements in the symphonic as well as classic fields. And it is perfectly presented to the audience in this anime.

#7 BLEACH

Bleach has a numerous of fans that is obsessed with its multi-element character personality and exciting plot. The soundtracks composed by Shir? Sagisu emphasize the battles among different groups and make all the fighting scenes more phenomenal, thus highlighting the special emotions of each character to render the anime.

#6 ONE PIECE

It is a typical adventure anime and a childhood for many anime fans. The entire work is still unfinished, and there are already more than 800 episodes(TV). Its composer Kohei Tanaka is best known for some of his work for anime (including One Piece). The soundtrack in one piece is mostly done by orchestral team and contains many different styles and elements. In the process of watching, it will not feel awkward at all, but will feel refreshed and happy.

#5 FAIRY TAIL

Its soundtracks composer is Yasuharu Takanashi who is is a prolific Japanese composer and arranger for anime and video game series. Fairy Tail soundtracks as one of his greatest works, the most successful part belongs to its theme song, which is now well known by many people. Every time it is heard, it will make you recall those anime scenes with tears and blood.

#4 NARUTO

Another childhood for many anime fans. Although not perfect, it is indeed a masterpiece in the classics. Its soundtracks composer is Yasuharu TAKANASHI who wrote the finest song through Naruto---Naruto Main Theme. Most of its soundtracks contains special traditional instruments and electronic guitar. Sometimes, good soundtracks and works don’t require too much comment!

#3 BLUE (AO NO) EXORCIST

When I went to see this anime, it was purely because of its powerful soundtrack lineup----Hiroyuki Sawano! He is my personal favorite composer and one of the most famous Japanese composers and musician best known for his work on many anime. His work has a great impact on every single anime he wrote for!

#2 SWORD ART ONLINE

This is my personal favourite anime at all. It is not only because of its unique characters and fun interesting storyline, but also because of its amazing soundtracks. I literally highly recommend all of the soundtracks composer Yuki Kajiura wrote in this anime. The combination of symphonic band, orchestra and chord (human voices) are at a great balance that makes the battle music exhilarating and vibrant, you just want to cry! In addition, those beautiful and emotional soundtracks are also too wonderful to be heard!!!

#1 ATTACK ON TITAN

If Sword Art Online is my favourite, I‘d like to say that Attack On Titan would be every anime fan’s favourite, or more accurately, every anime fan cannot miss this one. The composer for Attack on Titan is the same as Blue Exorcist. But it is not only Hiroyuki Sawano who makes it as the greatest and best anime and also has other factors in the anime itself. Somebody may say the anime is a little bit violent and I would say that it is not about the violence that we are focusing on, but how the anime impact the audience or even the world… The breakthrough of the theme, the novelty of the plot, the spirit of hard work and the expression of humanity, etc. all are the key to the success of this animation.

<Shelly Li Portola HS 10th Grade>