FunimationCon 2020 is shaping up to be something special, and packed with amazing content! Are you ready for special appearances from Japanese music artists who have performed some of the most iconic opening and ending themes in recent anime history?!
Not familiar with their names? That’s OK! We’re breaking down the history of some of the artists you’ll hear, as well as some of their all-time hits. And don’t forget to register for FunimationCon…for free!
FLOW
Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve probably heard something from FLOW before.
From “COLORS,” the opening for Code Geass, to “Howling,” a collaboration track with GRANRODEO used as the opening for the second season of The Seven Deadly Sins, they’ve performed some of the most memorable themes in the past 15 years!
Originally formed in 1998, the group became the five-membered team they are now in 2000. Their first single to be featured in an anime, “GO!!!” was used as the fourth opening for Naruto, which has since cemented itself as one of many iconic themes from the franchise.
Since 2000, FLOW has released 11 studio albums and over 30 singles.
KANA-BOON
Formed while in high school in 2008, KANA-BOON has released four studio albums and 14 singles since signing to major record label Ki/oon Music in 2013.
Like FLOW, their first single to be used in an anime series was made for the Naruto franchise. “Silhouette” was the 16th opening theme for Naruto Shippuden and is one of the most beloved by fans of the series.
Since then, KANA-BOON has performed opening and ending themes for series like My Hero Academia, Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Sarazanmai.
Their bright, pop-rock sound lends well to colorful videos, but they can also produce a grungier sound that fits darker-themed shows. No matter what, their sound is one that you won’t soon forget!
BLUE ENCOUNT
From Gintama to My Hero Academia, BLUE ENCOUNT has performed opening themes for some extremely popular series. Making their major label debut 10 years after their formation (in 2004), the four-member group has released 11 singles and four studio albums.
From bright, danceable tracks to more emotional ones, BLUE ENCOUNT is a rock group that can handle a wide range of sounds.
Lead singer Tanabe Shunichi can even make a handwashing a cappella session tug at your heartstrings a little.
Luna Haruna
Unlike the other artists on this list, Luna Haruna’s music career has been connected to anime from the beginning.
She would sing along with anime openings when she was younger, and she was named a finalist for the fourth-ever All-Japan Anime Song Grand Prix!
Her debut single as a professional singer, “Sora wa takaku kaze wa utau,” was used for the second ending theme for Fate/Zero. Just a few months later, her second single, “Overfly,” was used as the second ending theme for Sword Art Online.
Since then, she’s continued to contribute songs to numerous anime series, including Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs, URAHARA, MEKAKUCITY ACTORS and Puzzle & Dragons.
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