Anisong Charts, Festivals and Orchestras — 2026-10-30
Joe Hisaishi has been appointed Composer-in-Residence for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, marking a significant institutional recognition of anime scores in Western classical music. Meanwhile, chart data shows Yoru Kajiura’s work dominating digital sales, while logistical hurdles threaten US tours for major anime franchises like *Umamusume*.
Anisong Charts, Festivals and Orchestras — 2026-10-30
Top developments
Joe Hisaishi Named LA Philharmonic Composer-in-Residence
In a historic move for anime music, Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi was named the Composer-in-Residence of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in late October. This multiyear artistic partnership involves the composition of new works specifically created for Los Angeles audiences, signaling a deepening integration of anime scores into the mainstream Western orchestral canon
Umamusume US Concert Faces Cancellation Risk
Organizers of the Umamusume Pretty Derby concert series in Los Angeles are facing potential cancellation due to unresolved visa issues. Despite six months of efforts to secure necessary approvals from the U.S. government, the "City of Angels" event remains in danger, highlighting the growing logistical complexities of bringing large-scale anime music productions to North America
Yoru Kajiura Tops Digital Anisong Charts
Digital music store mora reported that Yoru Kajiura’s "Kumo wo Nuke Kazashita e Watashi Dake" (from The Apothecary Diaries Season 3) maintained the number one spot on the weekly anisong ranking for the second consecutive week. The track leads a chart that also features new entries from VTuber Hoshimachi Suisei, reflecting the diverse range of artists currently dominating the anime music digital landscape
Local view
Japanese media outlets are closely tracking the intersection of karaoke trends and digital streaming. A recent report by JOYSOUND (via PR Times) analyzed summer 2026 anisong trends, noting that while "Yani Neko" by Wasurenagone Yo dominated karaoke selections, the digital download charts were led by That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. This divergence between physical engagement (karaoke) and digital consumption highlights different fan behaviors in the Japanese market
Context & numbers
The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s appointment of Joe Hisaishi is part of a five-year artistic partnership, emphasizing long-term commitment rather than one-off performances. In Japan, the mora digital chart continues to serve as a key indicator for anisong popularity, with the top 100 rankings updated weekly to reflect immediate consumer demand for anime-themed digital audio.
On the radar
- Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2026 (AFASG26): Scheduled for November 27–29, this festival continues to expand its musical lineup, having recently confirmed artists like Yuki Kajiura and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.
- Joe Hisaishi Houston Tour: The Houston Symphony has scheduled "Hisaishi Conducts Hisaishi" for May 7–9, 2027, indicating continued demand for his orchestral works in the US.
- Animelo Summer Live 2026: Information remains available for the upcoming July 2026 event at Makuhari Messe, with tickets currently on general sale.
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