JAM Project
JAM Project, short for Japan Animationsong Makers Project, is a Japanese rock supergroup composed of prominent anime and tokusatsu theme song vocalists, renowned for their high-energy performances and contributions to anime soundtracks.[1] Founded on July 19, 2000, by veteran singer Ichirou Mizuki, the group was established to unite top anisong (anime song) artists in a collaborative unit that emphasizes powerful, anthemic rock music tailored to animated and live-action series.[2] With a rotating lineup that has evolved over time, JAM Project's current core members include Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endoh, Hiroshi Kitadani, Masami Okui, and Yoshiki Fukuyama, each bringing decades of experience from solo careers in anime themes.[3] The supergroup quickly gained prominence through their debut single "Kaze ni Nare" in 2000, followed by a string of releases that blended hard rock with inspirational lyrics, often featuring themes of heroism and perseverance that resonate with anime narratives.[4] Over the years, JAM Project has performed opening and ending themes for major anime series such as One Punch Man ("The Hero!!"), Cardfight!! Vanguard (multiple tracks including "Vanguard" and "Limit Break"), and Bakuman ("Yume Sketch"), as well as tokusatsu works like the Garo series and Tomica Hero franchise.[5][6] Their music has also extended to video games and live events, solidifying their status as icons in the anisong community, with collective sales exceeding millions and frequent appearances at conventions worldwide. As of 2025, JAM Project continues to thrive, marking their 25th anniversary with special live events, new single releases, and ongoing radio programs, while maintaining a dedicated fanbase through official merchandise and digital platforms.[7] Their enduring legacy lies in bridging individual artists' talents into a unified force that has shaped the sound of modern anime music, inspiring new generations of performers in the genre.[8]Overview
Concept and Formation
The JAM Project was founded on July 19, 2000, in Tokyo by veteran anime song singer Ichirou Mizuki, who sought to revitalize the anison genre amid its waning prominence in the late 1990s Japanese music scene. Mizuki, renowned for his contributions to 1970s anime and tokusatsu themes, initiated the group as a collaborative effort to recapture and modernize the passionate, high-spirited essence of earlier anime music, which had been overshadowed by shifting industry trends toward more commercial tie-ins.[9][10] The project's name derives from the acronym "JAM," standing for "Japan Animationsong Makers" Project, encapsulating its core mission to produce and promote dynamic anime theme songs that honor Japan's animation heritage. This vision centered on crafting high-energy rock anthems tailored for anime, tokusatsu series, and video games, aiming to unite fans across generations by blending veteran vocal prowess with contemporary production techniques.[9][11] Mizuki spearheaded the recruitment process by assembling a core group of established anison performers, beginning with himself, Hironobu Kageyama—famous for Dragon Ball Z themes—and Masaaki Endoh, known for his work on Saint Seiya and other series. The emphasis was on uniting seasoned singers with deep roots in the genre to foster a supergroup dynamic, allowing for shared vocals and harmonies that amplified the music's emotional impact.[4][12] Initially signed to the anime music label Lantis upon formation in 2000, the group released its early works under this imprint, which specialized in anisong production. In 2022, JAM Project transitioned to HS Record.[13] As of 2025, the group continues under HS Record, celebrating its 25th anniversary with live events such as the "JAM Project 25th Anniversary Live FINAL COUNTDOWN."[14]Musical Style and Themes
JAM Project's core musical style blends power metal and hard rock with operatic vocals, fast tempos, and orchestral elements, drawing inspiration from the energetic anisong traditions of the 1970s and 1980s. This fusion creates epic soundscapes characterized by high-energy instrumentals and dramatic vocal deliveries that evoke a sense of grandeur and intensity.[9] The band's arrangements often incorporate complex orchestrations and sweeping melodies, balancing heavy metal edges with accessible, melodious hooks to suit anime narratives.[15] Lyrically, JAM Project focuses on themes of heroism, perseverance, and fantasy battles, frequently exploring narratives of sacrifice and triumph that align with mecha, superhero, and adventure genres. These motifs emphasize the indomitable human spirit overcoming adversity, reflecting the emotional depth of their source material while inspiring listeners with messages of resilience.[9] Songs often portray protagonists rising against overwhelming odds, infusing the music with a motivational urgency that resonates across cultures. In production, the band employs multi-vocalist harmonies leveraging the supergroup's diverse talents, alongside prominent guitar solos and synthesizers to amplify an epic scale. Early works emphasize raw, high-octane energy, evolving toward more polished, intricate productions after 2010 through refined layering and genre-tailored adaptations.[15] Their influences include Western rock acts such as Queen, Aerosmith, and [Deep Purple](/page/Deep Purple), combined with Japanese enka traditions via founder Ichirō Mizuki's legacy of passionate, theatrical expression in anisong.[9] JAM Project has pioneered "supersinger" collaborations in anisong, elevating the genre from niche anime themes to mainstream rock status by integrating professional vocalists and broadening global appeal through high-impact soundtracks.[9] This approach has revitalized 1970s-1980s anisong spirit, fostering a dedicated international fanbase and influencing subsequent anime music productions.[16]Members
Current Members
The current lineup of JAM Project, as of 2025, consists of five vocalists who have been instrumental in the band's enduring presence in the anisong scene: Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endoh, Masami Okui, Hiroshi Kitadani, and Yoshiki Fukuyama.[17][1] Hironobu Kageyama, a founding member since the group's inception in 2000, serves as the band's leader and primary vocalist for high-energy tracks. Known as the "Prince of Anisong," he rose to prominence in the 1980s with his solo work, including the iconic opening theme "Cha-La Head-Cha-La" for Dragon Ball Z, which showcased his powerful, soaring vocal style honed from his earlier days as the lead singer of the rock band Lazy starting in 1977. Within JAM Project, Kageyama often takes the lead on anthemic songs that emphasize heroic and motivational themes, drawing from his extensive experience in over 1,000 anime and tokusatsu recordings.[18][19][20] Masaaki Endoh, another founding member from 2000, contributes versatile vocals and significant songwriting input, bringing a dynamic range that spans rock and ballad styles. Previously a member of the heavy metal band Complex in the 1990s, Endoh gained fame for his explosive performances on themes like "Yuusha-Oh Tanjou!" from The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, earning him the nickname "The Lion of Anisong" for his intense, crowd-energizing delivery. In the group, he frequently handles mid-tempo and narrative-driven parts, enhancing the band's collaborative song structures with his compositional expertise.[16][21] Masami Okui, who joined in March 2003, provides the sole female voice, infusing pop-rock elements drawn from her established solo career in anisong. Debuting as a backup singer in the early 1990s, Okui built her reputation with emotive hits like those from Slayers and her own albums, blending melodic hooks with rock intensity. As the band's red point in vocal harmonies, she contributes to tracks that balance power with accessibility, often adding layered choruses that highlight her range in live settings.[9][10] Hiroshi Kitadani, added to the lineup in June 2002, specializes in powerful choruses and anthemic leads, particularly suited to adventure-themed songs. Best recognized for performing the opening "We Are!" for One Piece since 1999, Kitadani's career began in the mid-1990s with band projects like Stagger before transitioning to solo anisong work for series such as Kamen Rider. His robust, stadium-filling voice strengthens JAM Project's group choruses, making him a key performer in their high-octane live shows.[22][23] Yoshiki Fukuyama, who joined in April 2008, adds a heavy metal edge through his guitar work and gritty vocals, rooted in his background as the voice and guitarist for Basara Nekki in Macross 7 during the 1990s. With a solo discography featuring hard-rock anthems like "Makka na Chikai," Fukuyama brings instrumental depth and aggressive phrasing to the band's heavier arrangements, often taking leads on tracks with intense, riff-driven energy.[9][10] The group's dynamics revolve around rotating lead vocals tailored to each song's thematic needs, allowing members to showcase individual strengths while fostering tight harmonies and collective arrangements. All five participate actively in live performances, where they share instrumental support and improvise to maintain high engagement with audiences.[7][9]Former Members
Ichirou Mizuki founded JAM Project in 2000 and served as a core member until transitioning to part-time status in 2002, while remaining influential in the group's early creative direction as the "God of Anison" for his pioneering role in anime song history.[24][25] He retired from active involvement in 2021 due to declining health and passed away on December 6, 2022, from lung cancer at age 74.[26] Mizuki's tenure helped establish the band's high-energy anison rock style, with his powerful vocals featured on key early tracks like those from the debut album JAM.[1] Eizo Sakamoto was a founding member in 2000, bringing a hard rock edge from his prior work with bands like Anthem and Animetal, and contributed significantly to the group's debut album released in 2001.[4] He departed in March 2003 to rejoin Anthem, marking the first major lineup change and allowing the band to expand its roster.[10] Rica Matsumoto joined as a founding member in 2000, infusing the group with youthful energy through her versatile vocals and background in voice acting, most notably as Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon series.[1] She left in April 2008 to prioritize her solo music career and acting commitments, solidifying the current five-member core of Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endoh, Hiroshi Kitadani, Masami Okui, and Yoshiki Fukuyama.[10] Following Mizuki's death, JAM Project honored his legacy through dedicated performances and tributes in their ongoing tours, including dedications during the 2022 "THE JUDGEMENT" live tour, while choosing not to replace him to preserve the established lineup dynamic.[27] The 2008 departure of Matsumoto similarly transitioned the group toward its stable modern configuration, emphasizing collaborative stability over frequent changes.[10]History
2000–2005: Inception and Early Breakthroughs
JAM Project was founded in 2000 by veteran anisong singer Ichirō Mizuki, who assembled a supergroup of prominent vocalists including Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endō, Rica Matsumoto, and Eizō Sakamoto to infuse anime, tokusatsu, and video game music with high-energy rock elements.[9] The group's debut single, "Kaze ni Nare," was released on July 26, 2000, marking their entry into the anisong scene with a focus on powerful, collaborative performances.[28] This initial release laid the foundation for their signature style, blending individual members' strengths from prior solo hits in franchises like Dragon Ball and GaoGaiGar. A breakthrough arrived in 2001 with the single "Hagane no Messiah" (Steel Messiah), released on April 25, which served as the opening theme for the PlayStation game Super Robot Wars α Gaiden.[29] The track, emphasizing heroic themes and orchestral rock, peaked at #75 on the Oricon weekly charts and charted for one week, signaling JAM Project's growing appeal in the mecha gaming community. Their first studio album, JAM First Process, followed on March 21, 2002, compiling early singles and new tracks that showcased the band's dynamic vocal interplay.[30] The lineup expanded rapidly during this period, with Hiroshi Kitadani joining in June 2002 to add his energetic style, followed by Masami Okui in March 2003, enhancing the group's versatility for anime openings and endings.[9] Early challenges included coordinating schedules amid members' established solo careers, such as Kageyama's Dragon Ball themes and Endō's GaoGaiGar work, which occasionally limited group output but enriched their collaborative sound. The band launched their first live tour in 2002, performing at venues like Shibuya AX to build a dedicated fanbase through high-octane concerts blending anisong covers and originals. Key collaborations solidified their reputation, including theme songs for anime like Crush Gear Turbo (2001) and ongoing ties to the Super Robot Wars series, where tracks like "SKILL" (2002) became staples. By 2005, they contributed the opening theme "GARO2006–2015: Growth and International Expansion
During the period from 2006 to 2015, JAM Project solidified its position as a leading force in anime theme music through a series of ambitious album releases and expanding live performances. The group issued their fourth best-of compilation album, Olympia2016–Present: Anniversaries, Challenges, and Recent Projects
In 2020, JAM Project marked their 20th anniversary with the release of their sixth studio album, The Age of Dragon Knights, on January 1, featuring tracks produced by group members and respected composers to reflect their enduring spirit in anime music.[39] The album was accompanied by a comprehensive 20th Anniversary Complete Box set, compiling their discography from 2000 to 2020 along with a detailed booklet chronicling their trajectory.[40] However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted celebrations, canceling their planned anniversary tour and prompting a shift toward virtual and recorded content to maintain fan engagement.[41] This period of adaptation culminated in the 2021 documentary Get Over – JAM Project the Movie, released on February 26, which explored the group's history, creative process, and resilience amid the health crisis, including behind-the-scenes footage from their aborted live plans.[42] The film served as a testament to their "rebirth," highlighting how external challenges reinforced their commitment to high-energy anime song performances. Founder Ichiro Mizuki, who had been battling health issues including vocal cord paralysis diagnosed in April 2021, passed away on December 6, 2022, at age 74 due to lung cancer, marking a profound loss for the group and the anisong community.[24] In response, JAM Project transitioned to the HS Record label later that year, signaling a new chapter while honoring Mizuki's foundational vision through dedicated performances and releases.[43] Post-2022 efforts emphasized continuity and tribute, beginning with the mini-album The Judgement on September 28, 2022, a concept EP exploring themes of fate and redemption with tracks like the title song and "Karma ~ the dark side of human nature~," which tied into their live tour of the same name.[44] The accompanying JAM Project LIVE TOUR 2022 THE JUDGEMENT resumed in-person shows, building on pandemic-era recoveries and serving as an implicit homage to Mizuki's legacy. By 2023, the JAM Party concert series fully recommenced, featuring fan-club hosted events that revitalized their interactive stage format after years of restrictions.[41] The group's 25th anniversary project launched on January 1, 2025, via a dedicated website, encompassing a high-resolution best-of album JAM Project High-Resolution BEST High-Power I~V released digitally on January 29, and culminating in anniversary live events.[17] A key highlight was the digital single "Hangeki Fight Back! / never say never," released on October 29, 2025, as the theme song for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam game Super Robot Wars Y, blending their signature power-rock style with mecha anime heritage.[7] Tours continued with MOTTO! MOTTO!! + presents JAM PARTY 2025Discography
Studio Albums
JAM Project has released eight original full-length studio albums since their formation, showcasing their signature blend of hard rock, power metal, and anime-inspired anthems. These albums represent the band's core creative output, often featuring high-energy tracks tied to themes of heroism, perseverance, and futuristic battles, drawing from their roots in anisong (anime song) production. Early releases established their sound with explosive, guitar-driven compositions, while later works incorporated more orchestral elements and reflections on their legacy, particularly around anniversaries. Production typically involves collaborations with notable composers and arrangers from the Japanese music scene, including members like Hironobu Kageyama contributing lyrics and melodies. Sales for early albums exceeded 50,000 copies, reflecting strong initial fan support in the anisong market, though later releases have seen more modest figures amid shifting industry trends.[48][49] The discography of studio albums demonstrates a progression from raw, debut-era energy to more mature, thematic explorations. The debut album introduced robot heroism motifs, common in mecha anime soundtracks, while mid-period works like those from the 2010s emphasized evolution and rebirth. By the 2020s, albums incorporated anniversary motifs, celebrating 20 years with epic narratives of knights and judgment. Key tracks such as "Skyscraper" from the 2002 debut highlight soaring vocals and orchestral builds, setting a template for the band's style. Production notes reveal frequent partnerships, such as with composer Daisuke Ono on select tracks, and recordings at prestigious studios like Capitol Studios for international flair. No new studio album has been released since 2022, though the band's 25th anniversary in 2025 featured compilation releases and live projects, hinting at potential future original material.[49][50][51]| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Notable Themes/Key Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAM First Process | March 21, 2002 | Victor Entertainment | Robot heroism, debut energy; "Skyscraper" |
| MAXIMIZER | June 9, 2010 | Lantis | Group evolution, high-energy; sold 10,334 copies |
| Victoria Cross | April 6, 2011 | Lantis | Heroic triumphs, cross motifs; "Victoria Cross" |
| THUMB RISE AGAIN | October 23, 2013 | Lantis | Rebirth, triumph; "THUMB" |
| AREA Z | June 29, 2016 | Lantis | Zonal conflicts, intense drives; "AREA Z" |
| TOKYO DIVE | October 18, 2017 | Lantis | Urban heroism, dive into chaos; "TOKYO DIVE" |
| The Age of Dragon Knights | January 1, 2020 | Lantis | Anniversary epic, dragon knights; "The Age of Dragon Knights" |
| The Judgement | September 28, 2022 | Lantis | Final judgment, epic closure; first-week sales 1,320 copies |
Compilation and Best Albums
JAM Project has issued a series of compilation albums under the BEST COLLECTION banner, serving as retrospective overviews of their career-spanning hits from anime themes, original tracks, and collaborative works. These releases typically feature remastered selections of popular songs, alongside occasional rare demos and previously unreleased material, allowing fans to trace the group's evolution from high-energy power anthems to more mature compositions. The series, which emphasizes curated highlights rather than new studio material, has consistently achieved strong commercial performance, with several entries peaking in the top 20 on the Oricon weekly charts.[54][55][56] The BEST COLLECTION installments number 15, beginning with the inaugural BEST Project| Title | Release Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| BEST Project | 2002 | Debut compilation of early singles; peaked at No. 80 on Oricon.[54] |
| FREEDOM | 2003 | Expanded hits with thematic freedom motif.[4] |
| JAM-ISM | 2004 | Focus on core anison energy.[4] |
| Olympia | 2006 | Anime tie-in selections; No. 37 Oricon peak.[64] |
| Big Bang | 2006 | Explosive remasters of breakthrough tracks.[65] |
| Get over the Border | 2008 | International-flavored compilation.[57] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION VII SEVENTH EXPLOSION | 2010 | Seventh anniversary tie-in with explosive themes.[66] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION VIII GOING | 2011 | Career highlights; highest charting at No. 12 Oricon.[55] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION IX THE MONSTERS | 2012 | Monster-themed power tracks.[67] |
| X cures Earth | 2014 | Tenth in series with global themes.[58] |
| X less force | 2015 | Fifteenth anniversary selections with new tracks like "Unlimited Force".[68] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION XII THUNDERBIRD | 2016 | Thunderous anthems and rarities.[69] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION XIII A-ROCK | 2017 | Rock-oriented retrospectives.[40] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION XIV Max the Max | 2022 | Maximalist selection of peaks.[70] |
| JAM Project BEST COLLECTION XV FINAL COUNTDOWN | 2025 | 25th anniversary with new tracks and demos.[71] |
Singles
JAM Project has released 77 singles since their formation in 2000, with the vast majority serving as opening or theme songs for anime series, video games, and tokusatsu productions. A significant portion of these singles are associated with the long-running Super Robot Wars video game franchise, underscoring the group's strong ties to mecha and action genres.[39][72] Beginning around 2020, JAM Project shifted toward digital single releases alongside physical formats, reflecting broader industry trends in music distribution. In 2025, marking their 25th anniversary, they released singles for Super Robot Wars Y, One Punch Man season 3, and GARO: Taiga, plus new tracks on BEST COLLECTION XV.[72][59] The following table highlights select major singles, including their media ties and commercial performance where available:| Title | Associated Media | Release Year | Peak Position | Sales | Parent Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE HERO!! | One-Punch Man (anime opening theme) | 2015 | #19 (Oricon weekly) | N/A | AREA Z |
| Bloodlines | Getter Robo Arc (anime opening theme) | 2021 | #28 (Oricon weekly) | N/A | N/A |
| Akatsuki wo ute! | Super Robot Wars 30 (video game theme) | 2022 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hangeki Fight Back! / never say never | Super Robot Wars Y (video game theme, Nintendo Switch) | 2025 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Get No Satisfied! (feat. BABYMETAL) | One-Punch Man season 3 (anime opening theme) | 2025 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| TAIGA〜Mamorishimonoyokazenogotoku〜 | GARO: Taiga (tokusatsu film theme) | 2025 | N/A | N/A | N/A |