Complete List of Kaguya-sama: Love is War OP and ED Theme Songs! Check Out the Artists’ Information Too!

“Kaguya-sama: Love is War” (hereafter referred to as “Kaguya-sama”) is a TV anime based on the manga of the same name by Aka Akasaka, which was serialized in Weekly Young Jump. In addition to the 28-volume main series, spinoff comics and novelizations have been released, with total series sales exceeding 22 million copies.

The TV anime has aired over three seasons so far, and a new animated work, “Kaguya-sama: Love is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends-,” was given a special theatrical release starting December 17, 2022. Furthermore, two live-action films were produced and released in September 2019 and August 2021, both ranking number one at the box office during their opening weekends.

In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to a total of 17 OP/ED themes, insert songs, and live-action film theme songs that beautifully color the world of the “Kaguya-sama” TV anime. We also touch on brief profiles of the artists who performed each song.

What Is the Popular Anime “Kaguya-sama: Love is War”?

At Shuchiin Academy, a prestigious school attended by sons and daughters of distinguished families, vice president Kaguya Shinomiya and president Miyuki Shirogane meet in the student council. The two are attracted to each other but are too proud to confess, leading them to believe “whoever confesses first loses.” They then wage psychological battles of strategy to make the other confess first...

Starting from this prologue, “Kaguya-sama” is a school romantic comedy set in an elite high school with a deviation value of 77. Centering on the complicated romance between Kaguya and Shirogane, the series humorously and sometimes seriously portrays the web of relationships around them. With its twisted love story and razor-sharp humor, it became a hot topic, achieving first place at the “3rd Next Manga Awards” in 2017 and earning high acclaim as a popular work.

List of Artists for OP/ED Themes and Insert Songs in the “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Anime

■ Masayuki Suzuki—OP Themes for Seasons 1, 2, 3, and -The First Kiss That Never Ends-

Masayuki Suzuki, known as the “King of Love Songs,” sings the OP themes for the first to third seasons of “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” and the special theatrical release “The First Kiss That Never Ends” (from December 17, 2022). Suzuki, the lead singer of the now-on-hiatus chorus group Rats & Star (formerly Chanels), produced many hit songs including “Megumi no Hito” and has had a long, influential career.

Born the son of a small-town factory owner in Ota, Tokyo, he formed Chanels in 1975 with friends from junior and senior high. Their debut single “Runaway” (1980) sold over a million copies, leading to a series of hits, and Suzuki made his solo debut in 1986. In 1987, he produced his sister Kiyomi Suzuki’s debut and even duetted “Lonely Chaplin” with her.

Continuing his career for over 40 years, Suzuki’s first anime theme was for “Kaguya-sama,” earning him the nickname “the biggest rookie in the anisong world” among anime fans. Suzuki himself took a liking to this moniker, using it on his official Twitter and even greeting fans as “the eternal big rookie of anisong” at the world premiere of Season 3 on March 18, 2022.

On November 21, 2022, it was announced he would again provide the OP for “The First Kiss That Never Ends.” Suzuki commented: “With each work, I feel closer to the fans of Kaguya-sama, and now it feels like we’re kindred spirits. I hope everyone enjoys both the story and the theme song on the big screen!” Prior to this, on November 16, it was announced Suzuki would appear at the 73rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (airing December 31, 2022) for the fifth time, and for the third consecutive year since 2020. He was scheduled to perform “Chigau, Sou Janai.”

■ Rikka Ihara—Season 1 OP Theme

Rikka Ihara, the guest vocalist for the first season’s OP “Love Dramatic,” is originally from a musical theater background. After performing in many musicals as a child actor, she joined her high school dance club and gained media attention as the center for the viral “Bubble Dance” at the 2017 Japanese High School Dance Club Championships.

Her subsequent scout into the entertainment industry led her to start her professional activities in October 2017. Winning an audition, she became Century 21’s inaugural image character in February 2018, debuted as a singer in a commercial in January 2019, and was concurrently picked for the anime “Kaguya-sama” Season 1 OP. Ihara has also appeared as an actress, such as in the 2019 NHK morning drama “Natsuzora.”

■ Konomi Kohara—Season 1 Episode 3 Insert Song & Season 3 Episode 5 Special ED

Konomi Kohara, known for her role as Chika Fujiwara in the anime, performed “Chikatto Chika Chika▽” as the ED for Season 1 Episode 3, and “My Nonfiction” as the ED for Season 3 Episode 5. She is also known for her roles as Kukuri in “Mahōjin Guru Guru” (2017) and Yuko Yoshida (Shamiko) in “The Demon Girl Next Door.”

Originally self-conscious about her voice, Kohara aspired to be a voice actress from her junior high anime fandom days. She studied acting in a vocational school with a major in voice acting and acting after high school. Following two years as an actress, she joined a voice acting agency while working at MUJI, landing her first heroine role in the 2017 anime “Tsukigakirei.” She has also been a regular on the “Kaguya-sama” web radio, making her familiar to fans.

■ Airi Suzuki—Season 2 OP Theme, Season 3 ED Theme, “The First Kiss That Never Ends” ED Theme

Airi Suzuki serves as the guest vocalist for Season 2 OP “DADDY! DADDY! DO!,” the main vocalist for Season 3 ED “Heart wa Oteage,” and “The First Kiss That Never Ends” ED “heart notes.” Formerly a member of the girl idol groups °C-ute and Buono!, she held a solo concert at Nippon Budokan in 2018.

Born to professional golfer parents, Suzuki set her sights on singing early and passed the Hello! Project Kids audition at age 8. Her career spans 20 years, with stints as a model for women’s fashion magazines and an actress. In 2018, she started a YouTube channel and attracted attention with a dance cover of “Chikatto Chika Chika▽.”

■ Suu—Season 3 OP Theme

Suu, the guest vocalist for Season 3 OP “GIRI GIRI,” is known as the vocalist and guitarist of the girls’ band SILENT SIREN, which went on hiatus in 2021. Influenced by her older sister, she began studying piano in elementary school and bought a guitar in junior high. While in Tokyo, she worked as a reader model for magazines like “CUTiE” and formed SILENT SIREN with friends, debuting in 2012.

Suu has written lyrics and contributed songs to multiple girl idol groups. Notably, performing and dancing to the anime’s OP without a guitar was a first for her, as revealed on Suzuki’s staff Twitter, which dubbed her the “MVP of this project.”

■ Reni Takagi—“The First Kiss That Never Ends” OP Theme

Reni Takagi, participating as duet partner for “Love is Show,” the OP of “The First Kiss That Never Ends,” is a member of the four-girl unit Momoiro Clover Z. She was scouted in junior high (2007) and has been the group’s eldest member for over a decade.

In recent years, she has expanded her work to solo TV commercials and starring drama roles, as well as running as an Olympic torchbearer in Tokyo. When asked about being chosen for the theme, she said, “Being approached was truly dreamlike. I felt the pressure of being part of such a beloved work, but I poured everything I had into matching the world view!”

■ halca—Season 1 ED Theme & “The First Kiss That Never Ends” Insert Song

halca, a female singer affiliated with SACRA MUSIC, performed the Season 1 ED “Sentimental Crisis” and “Romantic Manifesto” in “The First Kiss That Never Ends.” She was runner-up in the first Utakatsu! audition in 2013 and made her major debut with the ED theme “Kimi no Tonari” for the anime “Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku” in April 2018.

Since then, halca has performed anime songs for shows like “We Never Learn: BOKUBEN” (Season 2 ED), “Dropkick on My Devil!” (Season 2 OP), and “Rent-A-Girlfriend” (ED). An avid anime fan since childhood, she watched anime continually on cable TV and managed to make her dream her job.

■ Haruka Fukuhara—Season 2 ED Theme

Haruka Fukuhara, a former child actress known as “Main-chan,” sings the Season 2 ED “Kaze ni Fukarete.” Active as a voice actress, singer, and fashion model, she played Tsubame Koyasu both in the anime and live-action films.

Fukuhara debuted as an actress in first grade and broke through as the protagonist Main Hiiragi in the NHK E-Tele cooking show “Cookin’ Idol Ai! Mai! Main!” from 2009 through 2013. She has since had major roles as voice actress Himari Arisugawa in “Kirakira Precure a la Mode,” and played Rin Shima in the live-action “Laid-Back Camp.”

■ maimie—Season 2 Episode 7 Insert Song

maimie, who sang “Yasashisa no Kioku” in Season 2 Episode 7’s in-story otome game-style segment, is a vocalist with contributions to 600 demo song guides and about 300 choruses for various artists, and a lyricist for games like “Granblue Fantasy” and “Girlfriend (Kari).”

Having learned piano and joined a choir from a young age, maimie was deeply influenced musically in high school and university by anime and game songs. She quit office work and moved to Tokyo in 2013, started performing demo vocals for anime and J-pop, and in 2015 became the first vocalist for a band started as a music business by the game maker Nihon Falcom.

■ Kaon Kokudo—Season 3 Episode 1 Insert Song

Kaon Kokudo performed the vocal for “Anata no ▽ ni Headshot!” played by treasurer Yū Ishigami in Season 3 Episode 1, during the “leaking sound from the smartphone” scene. She has also sung the OP “Ao no Kanata e” for the game “eBASEBALL Powerful Pro Baseball 2020” and the in-story song “Yorokobi no Uta, Oo King!” from the movie “Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Gekitotsu! Rakuga Kingdom to Hobo Yonin no Yūsha.”

Kokudo hails from a musical family: her father is a singer, music critic, and chorus conductor, her mother a pianist, and her younger brother, Paama Taishi, is a comedian. She learned piano from age four and vocal music from fourteen. After graduating from Tokyo College of Music in 2015, she began lyric writing and has worked in a wide variety from CM songs to character and game songs, choruses, and narration.

■ Yumiri Hanamori—Season 3 Episode 2 Insert Song & Season 3 Episode 11 Insert Song

Yumiri Hanamori, the voice actress for Ai Hayasaka in the anime, performed “Kanashikute lulululu” during the karaoke scene in Season 3 Episode 2 and “Haru-iro Lip” in Episode 11. She is also known for her leading voice acting roles as Shinzato Shin in “THE iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls” and Nadeshiko Kagamihara in “Laid-Back Camp.”

Hanamori played tennis until her second year of junior high school, but due to frequent knee injuries, a friend complimented her voice, suggesting she try voice acting. She entered Pony Canyon’s 2nd “Ponikyan Koetama Audition” during her final year of junior high and won a judges’ encouragement award. Shortly afterward, she debuted as a voice actress in “Aiura,” quickly gaining recognition among anime fans.

■ Makoto Furukawa—Season 3 Episode 5 Special ED

Makoto Furukawa, the voice of Miyuki Shirogane in the anime, sang the special ED “My Nonfiction” in Season 3 Episode 5. Known for his roles as Saitama in “One Punch Man” and Ronaldo in “The Vampire Dies in No Time,” he has released songs as an artist, including the OP for “Requiem of the Rose King.”

Furukawa became interested in voice acting at five, became an anime fan in junior high thanks to anime specialist channels, and decided to pursue voice acting after receiving a vocational school pamphlet featuring one of his idols as a guest lecturer. He debuted as a voice actor in 2011 and landed his first anime lead in 2013, receiving the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 14th Seiyu Awards in 2020.

■ King & Prince—Live-action Films 1 & 2 Theme Songs

King & Prince, whose member Sho Hirano portrays Miyuki Shirogane in the live-action films, performed the theme songs for both movies.

Formed in 2015 as the last group produced by the late Johnny Kitagawa, founder of Johnny & Associates, they initially performed as Mr.King vs Mr.Prince. At Hirano’s strong request, the two subunits debuted as a single group in 2018, breaking out instantly and performing at NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the same year—a dramatic rise to stardom.

Season 1 OP Theme “Love Dramatic feat. Rikka Ihara”

Masayuki Suzuki marked his 39th year as a musician with his first-ever anime theme song, “Love Dramatic feat. Rikka Ihara,” for the OP of the first season of “Kaguya-sama: Love is War.” Yoshiki Mizuno of Ikimono Gakari wrote and composed, with Akimitsu Homma producing and arranging. The theme first appeared in Season 1 Episode 1.

Regarding how Suzuki came to sing this song, anime producer Tatsuya Ishikawa stated, “Considering the biggest charm of this work is ‘the gap’, we wanted someone outside of anime as the OP. And as a romantic comedy, we approached Masayuki Suzuki, who stands at the pinnacle of love song artists.”

Suzuki, always open to new challenges as a vocalist, gladly accepted the offer. Homma proposed adding female vocals for a conversational feel, inviting Rikka Ihara. Homma commented, “Rather than a standard duet, I aimed for a natural balance as if they were simply talking.”

Season 1 ED Theme “Sentimental Crisis”

The Season 1 ED “Sentimental Crisis” features vocals by halca, lyrics by Junko Miyajima (known for “Love Live! Superstar!!”), and music/arrangement by Ryuhei Yamada, who has written for Eir Aoi and Nana Mizuki. The song first appeared in Season 1 Episode 2.

In interviews, halca described it as “a song envisioning a girl who just can’t be honest and is about to cry, not knowing what to do,” mixing pop and bittersweetness to match the world of “Kaguya-sama.” She’s said to be someone who tends to be moved to tears easily—and reportedly sang this while holding back tears.

Season 1 Episode 3 Insert Song “Chikatto Chika Chika▽”

The special ED “Chikatto Chika Chika▽” for Season 1 Episode 3 was performed by Konomi Kohara as Chika Fujiwara, with lyrics by Maki Fukushima and music/arrangement by Setsu Fukushima, a married couple. The song’s relaxed lyrics and fluid animation sparked a sensation, and the official Aniplex YouTube ED video has surpassed 28 million views.

Kohara expressed her gratitude on Instagram: “This is truly wonderful news! I’m so happy that Chika is loved by so many people. I feel blessed to have played Chika, and I’m newly grateful that I got to bring her to life.”

Season 2 OP Theme “DADDY! DADDY! DO! feat. Airi Suzuki”

The Season 2 OP “DADDY! DADDY! DO! feat. Airi Suzuki” was sung by Masayuki Suzuki, written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, and produced by Akimitsu Homma, just like the previous “Love Dramatic.” Homma specifically chose Airi Suzuki as the guest vocalist. It first appeared in Season 2 Episode 2 (special version aired at the end of Episode 1).

Masayuki Suzuki described it as “an even more powerful, funky pop love song—a number to sing, dance, and enjoy the games of love with friends.” Airi Suzuki performed her first-ever dance for this song and encouraged fans to enjoy the choreography as well.

Season 2 ED Theme “Kaze ni Fukarete”

The Season 2 ED “Kaze ni Fukarete” was written and composed by Shinko Ogura (notable for JUJU’s “Yasashisa de Afureru Youni” and Kana Nishino’s “Dear...”) and arranged by Arata Umehara. It first appeared in Season 2 Episode 2.

Haruka Fukuhara performed the ED, having played Tsubame Koyasu in both anime and live-action versions. She shared in an interview that attending two anime recordings before the song’s recording helped her connect with the series’ world and feel the charm of its “heart-pounding” moments.

Season 2 Episode 7 Insert Song “Yasashisa no Kioku”

The insert song “Yasashisa no Kioku,” used in episode 7 of “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Season 2, features lyrics by Kiyomi Kumano, known for signature works such as the opening theme of the TV anime “Mayoi Neko Overrun!” titled “Happy New Nyaa,” while the composition and arrangement were handled by Kei Haneoka, who also composed Shuuchiin Academy’s school song that played in episode 5 of “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Season 2.

This song is a pop tune reminiscent of an otome game’s theme song, and the singer maimie commented on Twitter, “I really want you to listen to the full version… Experience the earnest playfulness of adults with your own ears!” Incidentally, this song is included as a bonus soundtrack on Kaguya-sama: Love is War Season 2 Blu-ray/DVD Volume 5, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.

Season 3 OP Theme “GIRI GIRI”

The Season 3 OP, “GIRI GIRI,” like the past two, features vocals by Masayuki Suzuki, lyrics/music by Yoshiki Mizuno, and production by Akimitsu Homma. Suu was recommended by Homma as guest vocalist just like previous guest artists. It debuted in Season 3 Episode 2 (special version aired at the end of Episode 1).

Suzuki praised Suu’s “one-and-only voice,” saying it made the funky disco tune even more vibrant. Suu shared, “Although I’d never danced or sung in this style before and was nervous, Suzuki-san was gentle and made it fun and comfortable!”

Season 3 ED Theme “Heart wa Oteage”

The Season 3 ED “Heart wa Oteage” features vocals by Airi Suzuki, music by Yoshiki Mizuno, arrangement by Akimitsu Homma, and lyrics by Kumiko Takahashi (former drummer of chatmonchy, lyricist for Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, Momoiro Clover Z, and others). It appeared first in Season 3 Episode 2.

According to Suzuki’s comment at release, this was her first time handling an anime theme song solo: “And for the beloved ‘Kaguya-sama’ series, which means so much to me, the pressure was immense—but I was also excited and couldn’t wait for everyone to hear it!!”

Season 3 Episode 1 Insert Song “Anata no ▽ ni Headshot!”

The Season 3 Episode 1 insert denpa song “Anata no ▽ ni Headshot!” was sung by Kaon Kokudo. Lyrics were by original manga author Aka Akasaka, with music/arrangement by Kei Haneoka.

According to Kokudo’s Twitter, she was recruited by Aniplex music director Keiki Nishida as vocalist. Nishida tweeted: “Thanks to Aka Akasaka-sensei’s ‘moe-moe kyun’ lyrics, Kei Haneoka’s ‘moe-moe kyun’ music, and Kaon Kokudo’s ‘moe-moe kyun’ vocals, this song became an undeniable ‘moe kyun’ addiction!”

Season 3 Episode 2 Insert Song “Kanashikute lulululu”

The heartbreak song “Kanashikute lulululu,” sung by Hayasaka during a karaoke scene in Season 3 Episode 2, was performed by voice actress Yumiri Hanamori. Lyrics were by Aka Akasaka and Kiyomi Kumano, with music by Keiki Nishida and arrangement by Koki Adaniya of Aniplex (as credited in the episode).

Though the lyric title shown in the karaoke scene was “Watashi no Kimochi,” “Kanashikute lulululu” is the officially credited title. Nishida also tweeted cryptically, “This song has a hidden trick... did anyone notice?” If you’re curious, try rewatching Season 3, Episode 2 and look for clues!

Season 3 Episode 5 Special ED “My Nonfiction”

The special ED for Season 3 Episode 5, “My Nonfiction,” was performed by Makoto Furukawa (Miyuki Shirogane’s voice actor) and Konomi Kohara (Chika Fujiwara’s voice actor). Animator Vynz Allen “Vercreek” Lopez directed the visuals, focusing on: the mentor-mentee relationship of Fujiwara and Shirogane, Kaguya’s support and Shirogane’s indirect confession, and Miko Iino teasing Ishigami.

The lyrics and composition were by rapper AkkoGorilla, champion of Japan’s first female MC battle tournament, “CINDERELLA MC BATTLE,” in 2017. She revealed, “The moment where Miyuki Shirogane raps is raw, funny, moving, and truly hip-hop—the flaws become the charm. I poured my heart into writing the lyrics. I hope you enjoy it!”

Season 3 Episode 11 Insert Song “Haruiro Lip—Kokuradio Loves Yumiri Hanamori”

The “Haruiro Lip” in Season 3 Episode 11, sung by Hayasaka, was originally an original song by Yumiri Hanamori for a segment in the web radio “Kokuradio 2020.” Though it had already been included in a “Kaguya-sama” compilation album, its surprise appearance in the anime shocked listeners, resulting in a trending surge for the song’s title on Twitter.

Notably, this scene of Hayasaka singing during the cultural festival did not exist in the original manga, making the choice entirely anime-original. Even the cast reacted with surprise—Aoi Koga (Kaguya’s voice) posting “Hayasaka is singing ‘Haruiro Lip’!!!” and Ryōta Suzuki (Ishigami) tweeting “Haruiro Lip is hereeeee!” in shock.

“The First Kiss That Never Ends” OP Theme “Love is Show”

Announced on November 21, 2022, the OP title for “The First Kiss That Never Ends” is “Love is Show.” The lineup is identical to previous OPs: main vocals by Masayuki Suzuki, lyrics and composition by Yoshiki Mizuno, and production by Akimitsu Homma.

Regarding Reni Takagi’s role as duet partner, Suzuki commented, “We've performed together on music programs before, and I’m delighted to finally collaborate with her as part of a work. Performing with such unique and wonderful partners is the height of happiness as a vocalist,” revealing his joy at new challenges as an anisong rookie at 60.

“The First Kiss That Never Ends” ED Theme “heart notes”

The ED “heart notes” for “The First Kiss That Never Ends” is performed by the now-familiar Airi Suzuki. Lyrics are by meg rock (Megumi Hinata), known for singing “Catch You Catch Me” (Cardcaptor Sakura Season 1 OP) and writing “Sora Iro Days” (Gurren Lagann OP); composition and arrangement by Katsuhiko Sugiyama, who has written “Kaguya-sama” character songs such as “Kotaeawase,” “Tsubasa o Agetai,” and “Othello.”

Suzuki described the song as “a different flavor from anything up until now—a bittersweet yet warm ballad, a song that makes you want to appreciate the everyday ordinary, which isn’t actually ordinary.” She added, “I sang it as though expressing Kaguya’s feelings for the president, cherishing each word.”

“The First Kiss That Never Ends” Insert Song “Romantic Manifesto”

The insert song “Romantic Manifesto” from “The First Kiss That Never Ends” features halca on vocals, lyrics by Junko Miyajima, and music/arrangement by Ryuhei Yamada—the same trio responsible for “Sentimental Crisis.”

halca commented that the “Christmas arc, from the first time I read the original story, became a favorite. ‘Romantic Manifesto’ with its lyrics linking to the story, heartrending yet heart-fluttering melody, and grand, sparkling arrangement is a perfect fit for Kaguya-sama!” She reread the manga before recording to further pour her passion into the song.

Live-Action Movie “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Film 1 Theme Song “koi-wazurai”

The live-action movie’s first theme song “koi-wazurai” was released nine days before the premiere as King & Prince’s 4th single, selling 399,000 copies in its debut week and hitting number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. The song was co-written by Satoru Kurihara of the music production unit Jazzin' park and Yu Maeda, a DJ-turned-artist.

Sho Hirano commented enthusiastically, “To be able to sing the theme is amazing!” and said, “The lyrics and melody really capture the smoke and excitement of love’s mind games. It matches the movie perfectly—it’s a work that will make your heart race both watching and listening!”

Live-Action Movie “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Film 2 Theme Song “Koi Furu Tsukiyo ni Kimi Omou”

King & Prince’s 8th single, and theme of the second movie, “Koi Furu Tsukiyo ni Kimi Omou,” sold 442,000 copies in its first week, topping the Oricon daily, weekly, and monthly charts and earning Double Platinum from the Japan Record Association. It was also performed at the 2021 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The song was written by Jazzin' park’s Akira Kurihara and Shingo Kubota, designed as a pair with “koi-wazurai” (which imagines the “beginning of destiny”), with “Koi Furu Tsukiyo ni Kimi Omou” focusing on “where destiny leads,” consciously drawing from the folktale of Kaguya-hime. On YouTube, the official King & Prince channel’s play count exceeds 50 million, making it one of the most popular Kaguya-sama related songs after “DADDY! DADDY! DO!” and “Chikatto Chika Chika▽.”

Summary List of “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Anime Theme and Insert Songs

This concludes our thorough summary of all 17 OP/ED themes and insert songs from “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” Seasons 1 through “The First Kiss That Never Ends,” as well as the live-action movie themes. All are memorable tracks you’ll want to listen to again and again, so don’t skip the OP or ED while watching. We recommend paying special attention to the theme and insert songs when rewatching the anime!

*Please note: the symbol ▽ formally represents an outline heart

(C)赤坂アカ／集英社・かぐや様は告らせたい製作委員会

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