Why Does “SPY×FAMILY” Keep Producing Memorable Theme Songs? The Music Plays the Individual Stories of “Family” [Complete Song Analysis]

The Songs That Color Their Days: A Look at SPY×FAMILY’s Memorable Theme Songs

With its thrilling, stylish storytelling reminiscent of the famous ‘Mission: Impossible’, SPY×FAMILY has captured hearts worldwide. Now, Season 3 has reached its finale. Adorned with a jazzy-centric score by (K)NoW_NAME, the series’ beautiful animation, speedy plot developments, and Anya’s undeniable moe factor have made it a massive hit.

The story is set in an era where nations engaged in a fierce, covert information war. Over a decade after an “Iron Curtain” descended between East and West, a tentative peace exists between the neighboring East Country (Ostania) and West Country (Westalis). The West’s greatest spy, codenamed Twilight (Lloyd Forger), is sent to Ostania. To complete his mission, he forms a makeshift family with a woman he meets by chance, Yor, as his wife and Anya as his daughter. The chaotic yet heartwarming tale of this fake family working towards their goals has many appealing elements, one of which is undoubtedly its theme songs. A diverse range of popular artists, beloved by anime and music fans alike, have handled the opening and ending themes.

While the creators and artists involved are varied, a consistent thread runs through their music: it tells a “story.” Each song evokes an image of their daily lives and the three of them moving forward together. Although the narrative is inseparable from the tensions between nations and spy activities, the music vividly conveys the Forger family’s journey of “everyday life as a family.” Let’s look back on their days, strongly connected and walking side-by-side, through these theme songs.

Season 3

A Melancholic Tune That Reminds Us the Forgers’ Peace is Built on Thin Ice

OP Theme: Spitz – “灯を護る (Hi wo Mamoru / Guarding the Light)”

This song made headlines as the first time the band Spitz, who debuted in 1991, wrote a song specifically for a TV anime. It opens with drumbeats that feel like they’re striking your chest. As the cymbals mark the beat alongside the drums, a light guitar harmony blends with the soft vocals of Kusano Masamune. This heartfelt number, with its underlying melancholy woven into the vocals, reminds us that the Forgers’ smile-filled daily life exists atop a fragile peace. Yet, true to Spitz’s style, a glimmer of hope shines through in the song’s final moments.

A Song About Everyone Playing a “Role.” It Evokes an Image of a Smiling Household Living Together

ED Theme: Ikuta Rira – “Actor”

This heartfelt tune, written and composed by Ikuta Rira of YOASOBI, is a soft, gentle mid-tempo pop number spun from the theme that everyone is playing a “role.” Starting with a hum, the lively sound of a light horn and band creates a memorable, soft harmonic texture. It brings to mind the image of Lloyd, Yor, and Anya living together as a smiling household, each fulfilling their own role. This ED naturally leads one’s thoughts to their present, especially as this season featured episodes depicting Lloyd’s harsh childhood.

Season 2

Heart-Pounding Like the Family’s Daily Life, Which is An Adventure in Itself

OP Theme: Ado – “Kura Kura”

Singer-songwriter meiyo wrote the lyrics and music for this OP, which was arranged by the band SEATBELTS led by Kanno Youko and performed by Ado. This jazz-rock dance number features dynamically resonant horns, densely packed lyrics delivered in rapid succession, and a light, soaring melody that creates a dramatic progression which resonates deeply with listeners. The anime visuals that color the story’s beginning alongside this OP are striking, showing Lloyd, Yor, and Anya walking forward with light steps. It’s a song that makes your heart race, as if they are setting out on an adventure—which their daily life certainly is.

Blending Western Musical Tastes into a J-POP Framework, Making It Part of the SPY×FAMILY Worldview

ED Theme: Vaundy – “トドメの一撃 (Todome no Ichigeki / The Finishing Blow) feat. Cory Wong”

For Season 2’s ED, Vaundy performs with guitarist Cory Wong. From the intro that begins with the sound of a flute and a piano melody, the song unfolds into a refreshing mid-tempo pop tune with a light guitar riff, where colorful sonic particles seem to sparkle. Vaundy’s sweet, gentle vocals are highlighted by Cory Wong’s unique rhythmic guitar work and effects-laden play. It’s an excellent song that blends Western musical tastes into a J-POP soundmaking framework, seamlessly integrating it into the series’ worldview.

Season 1 – First Cour

The Sparkle in Anya’s Eyes! A Gorgeous Start to an Exciting Adventure Tale

OP Theme: Official Hige Dandism – “Mikkusu Nattsu (Mixed Nuts)”

This song was written specifically for the anime after the band, who were reportedly fans of the original manga, readily agreed with an enthusiastic “we definitely want to do this!” It’s an upbeat tune with horns sounding gorgeously and grandly. The sense of speed, combined with the anime visuals, makes for a poppy track with a scale reminiscent of a big band performance and an impressive jazzy, lively beat. When the light, expansive vocals ring out, you can feel the beginning of their exciting, adventure-filled daily life, with Anya’s eyes sparkling. This number has become the “face” of the anime, popular both in Japan and abroad.

A Song Written With “Family” as Its Theme. The Cozy Forger Household Comes to Life

ED Theme: Hoshino Gen – “喜劇 (Kigeki / Comedy)”

At the end of each main episode—a roaring adventure featuring a family with secrets: a master spy father, an assassin mother, and a telepathic daughter—this ED plays with Hoshino Gen‘s vocals that feel like a slow walk home, bringing their daily life to mind. Reportedly written by Hoshino with “family” as the theme, the song features a gently resonating guitar riff and a warm, steady drum and bass beat that exudes a simple, soothing comfort. The accompanying animation also breathes life into the cozy Forger household.

Season 1 – Second Cour

Is This the “Path Home” for Lloyd, Yor, and Anya, Who Live Hectic Lives?

OP Theme: BUMP OF CHICKEN – “SOUVENIR”

The second cour’s OP begins with a lively drum sound, a rhythmic rock ‘n’ roll track bursting with a sense of excitement, like leaping into a thrilling time. The band’s brilliant sound is colored by such an upbeat rhythm you’ll want to clap along, making your heart leap as soon as you hear it. Within this song, the line “the path that leads to you” is sung. Is this the “path home” for Lloyd, Yor, and Anya amidst their dizzyingly busy days? From this OP’s first broadcast, the dog Bond officially became a member of the Forger family.

A Danceable Piano Rock Song That Shows the Forgers’ Smile-Filled Days

ED Theme: yama – “色彩 (Shikisai / Colors)”

This song was provided by the music creator and known Vocaloid producer kujira and is sung by yama. As a danceable piano rock tune bursts forth in colorful vibrancy, yama’s expansive high-tone vocals resonate, dancing along with the keyboard melody, giving us a glimpse of the Forgers’ constantly smiling daily life. The song, which feels like a celebration of life, colors the days of Anya and the others. The progression from relentlessly dynamic times to a moment where they can catch their breath is well-executed. The line “even a depressing night is colorful and capricious” perfectly reflects the Forger household’s every day.

While no information about a sequel has been announced at this stage, we eagerly await what kind of theme songs will color the Forger family’s daily life next.

Written by: Ebizawa Nachi

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