It’s no big secret that there’s a correlation between being an anime fan and a K-Pop stan. For this month’s Japanese Corner, I thought it’d be fun to check in with the team here at The Kraze to find out what anime opening and ending themes they love the most.

“TRASH CANDY” by GRANRODEO for Bungo Stray Dogs

Currently stuck in editor Cara’s head is “TRASH CANDY” by GRANRODEO, the first opening theme for anime Bungo Stray Dogs. The lyrics of the track speak to reaching for your dreams and a struggle to survive that protagonist Atsushi knows all too well. From struggling to survive on the streets after being booted from the orphanage to finding out about the beast within, Atsushi finds a home and a bunch of strays he can call friends.

“Catch You Catch Me” by GUMI for Cardcaptor Sakura

Marketing Director Jay still adores “Catch You Catch Me” by GUMI, a theme for Cardcaptor Sakura. A lighthearted and cute track, Jay says it has a, “nostalgic feel to it, and it’s so catchy.” When it comes to anime themes, the first opening theme is always one of the most remembered, as it sets the stage for what’s to come. And it’s clear that, 25 years after the release, “Catch You Catch Me” is very much still remembered.

“Trigger” by Yuuki Ozaki for Terror in Resonance

“Trigger,” a theme for the anime Terror in Resonance, by Yuuki Ozaki of Galileo Galilei comes recommended by our Managing Editor Kelly. According to Kelly, “The soundtrack to this anime is one of the most moving and poignant I’ve ever heard, and the opening to the anime is no different. Yuuki’s wistful voice perfectly suits the tragically beautiful tone of the series and Yoko Kanno’s music.”

“Naked Hero” by Vaundy for Ranking of Kings

Editor Omani includes “Naked Hero” by Vaundy on her list of favorite anime themes. The second opening for Ranking of Kings, the track starts out soft and sweet before building to the chorus. There’s a sense of determination and hopefulness you get from the song, appropriate for main protagonist Bojji’s journey to find where he belongs in a world that has, thus far, rejected him for his apparent weaknesses. The lyrics reflect Ranking of Kings’ themes of finding your own strengths.

“Lovers” by 7! for Naruto Shippuden

The ninth opening for Naruto Shippuden, “Lovers” by 7!, is still on writer Melina’s list because she loves the anime it comes from and because of how well the track fits the show’s concept. A perfect example of the friends-to-enemies trope, Naruto and Sasuke’s fights throughout Naruto Shippuden set the foundation for the the opening animation, and while “Lovers” seems like an upbeat track that doesn’t fit, the lyrics show just how far Naruto is willing to go to get Sasuke back.

“LOST IN PARADISE” by ALI & AKLO for Jujutsu Kaisen

Let’s be honest, who didn’t fall in love with “LOST IN PARADISE” by ALI and AKLO for Jujutsu Kaisen? This one comes recommended by graphic designer Nia, and I think we all know why. Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season showed us some of the gnarliest fights, most gruesome villains, and the saddest moments before cutting in with this upbeat ending theme. How were we to stay sad after what Mahito did to Junpei when we had “LOST IN PARADISE” to look forward to?

“Believe” by Soushi Sakiyama for My Hero Academia

The final pick of this article comes from me, writer and Editor-in-Chief Meighan. I’m not usually a fan of slower songs in general, however “Believe” by Soushi Sakiyama for the ninth ending theme of My Hero Academia just hits differently. Maybe it’s because two of my favorite characters are Dabi and Hawks, who are the perfect foils for each other. Season 5 of My Hero Academia saw the beginnings of the upcoming war between heroes and villains while the students did their work studies. With Season 6 being the big reveal for Dabi’s backstory, the animations for this ending theme hint at it beautifully.

Edited by Omani