Every ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION Anime Song
Legendary Japanese rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION (also known as Ajikan or AKFG) has gained a massive international following over the decades through their hit anime collaborations.
This article introduces every ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song featured in a movie or series.
Anime Fan? Check out our other anime song lists on utatune.
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION Anime Songs
Life is Beautiful – From FARMAGIA
Released on February 19, 2025, “Life is Beautiful” (ライフ イズ ビューティフル) is the opening theme song for the TV anime adaptation of FARMAGIA.
In an official comment, vocalist Masafumi Gotoh (Gotch) shares that in a society and global situation that can hardly be called “beautiful,” we don’t want to give up on the moments when we think, “life is beautiful.”
He states, “This is a song of determination, that even in tough times, we will not stop wishing for the moments when each of our lives shines.”
Karma – From BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS
Karma (宿縁), the 12th opening theme for BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, was digitally released on January 18, 2023, marking 20 years since the band’s first Naruto collaboration.
“I hope that the main characters can overcome these obstacles thrown at them by ‘fate,’” Gotch shared in a Billboard interview.
“I want everyone to realize and appreciate the value of their relationships with others.”
Masafumi Gotoh
Gotch drew a parallel between Boruto’s struggles and our society marked by societal disparities and cycles of wealth and privilege. “We’re living in a society with the same antagonism and division as in that first episode of BORUTO,” he observed.
“I want everyone to realize and appreciate the value of their relationships with others,” Gotoh states. Otherwise, as the lyrics suggest, “We’re just playing into the hands of those who’ve cursed our world.”
Demachiyanagi Parallel Universe – From The Tatami Time Machine Blues
Released digitally on September 21, 2022, “Demachiyanagi Parallel Universe” (出町柳パラレルユニバース) is the opening theme for the anime series The Tatami Time Machine Blues and the theme song for its compilation movie.
In an official comment, Gotch expressed gratitude for their third return to a Tomihiko Morimi work. For this song, he imagined a parallel world in which the band’s own coming-of-age and that of the characters “remain separated, yet seem to be connected somewhere.”
Empathy – From My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
“Empathy” (エンパシー) is the theme song for the movie My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission. This ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song was released on August 4, 2021.
While phrases like “everyone is different and everyone is good” can be uplifting, Gotch notes in his official comment, that struggles with individuality can feel endless.
Reflecting on Deku and the other characters, he observed that their battles aren’t just against villains, but also their own doubts and insecurities. Gotch gained courage from these heroes and channeled it into “Empathy.”
Flowers – From My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
Also released on August 4, 2021, “Flowers”(フラワーズ) is an insert song from My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission.
In a YouTube comment, guitarist Kensuke Kita shared that the song initially began as a simple vocal-and-guitar arrangement. From early on, Gotch wanted to incorporate an orchestra to create a grand, dramatic image.
As the band’s first insert song, drummer Kiyoshi Ijichi chose a straightforward rhythm over something flashy. They also incorporated a 30-inch taiko drum, played in an “oendan” (Japanese cheer) style.
Dororo – From Dororo
“Dororo” (どろろ) is the second opening theme for the anime Dororo. This ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song was digitally released on April 22, 2019.
Gotō described Dororo as “a multi-layered and profound work,” commenting on its vivid portrayal of shifting loyalties and societal flaws. The band aimed to honor Osamu Tezuka’s original manga by infusing the music with the same depth and critical edge.
“Tezuka Osamu’s works possess a perspective that goes beyond mere entertainment, one that satirizes society,” Gotō explained in an interview. “I wanted to incorporate that into the lyrics as well.”
Kouya wo Aruke – From The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl
“Kouya wo Aruke” (荒野を歩け or also known as “Kouyao Aruke”) is the theme song for The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl. This ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song was released on March 29, 2017,
In an official comment, Gotch enjoyed working with the team behind The Tatami Galaxy again. He decided to create “a little strange but refreshing song” to align with the film’s “bittersweet and mysterious world.”
Blood Circulator – From Naruto Shippuden
“Blood Circulator” (ブラッドサーキュレーター) is the 19th opening theme for Naruto Shippuden. This ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song was released on July 13, 2016.
In their media comment, Gotch shared how the opportunity to compose for Naruto Shippuden arrived during a demanding period. Yet, the offer felt impossible to refuse.
Driven by the intuition that creating this track would “open the door to another new journey,” the band worked tirelessly (even sacrificing sleep) to make this song. Speaking about Naruto, Gotch states, “We are comrades traveling the world together.”
A Lost Dog and Beats of the Rain – From The Tatami Galaxy
Released on May 26, 2010, “A Lost Dog and Beats of the Rain” (迷子犬と雨のビート) is the opening theme for The Tatami Galaxy.
“It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve felt such a strong response to a song,” Gotch wrote in his official comment, feeling more attached to this track than ever before.
Taking great pride in both the lyrics and composition, he was excited to see Nakamura’s drawings come to life with this ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song in the background.
Re:Re: – From ERASED
“Re:Re:” is the opening theme for ERASED. Originally released in 2004, this ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song was newly recorded for the series and re-released on March 16, 2016.
In an official comment, guitarist Kita Kensuke recalled the excitement he felt when reading the manga. Revisiting the lyrics of Re:Re:, he found many moments that naturally resonated with the story, inspiring the band to approach the re-recording with a fresh perspective.
Fun fact: A song cover by Kessoku Band was used as the ending theme for the second Bocchi the Rock! compilation film (which is also titled Re:Re:)!
Well Then, See You Again Tomorrow – From Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
Released on July 25, 2012, “Well Then, See You Again Tomorrow” (それでは、また明日) is the theme song for Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie,
In their media comment, Gotch expressed gratitude to the Naruto universe for introducing their music to overseas fans. He shared more insights into the song’s lyrics in a blog post, reflecting on society’s tendency to attack outsiders and oversimplify a complex world.
He embraces the open interpretation of his lyrics, hoping listeners can “take a step closer” and let “the meaning and imagery expand.” Ultimately, Gotch envisions “Well Then, See You Again Tomorrow” as “a gentle daily greeting, or a sense of joy that tomorrow will come.”
After Dark – From BLEACH
Released on November 7, 2007, “After Dark” (アフターダーク) is the seventh opening theme for BLEACH, during the anime’s Arrancar: The Hueco Mundo Sneak Entry arc.
In an interview, Gotch revealed that the song’s lyrics were inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s The Nighthawk Star, a short story about a shunned bird that overcomes struggles to ascend to the stars.
“I purely want to use the power of music to give listeners a sense of liberation or something close to joy.”
Masafumi Gotoh
Gotch spoke to the generational burdens felt by his peers–defined by limited opportunities and global unrest–and how we move forward in turbulent times. “I purely want to use the power of music,” he says, “to give listeners a sense of liberation or something close to joy.”
A Town In Blue – From Tekkonkinkreet
“A Town In Blue” (或る街の群青) is the theme song for the anime film Tekkonkinkreet. This ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song was released on November 29, 2006.
In a media comment, Gotch shared that he was a big fan of Taiyo Matsumoto’s works, revealing that he has read the manga over a dozen times.
The story, he said, is one that “feels like peering into your own heart.” He described the songwriting process as one rooted in love for the original work.
Rewrite – From Fullmetal Alchemist
“Rewrite” (リライト) is the fourth opening theme for Fullmetal Alchemist. Released on August 4, 2004, it is often called one of their “signature songs.”
Despite the band’s initial reluctance to continue pursuing anime tie-ups at the time, vocalist Gotch later shared in an interview “The work we were involved in was the work we were meant to encounter.”
“Rewrite” also holds a special place in pop culture in another hit series. Aki Hamaji, the creator of Bocchi the Rock!, discovered the band through this song. Her love for the group is clear in all of the Ajikan references in the series.
Haruka Kanata – From Naruto
“Haruka Kanata” (遥か彼方), also titled Far And Beyond, is the second opening theme for the anime Naruto. Released on April 23, 2003, this track marked the band’s breakout onto the global stage.
Using rock music for anime themes was unconventional at the time, but the band decided to go through with it. “We thought that when NARUTO was put out on the world stage, we’d be able to go along with it,” Gotch explains in a Billboard interview. “I remember feeling, ‘This is a wonderful opportunity.’”
“We thought that when NARUTO was put out on the world stage, we’d be able to go along with it.”
Masafumi Gotoh
Their instincts proved correct, as “Haruka Kanata” was a massive, international success, even inspiring metalcore bands like Bad Omens and Alpha Wolf. Decades later, it remains their most-streamed song on Spotify.
Did you know? “Haruka Kanata” was also used as the theme song in the OVA Naruto: The Cross Roads, and the video game Naruto: Ultimate Ninja.
Music Playlist: All ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime songs
Check out this playlist of every digitally released ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime song mentioned above.
Follow ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Learn more about Ajikan (and any upcoming ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION anime songs), through the links below.
Official website
Social media
