How Opening and Ending Songs Influence an Anime’s Success

Anime has its distinct feel, and if there’s anything that makes anime more special, it has to be music. Starting with action-packed intro songs to sad insert songs that play at the end of the episodes, anime songs are not just any song or there to just fill in the rest of the time until the episode reaches its running time—anime songs are a feeling. They’re the catchy songs you sing to while taking a shower or the songs you crank up when you feel dramatic about doing your laundry. But in point, these less-than-two-minute tracks are highly valuable in defining the anime’s whole plot and, contrary to popular belief, its success.

Think about it: when was the last time you stayed for an extra episode simply because an opening attracted you, or when was the last time that you couldn’t skip the ending because it offered a pleasant send-off? Well, guess what: anime music is not only popular but also legendary. And recently, the opening song for Dandadan has become viral to the extent that the audience now realizes that a good song can make any anime popular almost overnight.

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The Unsung Heroes of Anime: OPs and EDs

What Are They, and Why Do They Matter?

Anime opening (OP) and ending (ED) themes are those musical numbers that grace the ends and beginnings of each episode. It’s a visual and audible rollercoaster ride filled with screams! (in a good way!), “Buckle up; it’s time for an adventure.” The emotional cool down period is the ED, the reflective moment to reflect on what just happened.

These songs are far from fillers; they give the audience a feel of what the show is like: its tone, its themes, and its people. Plenty of brilliant OPs or EDs can get you hooked, like Attack on Titan’s explosive “Guren no Yumiya” by Linked Horizon or the soothing “Life is Like a Boat” from Bleach. But they’re also often the gateway for casual fans to become diehard fans.

Openings That Hook You Right In

Why Great OPs Can Make or Break an Anime

If the first few seconds of an anime opening don’t grab you, then, well, you’re probably hitting that ‘skip opening’ button. But when it’s good—oh boy—it is amazing. And just like what we have seen in many of today’s trends, Dandadan’s opening theme is now where even those who have never watched the show have been shaking their heads to its tunes. Characterized by a lively tune and flashy animations, this release shows that a good OP is capable of bringing in plenty of unique viewers.

This will not be the first time an opening has worked miracles for a show. Another is Naruto Shippuden’s “Blue Bird,” by Ikimono Gakari, and “Gurenge” by LiSA for Demon Slayer. In the same sense, these songs did not merely enhance their performances but actually bolster them tenfold. Those who never intended to watch the anime series got hooked on the mere theme songs alone. That’s the power of music!

The Quiet Power of Endings

Often a Skip, But Might Foreshadow the Whole Show

While the openings provide a good start, the ending songs are a curtain call, similar to the curtain call in true theater. They bring the tight blanket that covers you after the thrilling emotions you have just felt. A good, engaging drama has the capacity to leave people with things sticking in their minds long after a particular episode of the show has drawn to a close, pulling heartstrings and making a person click for the next episode even against their will.

Take Your Lie in April’s “Orange,” by 7!!. It might just be the anime fans, but the sweet melody acts as this feeling that, after a good cry, life is hugging you, albeit through the anime’s lit emotional torture. Similarly, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood SID’s “Uso” is that kind of music with a kind of sad happy tune that perfectly unveils the underlying philosophy of the story of sacrifice and atonement.

Why Fans Love Anime Music

How OPs and EDs Shape the Experience

People can say whatever they want, but if there’s one thing anime cannot do wonders without, it is music. Why? For the record, while a humorous, witty, or otherwise memorable OP or ED doesn’t only tell jokes, it bonds. When the song fits the story perfectly, such special moments are unforgettable. Demon Slayer’s “Gurenge,” which not only blew up for anime fans but was also a musical marvel.

Furthermore, these tracks provide the listener with the artist’s unique styles of music they may have never listened to if it were not for this anime. It’s a win-win for everyone: people find nice tracks, and performers get worldwide recognition. For instance, the song “Unravel” from Tokyo Ghoul’s opening by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure became popular around the whole world and proved that anime music has a great chance.

Setting a New Stage and Bar for Future Hits

What the Success of Anime Music Means for the Industry

Thanks to recent shows, especially those such as Mashle and Dandadan (which, ironically enough, both have the same artist for their viral opening songs), we now know that music can either make or break the appeal of an anime series. This trend is relatively here to stay. The leadership of studios is not sparing funds for quality music production because it is effective in attracting the attention of viewers. More so, as anime goes global, it will be difficult for its unique music not to play a part in its success. Who knows? The next remarkable song could be in the next interesting anime series that will be released soon.

Therefore, the next time you may feel like skipping an OP or ED, don’t. Perhaps you’ll listen to your next favorite song for a long time. Whether it’s a viral OP ripping through the Internet right now or classic themes like Naruto’s “Blue Bird,” they have a way of bringing people together, enhancing these narratives, and turning already great shows into something even greater.

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Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga that debuted in 2021 on Shonen Jump+, Dandadan blends action, comedy, romance, and supernatural thrills to create a unique and satisfying adventure. Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura believe in the extraordinary, although the former believes in ghosts and the latter believes in aliens. Determined to confirm their side’s existence, they set out to find their proof.