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BBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'They scream the choruses': How Japanese anime songs became Gen Z's latest musical obsession
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, music from Japanese animations is booming on Spotify and at gigs and club nights – especially among young people, who are drawn to its bold hooks and big emotions. Around 20,000 rapturous fans have packed out London's O2 Arena on a summer night. Pulsing light sticks pierce the electrified air; on the stage, the enigmatic J-pop diva Ado (who performs in shadowy silhouette) launches into a song that the entire crowd knows: Kura Kura, taken from the Japanese animation series Spy x Family. The track is stylistically unpredictable yet immediately catchy: it ricochets between a 1960s-style pop groove, jazzy riffs and hyper-dramatic rock opera – a modern example of an anime music anthem, in a scene that is increasingly taking on a life of its own. Japanese animation, or anime, has a legacy that stretches back to the early 20th Century, and a creative scope that spans seemingly endless stories and styles, from pirate sagas to sci-fi warfare; sorcery to sports action; martial arts mythology to star-crossed romance. The music used to soundtrack it is similarly adventurous. Songs vary significantly in their genres and tempos (often shape-shifting within a single track), but they also share common qualities: they elevate the visual action and deeply seal our bond with it. In the digital age, vividly evocative, insistently snappy themes are key to the viral impact of iconic Japanese animated series/films/manga comic adaptations – One Piece, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball Z, Cowboy Bebop, Attack On Titan and Naruto, to name a few. "Anisongs", as they are known, are now a major musical force, particularly among younger people. According to a recent study by anime streaming platform Crunchyroll and the National Research Group, anime is almost as big as Beyoncé with Gen Z-ers, with 54% of them globally being anime fans. Meanwhile Spotify reported a 395% increase in global streams of anime music between 2021 and 2024, as well as 7.2 million user-generated anime playlists on its site (at the time of writing). A Spotify spokesperson also tells the BBC that users under the age of 29 account for nearly 70% of global anime music consumption. "Anime music has evolved into a global cultural force and Gen Z is really at the heart of that movement on Spotify," Sulinna Ong, Spotify's Global Head of Editorial, tells the BBC. "We're seeing fans connect with the music beyond the screen as the shows offer listeners a window into musical styles they may not otherwise have discovered. Our editors' curated playlists are built to help fans discover the full range of anime-inspired sounds. And as more artists take influence from the space, the sound is continuing to grow in bold and unexpected ways." This global boom isn't limited to 21st-Century releases; as it's now easy to tune into anime's expansive catalogue, decades-old anthems – like the original rousing theme to pirate fantasy One Piece, called We Are! and sung by Hiroshi Kitadani – are winning new devotees. Anime music's hooks are composed for enduring effect; the melodies and lyrics (easily translated online, or released in multilingual versions) typically spark a tantalising headrush of sensations: affinity with favourite characters or narratives; adrenaline; escapism; nostalgia. As Satoshi Uto, Crunchyroll's director of music acquisition, tells the BBC: "The OPs and EPs [opening and end credit songs] are critical to fans' emotional connection with anime." An example of a smash hit anisong is Japanese singer-songwriter Lisa's 2019 track Gurenge, which is the intro to anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This elegant power ballad with explosive rock flourishes has inspired countless tributes, from TikTok influencers (such as young British piano talent Joe Jenkins) to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony (where it was included as an instrumental symphony). It is also sentimentally character-driven, as Lisa explained in a Billboard Japan interview: "I tried placing myself in the shoes of the protagonists, who keep forging ahead, despite their tragic pasts." The reasons for the boom The timing of audience spikes does suggest that the pandemic era played a pivotal part in the mainstream awakening to both anime and its atmospheric tunes; this form's fantastical themes, emotional intensity and free-ranging sounds may have represented a heady escape from lockdown constraints. In a 2022 article, The Hollywood Reporter noted, that "anime might just be the world's most Covid-resistant form of popular entertainment", referencing a study that showed global demand for anime content grew 118% between 2020 and 2022. "You're looking at a massive spike in the availability of anime to new fans [based on a growing array of online platforms], and the time they had on hand to watch it," explains Jonathan Clements, author of books including the British Film Institute's Anime: A History. "And in the years since, a bunch of young fans have become consumerist teens with a love of anime. For young fans, anime music offers a gateway to Japanese pop culture and beyond. It also has lifted up a new wave of stars onto a worldwide platform. Examples include the vibrantly catchy J-pop duo Yoasobi, whose 2023 track Idol, taken from the manga comic adaptation Oshi no Ko, became the first anime song to top the Billboard Global Chart; hip-hop act Creepy Nuts, whose viral smash Bling-Bang-Bang-Born, which is the intro for anime Mashle: Magic And Muscles, is a surreal bop blending quickfire rap and Latin licks; and melodic rockers Radwimps' soaring anthems for Makoto Shinkai's fantasy-dramas (Your Name; Weathering With You; Suzume). Ado's catalogue contains numerous anime themes, and her worldwide breakthrough was fuelled by the blockbuster success of One Piece Film Red, in which she sang tracks including the exhilarating electro-pop banger New Genesis, in character as the antihero Uta. "When I first heard the demo for New Genesis, it felt like the world had opened up and a warm ray of light had shone through," Ado tells the BBC. "The character, Uta, is full of human touch in a good way," she says, adding that this song slickly captures the protagonist's complexity: "She is able to express feelings of joy and happiness, but also anger, hatred and sadness in a very simple relatable way." Keeping up with this prolific scene can feel dizzying, but it regularly yields thrilling discoveries, and its blend of bold hooks, gripping storytelling and persuasive nostalgia seems to bring generations together more than most music – as I've found as a Gen X woman, geeking out alongside my Gen Alpha son. "Someone to look out for is [anime soundtrack composer] Kensuke Ushio, whose attention to detail and realism is truly astounding," says Clements. "On [2024 coming-of-age drama] The Colours Within he had to come up with the sound of the in-film garage band, carefully crafting electronic pop inspired by the early days of New Order. He even went as far as recording ambient sound in Japanese church halls, to ensure that the on-screen rehearsal sessions had the right room tone." Anime music in the live arena Anime music also increasingly translates to real-life realms, whether it's international concert tours from veteran composers such as Joe Hisaishi, the maestro famous for his work on the films of Studio Ghibli, or contemporary hitmakers including Ado and Yoasobi, or inclusive meet-ups and club events like those hosted by UK "diversity-led anime and gaming collective" Anime & Chill. "For Gen Z specifically, anime hits differently," says Anime & Chill founder Eneni Bambara-Abban. "This is a generation raised on global internet culture, where J-pop, K-pop and anime AMVs [anime music videos] are part of the same online ecosystem. "Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have also given anime songs a second life – clips go viral, people remix them, and suddenly, a theme from a niche show becomes a global anthem. We see it all the time at our events… the crowd knows the lyrics, they scream the choruses and they feel it." She emphasises the "emotional imprint" of these songs: "Anime music isn't just background music – it's the heartbeat of the [work]." More like this:• The anime that captures millennials' greatest fear• Why Gen Z is nostalgic about 'indie sleaze'• The animation that showed me the meaning of life Notable too is how Western musicians are getting in on anime culture. Back in 2003, French electronic duo Daft Punk re-imagined their Discovery album as an anime feature: Interstella 5555 (supervised by legendary artist Leiji Matsumoto); it seemed like a quirky curiosity at the time. But nowadays, a surge of western musicians reference anime in their own material, whether it's US hip-hop stars like Lil Uzi Vert and Megan Thee Stallion, or alt-pop heroine Billie Eilish name-checking characters in their lyrics and song titles, or London indie rapper Shao Dow who writes personal tracks based around famous anime series, and tells the BBC: "I use anime as a vehicle to explore ideas within my life". He adds that One Piece's teenage captain Luffy provided early creative influence: "I would look at this character who'd scream about being the king of the pirates, and people would laugh, but he'd keep doing it. Even though it's a cartoon, that positive energy inspired me: he's pushing forward with this dream." Perhaps that's the ultimate power of anime songs; you can grow up with this music, but you never really grow out of it. -- If you liked this story sign up for The Essential List newsletter, a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. For more Culture stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
NDTV
04-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Visa-Free Travel For Indians: Why The Philippines Deserves A Spot On Your Radar
Sometimes, the best travel stories come from places you never quite had on your list. The Philippines is one of those. This island nation has always had the stuff of daydreams - emerald rice terraces, powdery beaches and Spanish-era streets that still echo with stories. But for Indian travellers, it stayed just that: a daydream. Complicated visa processes and limited direct flights meant it often lost out to easier options. That has changed. Thanks to a recent move by the Embassy of the Philippines in India, Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free access for short-term stays, which means that island trip you have been putting off? It just got a lot more doable. Here Are 5 Things To Do In The Philippines That Belong On Your Travel List: 1. Soak Up The Sun In El Nido, Palawan El Nido feels like it belongs in a postcard your cousin sends and never stops talking about. Jagged limestone cliffs. Hidden lagoons. Water so clear it could be a mirror. Take a traditional banca boat to explore the Bacuit Archipelago, snorkel with schools of neon fish, or do absolutely nothing on Nacpan Beach. El Nido does not need selling—it sells itself. 2. Walk Through History In Intramuros, Manila History gets a serious glow-up in Intramuros, the walled city in central Manila. Built during the Spanish colonial era, it is a maze of cobbled alleys, 16th-century churches, and stone forts that have seen everything. Walk around San Agustin Church, stop by Fort Santiago, or try a bamboo bike tour if you are up for mixing heritage with a little cardio. 3. Feel The Pulse Of Cebu City Cebu City is where history and hustle shake hands. Visit the Basilica del Santo Niño, wander through local markets, and join a street food crawl that ends with grilled everything. From centuries-old churches to vibrant nightlife, Cebu proves that heritage and high energy do not have to be opposites. 4. Hike Through Living History At The Banaue Rice Terraces The Banaue Rice Terraces are not just scenic—they are ancient engineering marvels carved over 2,000 years ago and still used today. A trek through this UNESCO World Heritage site means jaw-dropping views and genuine encounters with local communities. Fuel up with a plate of pinikpikan and soak in a side of the Philippines that is quiet, earthy, and grounded. 5. Island Hop Through The Visayas Photo: Pexels The Visayas are not one island. They are a mood. From the postcard-perfect sands of Boracay to the underwater playgrounds of Bohol and the mystical stillness of Siquijor, there is no shortage of detours. Whether you are into diving, history, hammocks, or all of the above, this is your build-your-own-adventure territory. What Indian Travellers Should Know Before Visiting The Philippines: 1. When Is The Best Time To Visit The Philippines? Plan your trip between November and April. This is the dry season, perfect for island hopping, beach lounging, and avoiding sudden monsoon surprises. 2. What Should I Eat In The Philippines? Start with Adobo (a slow-cooked meat stew), then work your way through Sinigang (tangy tamarind broth), Lechon (roast pig), Pancit (stir-fried noodles), and Kare-Kare (a peanutty pork and ox tripe number). If you are feeling brave, say yes to Balut. Just once. 3. What Are The New Visa Rules For Indian Citizens? Indian nationals can now enjoy visa-free stays for 14 or 30 days, depending on which criteria they meet. If you do not qualify for visa-free access, the e-visa option is still available. Either way, travelling to the Philippines has never been easier. 4. What Should I Pack For The Philippines? Stick to breathable, light clothing - it is tropical, after all. Throw in a pair of walking shoes, something casual for evenings out, and swimwear - lots of it. So yes, you now have fewer excuses and more reasons to go. Whether you are into island life, culture, food, or history with a side of sea breeze, the Philippines is finally not just worth the hype—it is ready for you.
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
Yoasobi's 'Idol' Japan's Top Song for Second Consecutive Year
Japan Data 'Idol' by Yoasobi was the Japanese song that generated most royalties in fiscal 2024, topping the ranking for the second year running. 'Idol' by Yoasobi generated the highest royalties through distribution in fiscal 2024(April 2024–March 2025), according to data from JASRAC, the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers, and Publishers. The hit song, which was released in April 2023 as the opening theme for the TV animation Oshi no Ko, topped the ranking for the second consecutive year. It has racked up a total of 900 million streams in Japan since its release, as well as performing strongly worldwide. Ayase of Yoasobi, who wrote the song, commented, 'I'm just so happy that it was listened to so many people after it was released, and deeply grateful that it continued to be loved for so long, going over into a second year.' 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' by Creepy Nuts was second in the ranking, followed by Ado's 'Show' in third. Top 10 Japanese Musical Works by Royalty Distribution (FY 2024) Song Artist 1 'Idol' Yoasobi 2 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' Creepy Nuts 3 'Show' Ado 4 'Kawa no nagare no yō ni' (Like the Flow of the River) Misora Hibari 5 'Tensai bakabon' (Genius Bakabon) Idol Four 6 'Toshishita no otoko no ko' (Younger Boy) Candies 7 M. League Official Anthem Kawase Mikihiko and Satō Yōko 8 One Piece instrumental soundtrack Tanaka Kōhei 9 'Genki o dashite' (Cheer Up) Takeuchi Mariya 10 'Specialz' King Gnu From left, 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' by Creepy Nuts (© Sony Music Labels Inc.) and 'Show' by Ado. (© Universal Music). In fiscal 2024, music royalties rose by 5.4% from the previous year to ¥144.5 billion, marking a new record high. Interactive streaming, such as via music subscription services and YouTube, was the driving force behind the rise, increasing by 15.7% year-on-year to ¥56.4 billion. This area has been growing since around 2015, but the embrace of online activities across society during the COVID-19 pandemic boosted use of subscription services and video streaming. Revenue from performances, including live concerts, also made headway, rising by 9.7% to ¥26.0 billion, mainly because of the higher number of events that were held. (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: From left, the 'Idol' single cover [© Akasaka Aka, Yokoyari Mengo/Shūeisha, Oshi no Ko Production Committee] and Ayase of Yoasobi [courtesy JASRAC].)
AsiaOne
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Ado concert review: Singer without a face ignites fans while in cage with only silhouette visible, Entertainment News
Intimacy is one of the key allures of a concert, where you're just metres away from your favourite artiste — you would be forgiven for thinking you had a personal connection with them, even if just for a moment. But could you experience that intimacy if she appears in a cage on stage, obscured, with only her silhouette visible? Ado's Crunchyroll-powered Hibana world tour concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Wednesday (May 21) proved you certainly could, and perhaps far more than a casual listener might expect. Kicking off the show with her debut single Ussewa (2020), Ado ignited the crowd with her iconic, powerful vocals packed with raw emotions. In the confines of her cage, her silhouette danced, tumbled and thrashed, making the most of the small space she had. But the visuals were far from lacklustre — the laser lightshow more than made up for it, with beams of light spinning and overlapping, reminiscent of a rave. On the ground, the audience reciprocated with that same energy, waving their lightsticks and moving to the beat as the beams brushed over them. Ado's cage — purely physical — could do nothing to restrict the auditory delight that is her signature raspy-yet-tuneful screams as she belted out hit after hit. Each stood in stark contrast to the mellowed whispers that interspersed her songs, causing the audience to erupt in passionate cheers. Ado sang fan-favourite from One Piece Film: Red such as Fleeting Lullaby (2022) and Spy X Family season two's Kura Kura (2023), also powering through newer songs like Rockstar (2025) and Elf (2025). An impactful rendition of Sia's Chandelier (2014) was also delivered in the encore, which she closed with the rousing and hopeful New Genesis (2022) from One Piece Film: Red. 'Beyond language, beyond borders' During her encore, Ado also thanked fans present for their support. "These days, so many people know who I am... across oceans, around the world," she began. "No matter how much I think about it, it still feels surreal. I don't quite feel like myself, because at the beginning, I was completely alone." Recalling her past, Ado revealed that she used to sing alone in her closet at home, the only light in her room from her computer screen. "I sang and sang every single day," she reminisced, laughing as she shared how her mum used to yell at her to "turn it down" because she was too loud. There were people who criticised her voice or the way she sang, days when she felt very much alone and days where she felt like giving up on her dream of being a singer, Ado said. "Now, look at this," she said, her silhouette gesturing at the audience before her. "So many of you are right here in front of me. There are people all over the world who say they love my music. "I still can't believe it. This view feels like a dream, and I'm just... truly, deeply happy." Ado also wondered if there were people in the audience who were feeling the loneliness that she felt before. She empathised: "It's okay to be alone. It's okay to dream. Loneliness isn't something to be ashamed of. Even if you have insecurities, even if you feel like you're all alone — You're still allowed to dream. "No matter how lonely you are, you can still sing. That's the message I want to share — beyond language, beyond borders — with the world." Perhaps that's the secret behind Ado's popularity despite the impersonality of never showing her face — she isn't just a mysterious singer or an artiste to her fans, but more of a concept. In that concept is a silhouette — an outline which fans can fit themselves within, for them to find catharsis among other likeminded individuals and keep their own dreams alive. [[nid:716529]] bingchenghu@ khooyihang@
CNA
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Ado concert in Singapore: The mysterious Japanese singer shows off powerhouse vocals in one-of-a-kind experience
How hyped can you be from watching someone perform in a box? That was the question I had ahead of Japanese singer Ado's inaugural Singapore concert – titled Hibana – on Wednesday night (May 21). In the five years since the 22-year-old made her official debut, Ado has become one of the biggest Japanese music acts the world has heard. That's right: Heard. Because, ladies and gentlemen, despite a bevy of platinum-selling records and sold-out concerts worldwide to her name, no one has actually seen what Ado looks like. But it's not like fans are listening to a Spotify recording during her shows. Ado is indeed performing live on stage during her concerts, with choreography to boot. What sets her apart from other artistes is that she's usually belting out her hits in a box that lets only her silhouette be visible to audiences. In a past interview with British publication The Guardian, Ado explained her decision to conceal her identity, citing a desire for fans to focus on her artistry. 'When I perform live, it's about what can be expressed purely through the songs, the lighting and my silhouette…I hope audiences overseas can enjoy this new kind of culture.' Which brings us to Wednesday's concert. As a casual listener of Ado (who thinks her cover of Unravel is one of the best aural experiences in modern history), I already knew that she would slay in the vocals department. And I was right. Fan favourite songs like Usseewa, New Genesis and Kura Kura showed off her masterful range and impactful voice. What I wasn't prepared for, however, was just how fun and visually stimulating Ado's concert would be. Sure, she's performing in a box, but having witnessed it for myself firsthand, I can safely say now that the set-up augments the experience, rather than taking away from it. For 75 minutes straight, Ado sang, serenaded and screamed her heart out – barely pausing between songs. The giant LED screen behind her served as a carousel of punchy graphics which, coupled with the dazzling laser display, made me feel like I was in an anime music video. It was truly unlike any other concert experience I had. Another aspect of Ado's concert that deserves praise is her fans. In recent days, much has been said about how 'dead' Singaporean audiences can be at concerts. Well, that wasn't the case on Wednesday night. Thanks to the show's no-phone policy, everyone was in the moment, and the cheers were significantly louder than your average Singapore concert. Deafening screams of 'Ado' amidst a sea of lightsticks moving in surprising synchronisation only served to amplify the electric atmosphere.
