‘A Certain Level of High Intelligence’: Beyblade OP Artist Says International Anime Fans Have ‘High Level of Understanding’

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Takahiro Moriuchi, the lead vocalist and face of the famous Japanese band ONE OK ROCK, has garnered global recognition, particularly after his band’s foray into both music and film industries, contributing opening themes to popular intellectual properties like Beyblade and live-action Rurouni Kenshin. After decades of engaging with fans beyond Japan, Moriuchi acknowledges that Western anime enthusiasts showcase a distinct “high intelligence” that sets them apart as individuals capable of appreciating the art forms of different cultures.

For over a decade, ONE OK ROCK has been putting out albums and performing concerts in numerous countries worldwide. Their most recent album, “Detox,” dropped on February 21, 2025. In an interview with , Taka (also known as Moriuchi) shared how the development of his band enabled him to resonate with American rock fans who are also deeply fond of Japanese cartoons. “They were the ones who first introduced me to anime. Once I started watching a few, I realized just how cool it was,” he said, explaining that his personal journey was quite different from what one might expect.

ONE OK ROCK Frontman Curious About How American Fans Understand Anime

ONE OK ROCK, formed in 2005, comprises Takahiro Moriuchi along with Toru Yamashita (guitarist), Ryota Kohama (bassist), and Tomoya Kanki (drums). Initially, they released typical music albums and singles. However, in 2013, the band expanded its horizons by composing the opening theme song for ‘Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045’. Touring the U.S. and engaging with Western fans broadened Moriuchi’s understanding of anime. He admitted, “To be honest, I didn’t watch much anime as a child. Very little…I find it fascinating how distinctive the storytelling is in anime. I’m always intrigued by how Americans interpret [it], given that the stories are very Japanese.

2023 saw the band ONE OK ROCK perform the theme song for Beyblade X. By then, Moriuchi had gained deep admiration for fans of international anime, who often seek out subtitled versions of anime before the release of official English dubs. “Growing up in Japan, we’ve been watching American movies since we were kids, so we know ‘how’ to consume it,” he stated. “However, I’ve observed that people who enjoy anime overseas possess a certain level of intelligence. They watch everything with subtitles from a different culture, yet they still manage to grasp and comprehend it…I’ve noticed that my friends who are into anime tend to have a high level of understanding and intelligence.

Currently, Moriuchi is drawn to various manga series such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and The Apothecary Diaries. These works often center around themes like teamwork, resilience, loyalty, and camaraderie. Interestingly enough, these same themes can be found in Moriuchi’s music as well. As he shared, “We really enjoy crafting songs centered on the idea of never giving up and always pushing forward.” To tell that story effectively, they constantly aim to explore different sounds and genres and incorporate those elements into their music. Meanwhile, Detox’s songs often tackle political issues – an approach Moriuchi hopes will lead to numerous future ONE OK ROCK albums.

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2025-05-23 06:33