Every NANO Anime Opening
With over a decade of anime collaborations, NANO (ナノ) has built a devoted global fanbase.
The Japanese-American singer, who first gained recognition as an utaite sharing bilingual cover songs online, channels her dual heritage into music that aims to “reach out beyond borders, connecting people around the world.”
This article introduces every NANO anime opening featured in a TV series.
All NANO anime openings
Do or Die – From Shadowverse Flame
“Do or Die” is the fourth opening theme for the anime Shadowverse Flame. This NANO anime opening was digitally released on April 13, 2024.
In a video comment, NANO explained that “Do or Die” is centered on the internal conflict of the protagonist Light Tenryu, who “fights and struggles to beat himself.”
NANO focused on capturing the anime’s rich legacy and immersive world. She shared in her official comment, “I sang while especially staying close to the characters’ emotions, inner conflicts, and beliefs.”
Evolution – From The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made
Released on January 14, 2023, “Evolution” opens the second season of The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made.
In her official comment, NANO described “Evolution” as “a song written with hope for the evolution of this work, this era, and myself.”
Released shortly after her 10th anniversary in 2022, this NANO anime opening is especially meaningful. “I really think that the word itself might be my keyword,” she shares, adding, “My goal is to continue evolving.“
CATASTROPHE – From Human Bug University
“CATASTROPHE” is the opening theme for Human Bug University – Faculty of Immortality, Department of Misfortune, an anime adaptation based on the popular manga YouTube channel. This NANO anime opening was digitally released on October 5, 2022.
NANO has described CATASTROPHE as “a cry from the soul,” drawing inspiration from universal emotions of anger, frustration, and inner conflict.
“Living should be something natural, yet it can also be the most painful thing,” she expressed. However, it’s these moments of hardship that reveal humanity’s true strength. The people “breaking down those walls, one by one,” NANO said, “are the greatest.”
Check out NANO’s lyrics in English.
KEMURIKUSA – From Kemurikusa
“KEMURIKUSA” is the opener for the anime adaptation of Kemurikusa and was released on February 6, 2019.
For the first time, NANO worked directly with an anime director to create a song from the ground up. As she immersed herself in the world of Kemurikusa, she made sure to respect its devoted fanbase, likening the process to adding fuel to a blazing fire.
This NANO anime opening also marked a turning point in her career. Known for her fierce, battle-driven lyrics, she reflected, “with ‘KEMURIKUSA,’ I realized I don’t have that much anger in my heart.” The revelation encouraged NANO to explore new avenues to push her artistry forward.
Star light, Star bright – From Conception
Released on November 21, 2018, “Star light, Star bright” is the opener for Conception. The title of this NANO anime opening pays homage to the classic English nursery rhyme of the same name.
Known for her intense rock style, NANO took a different approach with this track and embraced a brighter, pop-inspired sound. It was a style she had admired for years, but had yet to explore in her own music.
The lyrics are straightforwardly positive, which NANO believes is sometimes what humans need. “It’s not always about [growth] or that ‘the light shines because of the shadow,’” she shared. “Maybe it’s okay to just sing about light.”
By the end of the track, she felt she was “shining at her maximum.”
Utsushiyo no Yume (ウツシヨノユメ) – From Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits
“Utsushiyo no Yume” (ウツシヨノユメ) is the second opening theme for Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits and was released on August 22, 2018.
Drawing inspiration from the anime’s worldview, NANO created a track representing “a world unknown to humans, normally a place not encountered, that expands the imagination.”
Much like the anime’s theme of bridging two worlds, NANO reflected on her Japanese and American roots. Although balancing the two has been challenging, she feels she’s reached a point where she can harmoniously express both.
Bull’s Eye – From Aria the Scarlet Ammo AA
Released on October 17, 2017, Bull’s Eye is the opening for Aria the Scarlet Ammo AA.
Defined by its fast tempo and sweeping string arrangements—added late in production—this NANO anime opening balances a striking blend of fierceness and grace. “I’ve always liked creating contrast,” NANO explained in an interview, using “monochrome” imagery to make the “scarlet” stand out more vividly.
The duality extends to her strong, yet delicate vocals. “Until now, I’ve been singing intense, heavy rock, and while that feels great in its own way, I felt that the work of Aria isn’t just about being strong.”
MY LIBERATION – From Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas
“MY LIBERATION” opens the TV adaptation of Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas; this NANO anime opening was released on February 1, 2017, during her fifth anniversary year.
“MY LIBERATION” holds a special place in NANO’s heart. “I can especially feel myself in this song,” she shared in an interview, adding “The melody is one that I’ve linked with myself the most so far.”
The lyrics draw parallels to the anime’s themes of “connection” and “binding.” While the song mainly remains in “fighting mode,” the relaxed interlude offers time, in NANO’s words, to “take a breather, and ‘release.’”
SAVIOR OF SONG – From Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-
“SAVIOR OF SONG,” is the opening theme for Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-. The edgy rock anthem, released on October 30, 2013, features a collaboration between NANO and Japanese rock band MY FIRST STORY,
The song’s defining feature is the seamless synergy between NANO and MY FIRST STORY’s vocalist Hiro, to the point where it is difficult to differentiate between their voices. “This was the first time I met someone whose vocal style and tone are so similar to mine,” Hiro revealed, “so it was quite a shock in many ways.”
With striking lyrics inspired by the anime’s oceanic warfare, it remains one of NANO’s most streamed tracks over a decade later.
No pain, No game – From BTOOOM!
The anime BTOOOM! opens with the electrifying theme “No pain, No game,” released on October 10, 2012. Composed by Shota Horie of PENGUIN RESEARCH, the track became a defining moment in her career.
When NANO heard the demo for the first time, she recalled it as “an unforgettable emotion… as if it pierced my heart.” With its fast tempo and nod to Horie’s Vocaloid background, the song was a challenge. “Is this a song a human can sing?” she wondered.
Yet, conquering its complexity transformed her artistry, shaping her signature style of high-energy, fast-paced music. NANO reflects, “You could say that the person I am now was born from there, so I’m grateful.”
Exist (エグジスト) – From BTOOOM!
“Exist” (エグジスト) is the opening theme for the 12th episode of BTOOOM!. This NANO anime opening was released on October 10, 2012, alongside the above-mentioned “No pain, No game.”
Although primarily used as an insert song throughout the series, “Exist” replaces the regular opening for the final episode of the season.
As one of her darker songs, NANO compared “Exist”’s heavier tone to her 2019 track, “Artificial Hero.” Together with “No pain, No game,” this track embodies the gritty survivalism in BTOOOM!.
Now or Never – From Phi Brain: Puzzle of God
The anime Phi Brain: Puzzle of God kicks off its second season with the dynamic opening theme “Now or Never.” Released on May 23, 2012, the song marks NANO’s first-ever collaboration with an anime series
While this NANO anime opening’s lyrics are predominantly Japanese, the second half incorporates more English—a deliberate decision by NANO. In an interview, she explained that English better captured the raw, direct emotions she wanted to express in those moments.
The title itself carries a sense of urgency. As NANO put it, “If you miss [the moment] now, the chance will never come again.”
The intensity aligns with the opener’s high-energy visuals, with fans praising its “out-of-control energy.”
Music Playlist: All NANO anime openings
Listen to the playlist of every released NANO anime opening mentioned above.
Follow NANO
Learn more about NANO (and any upcoming NANO anime openings), through the links below.
Official website (English): http://en.nanonano.me
Social media:
Explore other anime song lists on utatune.
