Have you ever, while watching an action-packed sequence in an anime, realised how the rocking music playing throughout the scene was causing your heart to race? Or struggled not to cry during a heartbreaking scene but failed because the accompanying string arrangement made everything seem all the more tragic? Or been so fascinated by an incredible piece of background music that sounded unlike anything you’d heard before and scoured the Internet trying to find out who wrote it? You’re far from being alone.
Also, one of the four people in this list is probably responsible for all those feelings.
Anime is a medium that has allowed for so much experimentation; similarly, anime soundtrack composers have been able to be just as adventurous with their music, producing wondrous results. While they may not enjoy the same exposure as theme song artistes, these composers have managed to become phenomenally popular with anime fans worldwide.
This recognition is truly earned, as they’ve worked tirelessly to craft soundtracks that transcend mere background noise. Their music enriches the anime it accompanies, adding depth and emotion while standing strong enough to captivate listeners on its own.
Hiroyuki Sawano
Has composed for: Attack on Titan, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, Blue Exorcist, Guilty Crown, Aldnoah Zero, Kill la Kill
Official website: http://www.sawanohiroyuki.com/
Rapidly rising in prominence is Hiroyuki Sawano. At 34 years old, he’s the youngest composer on his list and debuted fairly recently in 2006.
Yet in just 8 years he’s built up an impressive discography and has been involved with wildly popular anime such as Kill la Kill and Attack on Titan. Some of his most popular tracks involve blending orchestral instruments with electronica – and occasionally, powerful vocals – to create incredibly epic battle themes that will make you want to lift your sword and charge into battle.
Sawano is by no means constrained by this style, however; he’s worked with other genres including jazz and rock, and is also very capable of creating poignant and emotional pieces that will tug at your heartstrings.
In addition to composing soundtracks, Sawano has written songs for artistes including Korean singer Lena Park, mizuki, and Aimer, and uses the project name SawanoHiroyuki[nzk] when collaborating with singers. This season, he’s composing for yet another high-profile anime, Aldnoah Zero; there’s no doubt that this promising composer will deliver another awesome score and win the hearts of more anime soundtrack fans.
Yuki Kajiura
Has composed for: Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero, Kara no Kyoukai, My-Hime, .hack//SIGN, Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Official website: http://www.fictionjunction.com/
Yuki Kajiura first entered the spotlight as a keyboardist and songwriter for the music duo See-Saw, collaborating with vocalist Chiaki Ishikawa. Her journey into composing anime soundtracks began in 1996, paving the way for her rise as one of the most celebrated composers in the industry. Over the years, she has crafted memorable scores for major anime titles, including the Kara no Kyoukai series and Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
Kajiura is renowned for blending a wide range of musical influences into a signature style that transcends conventional genres—and often defies easy description. Imagine orchestral strings weaving Middle Eastern-inspired melodies, tribal rhythms paired with distorted electric guitars and a solo flute, or operatic vocals singing Latin mass-like lyrics set against pounding techno beats. (Yes, these are real examples of her work.)
She has even created her own language, affectionately called “Kajiuran” or “Kajiurago” by fans, which gives her unmatched freedom in crafting vocal arrangements. This unique linguistic approach has become a defining element of her music. Despite her experimental style, Kajiura emphasizes melodic structures, making her compositions surprisingly approachable and appealing to a broad audience.
Kajiura has even developed her own unique language, fondly referred to by fans as “Kajiuran” or “Kajiurago.” This inventive linguistic creation allows her unparalleled flexibility in designing intricate vocal arrangements, making it a signature feature of her music. While her style leans toward the experimental, she places a strong focus on melody, which makes her work unexpectedly accessible and resonant with a wide range of listeners.
Yoko Kanno
Has composed for: Terror in Resonance, Macross Frontier, RahXephon, Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Kids on the Slope
Official website: http://www.kannoyoko.net/
Yoko Kanno stands as one of the most iconic names in the anime industry, with her mere involvement in a project often sparking widespread excitement. Already a highly skilled composer, she catapulted to global fame with her groundbreaking jazz fusion soundtrack for Cowboy Bebop, solidifying her status as one of the finest anime composers of all time.
Kanno’s talent goes beyond merely dabbling in different genres—she masters each one. Whether it’s dramatic orchestral scores, infectious jazz tunes, ethereal new-age tracks, futuristic electronica, or folk-inspired melodies, she consistently delivers remarkable soundtracks. Often, she seamlessly weaves elements from multiple genres together, crafting eclectic and breathtaking compositions that are uniquely her own.
Kanno has written songs in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Russian, for the anime projects she has scored. She has collaborated with an array of talented vocalists, such as Maaya Sakamoto—whom she discovered—May’n, American singer Steve Conte, and Russian artist Origa. Interestingly, while never officially confirmed, it is widely believed that Kanno herself is the voice behind “Gabriela Robin,” a credited vocalist on some of her tracks.
Some of Yoko Kanno’s most iconic anime themes include Kiseki no Umi from Record of Lodoss War, Gravity from Wolf’s Rain, Tank! from Cowboy Bebop, Inner Universe from Ghost in the Shell: SAC, and Triangular from Macross Frontier. This season, Kanno has taken charge of the entire soundtrack for Terror in Resonance, composing everything from the opening to the ending themes. You can preview her incredible work here. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just discovering her music, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience her latest masterpiece.
Joe Hisaishi
Has composed for: The Wind Rises, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea, Howl’s Moving Castle
Official website: http://joehisaishi.com
Music plays a vital role in bringing Hayao Miyazaki’s Ghibli films to life, drawing viewers deeper into the vivid worlds born from his imagination. Throughout most of his career, Miyazaki has placed the responsibility of crafting these iconic soundtracks in the capable hands of Mamoru Fujisawa, better known by his professional name, Joe Hisaishi. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Hisaishi has earned his place as one of the most celebrated anime composers of all time, inspiring countless others in the field.
Hisaishi has crafted the scores for every one of Miyazaki’s films since Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in 1984. His music typically features orchestral arrangements enriched by elements from various genres, including European and Japanese classical, new age, and experimental electronic. This fusion creates a timeless and instantly recognizable style. His lush orchestral compositions and intricate piano melodies are nothing short of enchanting, serving as perfect companions to Miyazaki’s cinematic masterpieces.
Hisaishi’s soundtracks have earned their place as iconic works in their own right, celebrated as much as the films they accompany. Beyond anime, his career extends to live-action film scores, including international productions, and even the PS3 game Ni no Kuni. Hisaishi’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including six Japanese Academy Awards for Best Music. In 2009, he was honored with the Medal of Honour (Purple Ribbon) by the Japanese government for his remarkable artistic achievements.
His recent anime works include the scores for Miyazaki’s (supposedly) final film, The Wind Rises, and Studio Ghibli director Isao Takahata’s The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Fans worldwide eagerly await the next masterpiece from this legendary composer.
