For nearly three decades, BUMP OF CHICKEN has stood as one of Japan’s most influential alternative rock bands, an eternal presence in J-pop and a creative force whose music has shaped not only the charts, but also the emotional landscape of modern anime.
Formed on February 11, 1996, the band rose to national fame with their breakthrough hit single “Tentaikansoku” in 2001. Since then, their career has grown into a monumental body of work: 10 albums, 28 singles, over 524 million global streams in 2023, and more than 2 million total live attendees.
But beyond the numbers lies something more powerful, the profound relationship between BUMP OF CHICKEN’s music and the storytelling of Japan’s most beloved anime worlds. Their songs do not simply accompany these works; they illuminate them.
BUMP OF CHICKEN artist photo:
When BUMP OF CHICKEN Meets Anime: Iconic Collaborations
In 2024, as Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia concluded a decade-long run (with over 100 million copies sold worldwide), the responsibility of scoring the story’s emotional final chapter fell to BUMP OF CHICKEN. Their ending theme “I” is a contemplative, heart-wrenching reflection on courage and identity echoing the series’ themes at the moment everything comes full circle.
The band follows a long line of major artists tied to the franchise, but their contribution carries a sense of culmination.
“My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON” Ending Theme / ” I “ by BUMP OF CHICKEN
Few collaborations have had the global impact of “Acacia”. Released alongside the animated music video “GOTCHA!”, the song became an international cultural moment. Featuring captions in 9 languages, the video rapidly spread across the world and today has over 92 million views.
Pokémon Special Music Video 「GOTCHA！」 | BUMP OF CHICKEN – “Acacia”
With SPY×FAMILY already a global phenomenon, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s contribution, “SOUVENIR”, brought a warm, pop-rock radiance to the series. It perfectly reflects the show’s charm light, playful, yet anchored by genuine emotional depth. Their sound amplifies the anime’s theme of family forged through unexpected bonds.
“SPY x FAMILY” Part 2 Opening Theme / “SOUVENIR“ by BUMP OF CHICKEN
Across genres and generations, the band has continued to create unforgettable musical moments. Each track carries the band’s signature emotional weight, yet adapts to the tone and identity of each franchise a testament to their versatility:
“Delicious in Dungeon” Opening Theme / “Sleep Walking Orchestra“ by BUMP OF CHICKEN
“Blood Blockade Battlefront” Opening Theme / “Hello, world!“ by BUMP OF CHICKEN
- One Piece the Movie: Dead End Adventure – “sailing day”
- Karakuri Circus – “Gekkou”
- Sumikkogurashi: The Little Wizard in the Blue Moonlight – “Small world”
Beyond Anime: Expanded Creative Worlds
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s storytelling talents extend far outside the anime sphere. Their music has appeared in major films, games, commercials, brands and more:
Lotte 70th Anniversary Special Animation / “Shinsekai” by BUMP OF CHICKEN
FINAL FANTASY / “Zero“ by BUMP OF CHICKEN
YO-KAI WATCH / “Bouen no March” by BUMP OF CHICKEN
Kiseijyu (Parasyte) / “Parade” by BUMP OF CHICKEN
Art Beyond Sound: A Collaboration That Went Beyond Creators’ Genres
BUMP OF CHICKEN‘s visual universe is equally iconic. Through collaborations with numerous creators, a distinctive artistic style has taken shape—seen across album jackets, music videos, tour visuals, merchandise, and more.
Furthermore, their collaborations even include special-edition Vans sneakers for the band’s 25th anniversary and experimental projects such as the Hatsune Miku collaboration “ray feat. HATSUNE MIKU”, featuring a 3DCG model co-created with Crypton Future Media.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Even after 29 years, BUMP OF CHICKEN remains one of Japan’s most active and beloved live bands, consistently selling out arenas, stadiums, and domes. Their 2024 National tour Sphery Rendezvous reached 500,000 people, reaffirming their status as one of Japan’s top live acts.
In 2024, the band also released their 10th album Iris, showcasing their evolution while preserving the emotional sincerity that defines them.
BUMP OF CHICKEN has become inseparable from the stories that shape contemporary Japanese culture. Their music captures what anime often strives to express: vulnerability, courage, growth, and connection.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, exploring BUMP OF CHICKEN through the lens of their anime collaborations reveals a rich, interconnected world one where sound and story elevate each other to unforgettable heights.
■ BUMP OF CHICKEN links:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bumpofchicken
X (Twitter): https://x.com/boc_official_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpofchickenofficial/
Website: https://www.bumpofchicken.com/
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