True facts about animation: a story of music in anime
On the occasion of our weekly news for Animé 100 and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japanese animation, we’re publishing a series of facts to tell you more about its history and various aspects. Today, let’s tackle music and anisong!
Anisong, or anime music, is a music genre in itself, that appeared along with TV anime series.
The first song designed for an animation work was created in 1963 for the anime Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy). At the time, most anime openings and endings were sung by children’s choirs, or sometimes by one of the main voice actors of the show.
It was not until the early 70s that singers specialized in anime songs appeared. One of the first singers was Mitsuko HORIE who sang the second opening of Kurenai Sanshirô (Judo Boy). Soon after her, the major voices of Japanese animation showed up with Isao SASAKI (Yamato, Grendizer) or Ichirô MIZUKI (Captain Harlock, Mazinger Z). Opening and ending songs are featured all along the series, which maked producers take great care with them.
This trend recedes with City Hunter in 1987 and to this day as songs unrelated to the anime they feature in are chosen as openings and endings.
Japanese animation is 100 years old: come celebrate with us!
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