Crunchyroll Explores the History of Dance in Anime Credits

Crunchyroll News has published an article examining the evolution of dance sequences in anime opening and ending credits. The piece traces the tradition back to the 1970s, citing early examples such as the 1974 series Heidi, Girl of the Alps and the 1973 show The Gutsy Frog. The 1980s saw a significant rise in popularity with Urusei Yatsura, where composer Izumi Kobayashi integrated jazz fusion elements into theme songs like “Lum no Love Song” and “Dancing Star.” These sequences used movement to highlight character dynamics and personality traits.

The article highlights how choreography shifted from simple character demonstrations to elaborate fan-imitable routines. It notes that while Haruhi Suzumiya’s “Hare Hare Yukai” became a cultural phenomenon, earlier works like Kodocha’s “Ultra Relax” were designed specifically for replication. The trend continues in modern children’s anime, with Pretty Cure! series featuring idol-style dances and Pokémon incorporating traditional Obon music. The report also discusses digital adaptations, including the viral Caramelldansen meme originating from the visual novel Popotan.