Jujutsu Kaisen Opening Theme Artist Chats About Malaysia & The Future of J-Rock

Japan’s music scene has been steadily slipping into the global mainstream for years now, thanks largely to the runaway success of anime soundtracks—and now, Malaysia’s finally getting a slice of that pie. During the CENTRAL Music & Entertainment Festival at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, local fans were treated to a night celebrating Japanese music, culture, and the artists who breathe life into our favourite shows.

Among the star-studded lineup was none other than Tatsuya Kitani—the voice behind theme songs for hit anime like Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen. Between rehearsals and preparing for his show, Kitani sat down with us to talk about his first impressions of Malaysia, his eclectic approach to music, and why he’d love to soundtrack the ultimate video game boss fight.

[Answers have been paraphrased for clarity]

Welcome to Malaysia! How has your experience been so far?

I’m genuinely thrilled to be here. Honestly, it feels a bit like a time trip—yesterday, I wandered around a mall, grabbed McDonald’s, and just soaked in the atmosphere. It felt like I was walking through a movie montage. A really relaxed one.

When you are writing music, do you mainly draw from personal experience, or do you create completely fictional stories?

Even if it’s an anime story or a fictional piece, my music always stems from my own experiences. No matter the setting, the emotions are real to me.

Your music blends everything from alternative rock to R&B. How do you balance all these styles?

I’m not too concerned with genre, to be honest. I just like a lot of different music—from all over the world—and it naturally seeps into what I create.

You’ve been in bands, played bass for Saji no Hana, & now you’re a solo artist. How did all that shape you?

Jumping between bands and solo projects taught me a lot. It’s hard to pinpoint a single influence, but every experience added a different colour to my palette.

What kind of artist do you hope to be seen as?

I want to be known simply as someone young, fresh, and approachable. Not just a voice, but a friend through music.

How do you feel about the growing popularity of Japanese music overseas?

I’m honestly happy Japanese music is reaching more people. Even if I personally can’t change the world, I’m proud to carry a piece of that culture with me wherever I go.

Would you want to perform in Malaysia again?

Absolutely. I’d love to come back, perform live, and share more of Japan’s unique musical spirit with everyone here.

If one of your songs was featured in a video game, what kind of moment would it soundtrack?

I’ve never made music for games before, but if I could, I’d love to write the theme for the final boss battle. You know—the ultimate showdown where everything’s on the line.

How has working with different genres & producers changed your music?

Back when I only played in rock bands, my world was pretty small. But after collaborating with producers and branching into dance and world music, my understanding of what I could create expanded massively.

Is there a difference between singing anime songs and regular commercial songs?

Definitely. Anime songs have to connect deeply with a story, which can be tricky because you need to align your own emotions with a fictional world. Commercial songs, on the other hand, usually need to make an impact in under a minute, which is a totally different challenge.

What’s the most exciting part about tonight’s performance?

Honestly? Just the chance for fans to see the real me—not just the anime themes, but everything I have to offer.

When writing songs for anime like Bleach or Jujutsu Kaisen, what personal experiences do you draw from?

I often find myself revisiting the past—memories I can’t forget, even if I wish I could. That emotional baggage is where a lot of my songs come from.

Do you have any goals for the Malaysian or Southeast Asian market?

I’d love to come back for solo concerts someday. Right now, I’m touring a few countries in Asia, but I definitely want to do a proper one-man show here.

What’s it like performing for international fans compared to Japanese fans?

In some ways, it’s even easier overseas. Fans here are so enthusiastic and welcoming—it really lifts me up and makes performing feel like a celebration.

If your entire discography soundtracked a film, what genre would it be?

I think it’d fit best with a sad human drama—something emotional, reflective, and a little bit bittersweet.

Do you take inspiration from comics or manga when writing songs?

I try not to be overly influenced by them, because it’s easy to start writing what others expect. I’d rather tell my own story, even if it’s harder.