It’s no secret that anime has been a wellspring of inspiration for musicians across genres and generations. From hip-hop titans like Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert openly celebrating their love for Japanese animation to artists forging direct collaborations with Japanese creators and studios, the fusion of music and anime visuals has given us some truly unforgettable moments for music-loving Otakus. We’ve delved deep to bring you a curated list of some of the most iconic music videos to have received the anime touch, showcasing incredible creativity and cross-cultural appeal.
One such artist who has masterfully blended K-pop with the vibrant world of anime is TWICE. This globally recognized K-pop group, known for their infectious energy since their 2015 debut, delivered a delightful anime-themed video for their 2018 track “Candy Pop.” From their second Japanese album, BDZ, this visual is a perfect embodiment of classic shoujo aesthetics, bursting with bright colors, charming poses, and transformative sequences. The upbeat electropop melody of “Candy Pop” harmonizes beautifully with the animated narrative, which follows the members of TWICE as they go the extra mile to bring joy to a young fan.
The innovative spirit of anime in music videos is perhaps best exemplified by Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555. This isn’t just one video; it’s a full-length animated film, a continuous sci-fi narrative woven through 14 of their tracks, from the iconic “One More Time” to the evocative “Too Long.” Directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi, the story follows a group of alien musicians abducted and exploited by a ruthless music executive. This ambitious project was a groundbreaking concept for its time and remains a cherished masterpiece for both music aficionados and anime enthusiasts, proving the power of visual storytelling in music.
Pharrell Williams, a rapper and producer celebrated for his eclectic style and futuristic sound, also embraced the vibrant world of anime with his track “It Girl.” The video boasts a dazzling, colorful aesthetic that perfectly matches the song’s infectious groove, inviting viewers to sway along. Directed by Fantasista Utamaro and brought to life by Naz, the same studio behind the popular romance comedy My First Girlfriend Is a Gal, this visual is a testament to the exciting possibilities of Kawaii art style meeting infectious beats.
Kanye West’s “Good Morning” offered a unique vision, produced by Takashi Murakami’s artist collective, Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. The animated video depicts Ye’s mascot navigating the chaotic streets of Universe City, striving to reach his college graduation on time. Murakami’s signature abstract and contemporary visuals blend seamlessly with the lyrical themes of graduation and personal growth, creating a thought-provoking and artistically rich experience.
The Weeknd, known for his melancholic yet captivating sound, has also shown a deep appreciation for anime. For his autobiographical track “Snowchild,” he collaborated with D’Art Shtajio, Japan’s first predominantly Black-owned anime studio. The resulting video is imbued with the dark, cryptic elements characteristic of his music, charting his journey from his early days in Toronto to his current status as an R&B superstar.
Long before these more recent collaborations, Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” paved the way by incorporating anime into its music video. This 1980s alternative rock hit ingeniously interweaves clips from the sci-fi anime Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie with footage of Sweet performing. The video’s impact was so significant that many fans discovered the anime classic thanks to Sweet’s catchy power-pop anthem.
In the realm of EDM, Porter Robinson and Madeon’s “Shelter” stands out as a complete anime production. This six-minute short film, a joint effort between Crunchyroll and A-1 Pictures (known for Fairytale and Sword Art Online), tells a poignant sci-fi fantasy story. It follows Rin, a young girl living in isolation within a virtual simulation, whose seemingly content existence takes a melancholic turn as she uncovers the truth behind her manufactured world, all set to the mellow electronic soundtrack.
Finally, Korean house singer Yaeji delivered a hilariously entertaining anime short for her single “Waking Up Down.” Produced by Studio Yotta, the video features an animated Yaeji tackling her overwhelming to-do list with the help of her adorable puppy. As the catchy dance track plays, viewers are transported into Yaeji’s imaginative world, where she’s motivated by quirky characters like Coach Bird and Worm, and the intense Chef Eggman. The comically exaggerated scenes are a perfect showcase of anime’s unique ability to inject humor and heart into the mundane, reminding us of the universal desire for motivation and fun, even in our daily routines. These artists demonstrate how anime continues to be a powerful force, enriching global music culture and providing a unique canvas for storytelling and artistic expression that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.
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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
