Music from anime is no longer just a complement to action scenes or dramas. In recent years, anime songs have become one of the most popular music genres among Gen Z, both in Japan and globally. From international concert stages to trending on TikTok, anisong is now part of the pop culture lifestyle of the younger generation.
Anisong and Gen Z: A Deep and Emotional Connection
Anisong, or anime songAnime is the name given to the songs used in anime, either as opening, ending, or soundtrack. But for many young fans, especially Gen Z, anisong It's more than that-it's an emotional bridge that connects them to inspiring characters, stories, and values.
According to data from Crunchyroll and National Research Group54% Gen Zs around the world are anime fans. Spotify even recorded an increase in anime music streaming globally by 395% between 2021 and 2024. Most of the listeners anisong also came from under 29 years old, showing how this genre has found a special place in the hearts of the younger generation.
Ado and the Global Anisong Stage
J-pop diva Ado is one of the iconic anisong who has stood out the most in recent years. She is known for her mysterious performance style and gripping vocal charisma. One of her crowning moments was singing "Kura Kura" from Spy x Family at London's O2 Arena in 2024, which was immediately greeted by a mass scream from the audience.
Ado also filled many songs from One Piece Film Red as the character Uta, including "New Genesis" and "Uta's Lullaby". The songs brought her to the global stage and made her a symbol of revival. anisong on an international scale. Ado states that "Uta's character has a strong human touch. She can express happiness and joy, but also anger, hatred, and sadness in a simple and understandable way."
In 2024, Ado performed in Jakarta as part of his world tour. Her presence was warmly welcomed by anime fans of all generations-especially Gen Z who have long followed her career online.
Anisong Artists of the World
Ado wasn't the only one who brought anisong to the world stage. J-pop duo YOASOBI successfully placed the song "Idol" from the anime Oshi no Ko at the top of the Billboard Global Chart-a remarkable achievement for an anime song. Creepy Nuts with "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" for Mashle: Magic and Muscles also went viral thanks to its unique fusion style.
LiSA, who is popular for "Gurenge" from Demon Slayer, stated in an interview with Billboard Japan that "I tried to put myself in the shoes of the main character, who continues to move forward despite her tragic past." An instrumental version of "Gurenge" was even chosen as part of the closing ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, emphasizing its huge influence in Japanese popular culture.
Not to be outdone, the legendary band FLOW is bringing the spirit of anime to the world through a tour entitled Anime Shibari World Tour in 2025. Their songs like "GO!!!" (Naruto) and "Sign" (Naruto Shippuden) became part of the collective memory across generations-from millennials to Gen Z who grew up with anime.
More than Just a Soundtrack: The Power of Narration in Anime Music
Satoshi Uto, Director of Music Acquisition at Crunchyroll, states that "opening and closing songs in anime are crucial elements in fans' emotional connection to the story." Anisong is not just background music-it is part of the narrative that enhances the viewing experience.
Composers like Kensuke Ushio even created fictional music for bands in the anime The Colors Within by recording ambient sounds in a Japanese church to create an authentic band practice atmosphere. This kind of precision makes the anime music feel alive and integrated into the storyline, creating the illusion that the music exists in the real world.
In the digital age, anime songs have also become a means of virality. Soundtracks from anime such as One Piece, Demon Slayer, up to Jujutsu Kaisen They've spread on TikTok and YouTube, been remixed, and become global anthems that touch the younger generation. In fact, these songs are often used as backdrops for various emotional content by Gen Z creators, from cosplay to tribute videos.
Enthusiasm of Indonesian Fans
Indonesia is not left behind in feeling the global wave anisong. In the past two years, Jakarta has been the stage for a number of musicians' concerts anisong world class. After Ado's performance in 2024, FLOW arrives in 2025 with a tour of Shibari Anime and thrill the nostalgia of classic anime fans.
The fans' enthusiasm was evident in the turnout, the atmosphere of the concert, and the online interactions that went viral on social media. Anisong is now not just music from abroad, but has become part of the cultural experience of Indonesia's young generation - especially Gen Z who are connected to the global community through platforms such as TikTok and Spotify.
Apart from international concerts, the passion for anisong is also reflected in big events such as Anime Festival Asia Indonesia (AFAID). After a hiatus for several years, AFAID is back in 2024 and 2025 with various programs such as concerts and events. I Love Anisonganime-themed DJ performances, anisong karaoke, and more. The festival became an important space for fans to celebrate anime and its music in a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Community and Concerts
The influence of anisong is not only felt in personal headphones, but also in social spaces where fans gather. Eneni Bambara-Abban, founder of the Anime & Chill collective, states that "platforms like TikTok and YouTube have given anime songs a second life. People sing them together, and songs from small anime can become global anthems."
Concerts, community events, and online gatherings have become places where anisong truly feels like a collective experience. In these spaces, young people express their identities, share the spirit of fandom, and make music a universal language that transcends national borders and language.
Many local communities even organize anisong-themed karaoke nights or watch livestream concerts of their favorite artists. These activities become a kind of shared ritual that reinforces a sense of belonging to the anime and its music.
Not only in Japan, anisong also resonates globally-connecting fans from different backgrounds through the lyrics, melodies, and memories they share together.
Anisong will continue to grow
From anime opening songs to Japanese musicians' world tours, anisong has evolved into a music genre with undeniable cultural power-especially among Gen Z who are at the heart of this global wave. It not only brings anime scenes to life, but also shapes emotional experiences across generations and builds communities across countries.
For those of you who grew up with anime, anisong is a reminder of your favorite characters, unyielding spirit, and heartfelt moments. And for new listeners, it's a gateway to a world of music full of emotions, stories, and self-expression. As more and more artists like Ado, YOASOBI, and FLOW reach global audiences-including in Indonesia-anisong will continue to live and evolve, transcending borders of screen, language, and culture.
We can expect anisong to continue to grow through collaboration across genres and cultures, until it becomes one of the major forces in global music.
