Though they officially started in 1994, Porno Graffiti didn’t get their big break until Hitori no Yoru became the second opening to GTO in 2000. It introduced audiences to their inspirations that makes you think of Elvis Presley’s classic, Jailhouse Rock. The song captures the intensity, comedy, and romanticism of GTO and that’s what made it a hit. As a band that was just up-and-coming, Hitori no Yoru debuted at number 12 on the Oricon charts and they started to gain fame.

Three years later, they once again made it big in the world of anime with Melissa, the first opening theme to the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series, as it also debuted at number 2 on the Oricon charts. While much of their 1950s rhythm and blues style of rock is still prevalent in Melissa, it is more appropriately emotional as opposed to the upbeat feel of Hitori no Yoru. When you hear the song and analyze the lyrics, it captures Fullmetal Alchemist’s atmosphere of teenage innocence while seeking out one’s goals no matter the cost.

In 2006, with Masami Shiratama as the new singer, Porno Graffiti once again contributes to the world of anime with Winding Road, the ending theme to Ayakashi Ayashi. As opposed to the heavy guitar riffs viewers heard through Hitori no Yoru and Melissa, it has more of a heavy blues feel with a heavy emphasis on a harmonic melody to reflect the melodramatic nature of Ayakashi Ayashi. Last, this song would be their first anime contribution that debuted at number 1 on the Oricon charts.

As the 2000s progressed, so did their contributions to mainstream anime. They contributed two songs to the Bleach Franchise - Koyoi, Tsuki ga Miezu Tomo (which debuted at number 2 on the Oricon), the ending theme for the third feature film, and Anima Rossa (which debuted at number 3 on the Oricon) as the series 11th opening theme. Koyoi, Tsuki ga Miezu tomo further amplifies the emotional delivery of what you hear in Melissa to 11 and has more of a modern touch to the composition. As for Anima Rossa, it has more of a 1970s funk with its hook, but its melody and singing are very much in tune with contemporary J-rock.

As of last year, Porno Graffiti still continues to contribute to internationally recognized titles, most notably My Hero Academia with The Day. Much like Melissa, it emphasizes more on the emotion of hard work and sacrifice. In comparison to their other earlier works, The Day feels 100% like a modern J-rock song by emphasizing on very heavy guitar riffs. The delivery of the chorus feels very fresh compared to the upbeat feel of both Hitori no Yoru and Melissa but does a perfect job of capturing the essence of My Hero Academia.