Some anime openings are now part of the international pop culture!
Introduction
When a manga is adapted into an animated series, the addition of music is unavoidable! In this article, we are going to look at what the purists call "the openings", that is to say the credits. Some openings are so mythical that they are now inseparable from the work! Real institution in the Japanese anime codes, we will try to understand how these rather singular musics are created.
An opening: what is it for?
The concept of credits is obviously not singular to the Japanese Anime genre; they have however their own codes. These short sequences of 1 to 2 minutes are a must for any self-respecting anime fan. And for good reason, they allow to set the tone of the work which is going to follow, while putting in full the sight with images carefully chosen and accompanied by a catchy musical background. But be careful, don't trust the often tempting promises of the credits! Indeed, they can sometimes be misleading, presenting elements that will never take place in the series. However, despite this small disappointment, the credits remain an essential part of the anime experience, immersing us directly in the universe of the work and preparing us to live great adventures alongside our favorite characters. And let's not forget the credits, which allow us to discover the behind-the-scenes production of the anime, with the names of the team and studio members who worked on the work. A little extra that can make all the difference for the most passionate fans.
Are the openings diversified?
It is true that we can't reduce all anime credits and music to a single code. However, there are some recurring trends in anime theme songs that distinguish them from Western cartoon theme songs. For example, anime credits tend to focus more on visual storytelling, often using images from the series itself to introduce the characters, plot, and main themes. As a result, anime credits often have a more intense and dynamic atmosphere, with energetic action sequences and upbeat musical rhythms. For the openings, we will mostly be in fast tempo with lots of modulations in J-Pop and J-Rock styles. More globally, the musical diversity in the anime resides in the "OST" (original sound tracks). As the storylines and emotions of the protagonists are diverse and varied, the music must be able to underline this wide range of emotions. Here are some examples.
To begin, I propose you a music of cult anime. Obviously, the studio Ghibli for the movie Totoro : " Path of The Wind " composed by Joe Hisaishi. This talented composer has realized several OST for the studio of Miyazaki.
For the epic side: "Takt of Heroes", still by Kenichiro Suehiro and from the anime RE:Zero. This music is particularly suitable to accompany a thrilling fight.
Finally, an extract of the OST of the attack of the titans. The theme of the female titan is very evocative in the emotion it conveys. Indeed, it gives the impression of being pursued by a large enemy.
J Rock and J pop
These two genres are omnipresent in anime openings and endings, as shown by this mix of legendary openings:
Characteristics of these two genres:
J-pop is a Japanese pop music genre that is characterized by catchy melodies and simple lyrics, often focusing on love, friendship, and everyday life. It is often performed by idol singers or groups. J-rock, on the other hand, is a genre of Japanese rock music that is often inspired by Western rock, but with a distinct Japanese cultural twist. It is often more energetic and intense than J-pop, with electric guitars and faster rhythms. In both cases, there are very frequent modulations of tones within the same music, which gives an impression of perpetual movement. We even talk about "distant modulations", because the changes of "key" are harmonically distant and will have a very surprising effect for the ear. Therefore, anime producers often use J-pop and J-rock songs for openings because they are usually catchy and energetic, which creates an immersive atmosphere for the viewers. In addition, the popularity of J-pop and J-rock music in Japan means that it is often used to attract the attention of Japanese and international fans. To finish, I propose you a link to a quite pleasant video. A French youtuber decides to start from a French rap song and transform it into a J-Rock song in the way of an opening, with success. The two styles have nothing to do, the transformation is striking!
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