The Charm of Anime Soundtracks from a Beginner’s View

With the rise of numerous subscription services, we can now enjoy movies, dramas, and anime anytime, anywhere. Until my university days, I had fewer opportunities to engage with visual media compared to others. However, after subscribing to a service, my exposure to various works increased significantly. I found myself particularly drawn to Japanese animation. Nowadays, with the popularity of "Demon Slayer," Japanese anime has gained widespread attention. While the opening and ending themes often steal the spotlight, there are also many great tracks in the soundtracks. So, this time, I would like to share some of the soundtracks that left a strong impression on me as an anime beginner, focusing on popular titles from Weekly Shōnen Jump!

Note: The following may contain spoilers from the anime.

■"Greatest Strength" / Hiroaki Tsutsumi, Toft Willingham, Chez, Jessica Gelinas

From Jujutsu Kaisen: The Movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

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This is a piece from the opening scene of the movie. It’s used during the moment when the protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu, steps through the gates of the "Jujutsu High School" to learn how to break the curse placed upon him. Interestingly, this scene is original to the film and is not depicted in the manga. The expansive setting of the school, combined with the beginning of a new high school life, reflects a range of emotions—Yuta’s anxiety, determination, and various inner feelings.
A notable feature of this track is the inclusion of both female and male vocals. The school’s exterior resembles a temple, and the mystical, delicate atmosphere is captured by the female vocals, while the male vocals convey a majestic tone. Since love is one of the themes, the use of both male and female voices may have been a deliberate choice. Listening to this piece in the theater enhances its impact, drawing you into the film's world immediately.

■"REMEMBER" / Hiroaki Tsutsumi

From Jujutsu Kaisen, Episode 24 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

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Next up is another track from the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. This one features the vocals of Masato from the band coldrain. It’s used during the scene where the protagonist, Yuji Itadori, and his classmate, Nobara Kugisaki, team up to exorcize a curse. Watching this scene with the music really amplifies its intensity, as the timing of the song aligns perfectly with key moments, making it an incredibly exciting part of the episode.
In action scenes, it’s common to use opening and ending songs as "victory songs," and this track definitely has that kind of vibe. However, it’s not always an upbeat, heroic anthem. Instead, the composition captures the various emotions and struggles of both the protagonists and the curses they face, giving it a nuanced and layered quality.

■“Up” / Yuuki Hayashi

From Haikyuu!!, Season 2 Episodes 1 and 11, Season 3 Episode 10, Season 4 Episode 24 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

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This piece features strings in its melody and is particularly memorable. It’s used several times throughout the series, especially during moments when the protagonist, Shoyo Hinata, faces off against competitive opponents or in crucial match situations. You might expect a track that conveys tension, anxiety, or despair when encountering a stronger rival, but Hinata is the type of player who feels excitement instead. This song captures his thrill and determination, expressing a sense of uplift and expectation as he aims to surpass even stronger players. The way his emotions are conveyed through the strings is a standout aspect of this track!

■"HERO A" / Yuuki Hayashi

From My Hero Academia, Season 4 Episode 17, among others (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

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This track is used multiple times throughout the series and is likely to leave a lasting impression on anyone who has watched the anime. With its high international popularity, it features English rap that begins with "My Hero," making it enjoyable for a global audience. The My Hero Academia soundtrack often includes English lyrics, perhaps as a nod to American comics, and many of the songs have a pop vibe, which helps them resonate with fans both domestically and abroad. While this piece isn’t as high-energy as the so-called "victory songs" mentioned earlier, it still gives the feeling that things are moving in a positive direction. Personally, I find the scenes associated with this track particularly memorable, so I highly recommend watching it alongside the anime!

■"Memories of Family" / Go Shiina

From Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Mugen Train Arc, Episode 21 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

This track plays during the battle between the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, and the Lower Moon Five demon, Rui, specifically during a flashback to Rui’s human past. It accompanies a crucial scene that reveals the relationship between the ailing Rui and his family, conveying his feelings of sadness and longing for familial connection. While it’s hard to tell whether the vocals are in Japanese or another language, the female chorus effectively expresses delicacy, transience, and poignancy. The piece has a gentle, lullaby-like quality reminiscent of a music box.
Demon Slayer features many tracks that utilize traditional Japanese instruments and elaborate soundscapes, which are undeniably captivating. However, I find that this simple yet evocative song reflects a strong dedication to the scene, making it a deeply engaging listen.

How was it? Soundtracks from our favorite scenes really stick with us, don’t they? Last year, I was deeply shocked by the passing of Koichi Sugiyama, the renowned composer of video game music. As a child, I often watched my father play Dragon Quest, and one track that left a lasting impression on me is "Over the Sky." It remains one of my favorite pieces to this day. It’s true that great music can make a scene unforgettable!