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Masaaki Endoh
Masaaki Endoh
Masaaki Endoh
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Key Information

Masaaki Endoh (遠藤正明, Endō Masaaki; born August 28, 1967) is a Japanese singer-songwriter who is prominent in the area of soundtracks for anime and tokusatsu productions. He is one of the founders of the Anison band JAM Project and has been a regular member ever since its inception in 2000. His nickname is the "Young Lion of Anison" and he goes by the motto "Always Full Voice".

Endoh took the industry by storm when he released the two Enson albums and the subsequent third, in which he covered many famous anime theme songs. Due to their success, Endoh went on to sing signature songs with the respective artists, such as "Arashi no Naka de Kagayaite" with Chihiro Yonekura,[1] "Sousei no Aquarion" with Akino,[2] "Butter-Fly" with Kōji Wada,[3] "Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger" with Hideyuki Takahashi from Project.R,[4] "Eternal Blaze" with Nana Mizuki,[5] "Yuzurenai Negai" with Naomi Tamura,[6] "Pegasus Fantasy" with NoB,[7] "Makka na Chikai" with Yoshiki Fukuyama,[8] "Kimi Taiyou ga Shinda Hi" with Maon Kurosaki,[9] "SERIOUS-AGE" with Faylan,[10] "We Are" with Hiroshi Kitadani,[11] "KINGS" with Angela,[12] "DREAM SOLISTER" with True,[13] and "UNINSTALL" with Chiaki Ishikawa.[14]

Career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Masaaki Endoh was born in the Miyagi Prefecture on August 28, 1967. After graduating from high school, he joined a group called The Hiptones, but after it dissolved in 1993, he became half of the acoustic duo Short Hopes. In 1995, music producer Shunji Inoue approached Endoh for a record deal, and he debuted as a solo artist. In this time, he also worked as Steeple Jack with other musicians, and they also released two albums before disbanding.

He sang some opening themes for anime until two years later, he and Hironobu Kageyama joined together to form the Metal Brothers. This duo only lasted from 1997 to 1998, when the group broke apart. During this time, he released an album, and formed the musical act Blind Pig with two other musicians. The group released two rock albums before they disbanded.[citation needed]

JAM Project

[edit]

In 2000, Ichirou Mizuki gathered four artists to form JAM Project: Masaaki Endoh, Eizo Sakamoto, Rica Matsumoto, and Hironobu Kageyama.[citation needed] Vocally, Endoh specializes in sustained high notes, covering the upper male range. Some of the songs he wrote for the group include "SAMURAI PARTY" on THUMB RISE AGAIN, "Kimi no Moto he" on X cures Earth, and "WE ARE ONE" on AREA Z.~

Endoh often stars in songs that have very long notes or extremely high notes. Examples include "Hagane no Messiah" (鋼の救世主（メシア）, Hagane no Kyūseishu; "Steel Messiah") which has a twenty-second note and "Seventh Explosion", twenty-five seconds.[citation needed]

2000s

[edit]

Masaaki Endoh enjoyed moderate success from 2000 to 2003, when he released his first studio album, Chakuriku!!. At around the same time, he sang the opening for Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger, for which he gained much popularity. After its success, he halted singing opening themes to focus more on JAM Project.[15]

By 2006, he released his second album M.e. and followed by a concert organized by Lantis to promote the release. The album included Carry On and CLOWN, which were also released on the soundtrack for the series Muv-Luv. Masaaki Endoh released ENSON and ENSON2 in the summer of 2008, which proved to be a massive success. The album contained covers of popular anime opening themes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including "Uninstall" by Chiaki Ishikawa and "Sousei no Aquarion" by Akino.

In 2009, he returned to singing opening themes. He followed up with the release of his third studio album, Circus Man. He introduced the concept of him being a circus show performer, the cover showing his face with clown makeups. A concert was organized but never released as home media.[15]

2010s

[edit]

In May 2010, he participated in Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D'S, the third series in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, starting with its fourth opening, "Believe in Nexus". Following this, he released an insert single, "Clear Mind", for the show's soundtrack. Later in December, he released a third single for the show, being the fifth and final opening, "Asu e no Michi ~Going my way!!~" (明日への道〜Going my way!!〜, The Road to Tomorrow ~Going my way!!~) on the same day JAM Project released their 10th Anniversary BOX.[16] He appeared in Hironobu Kageyama's 2011 Live Birthday concert with other JAM Project members. In 2011, he formed SV Tribe with Hiroshi Kitadani and Aki Misato and the group continues to write and perform opening music for many anime series.

In July 2012, he released his fourth studio album (e)-STYLE and promoted the album by touring Japan for three nights from July 24 to August 6, 2011.[17] For the release, the YouTube channel of Lantis released a set of videos showing Masaaki Endoh breaking down the lyrics of each song on the record. In the summer of 2011, he joined JAM Project in Animelo as a returning regular performer. He also participated in the Type-Moon 10th anniversary by singing "Fellows".[18]

To celebrate Christmas in 2010, Masaaki Endoh performed five concerts from November 11 to December 24 titled "Christmas Acoustic Night 2010 ~present of the voice~" that contained acoustic songs across his albums and covers.[19] In December 2012, he performed three more concerts under the title "Christmas Acoustic Night 2012 ~present of the voice~" for three nights from the 2nd to the 23rd.[20] The tradition continued in 2013; while on tour with JAM Project for their latest album, he took Christmas Eve to perform a single live show called "Christmas Acoustic Night2013 ~present of the voice~".[21]

He released his fifth studio album in August 2013, and went on a live tour titled "Masaaki Endoh Live Tour 2013 ~Extreme V Machine~" in September 2013 to promote the album.[22][23][24] He explained that the "V" stands for "voice" on his Extreme V Machine live tour, as well as signifying the number 5 in Roman numerals. In spring 2014, he formed a small group called "Endoh-kai" to sing the opening theme of Kenzen Robo Daimidaler and Lantis launched a small campaign to promote the group.[25]

In November 2014, Endoh released his first acoustic album called Present of the Voice, containing several arrangements of his signature songs. A campaign to promote the album requested fans send in photos which would be shown while the track my beloved played.[26] In 2015, he released the third ENSON album, which followed the previous iterations with more covers of famous theme songs.

He released his sixth studio album in February 2017, this time with a more steampunk and robotic approach to some of the songs. In 2018, he released his first single in six years for the Angels of Death anime adaptation. In December 2018, he released the follow-up to Present of the Voice with Present of the Voice 2. The album contained arrangements of "Vital" and "Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger" along with his original songs.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  1. Chakuriku!!
    • Released on November 27, 2003 / LACA-5220 / Lantis
  2. M.e.
    • Released on November 29, 2006 / LACA-5577 / Lantis
  3. Circus Man
    • Released on April 29, 2009 / LACA-5901 / Lantis
  4. (e)-Style
    • Released on July 6, 2011 / LACA-15127 / Solid Vox
  5. Extreme V Machine
    • Released on August 7, 2013 / LACA-15327 / Solid Vox
  6. Present of the Voice
    • Released on November 5, 2014 / LACA-15460 / Solid Vox
  7. V6 Engine
    • Released on February 1, 2017 / LACA-15596 / Lantis

Compilation Works

[edit]
  1. ENSON ～Cover Songs Collection Vol.1～
    • Released on June 11, 2008 / LACA-5774 / Lantis
  2. ENSON2 ～Cover Songs Collection Vol.2～
    • Released on December 17, 2008 / LACA-5826 / Lantis
  3. ENSON3 ～Cover Songs Collection Vol.3～
    • Released on October 7, 2015 / LACA-55510 / Lantis

Miscellaneous

[edit]
  1. Best Anisongs Vol.01
    • Contains many of his older singles and several covers.
  2. Blind Pig and Blind Pig II
    • Albums that were released under his short-lived group.
  3. Star Generation
    • A project with other anison artists for an anime.
  4. Strykers
    • Dengeki Stryker soundtrack.
  5. Ko Bu Shi – Tekken – Theme Song Album

Collaborations

[edit]
  1. [2002.02.06] Akogi na futaritabi daze!! LIVE ALBUM – Dai 1 Shou
  2. [2011.10.09] U-n-d-e-r—standing!
    • Opening with SV Tribe for the anime series Majikoi.
  3. [2012.12.05] Jounetsu Element
    • Opening with SV Tribe for the anime series Monsuno.
  4. [2013.02.06] Ultraman Taro Rock Ver
  5. [2014.03.26] V-ANIME collaboration -homme-
    • His version of Yuusha Ou Tanjou featuring Nightmare.
  6. [2014.04.23] Kenzen Robo Daimidaler
    • Sung as part of "Endoh-kai".
  7. [2015.12.02] TANSON – Tank Song Mini album

DVD/Blu-Ray

[edit]
  1. [2011.11.09] (e)-Style Live Tour DVD
  2. [2014.03.26] Extreme V Machine Live Tour DVD
  3. [2017.10.27] Masaaki Endo Live Tour 2017 – V6 Enjin

Singles

[edit]
  1. [1995.11.11] Forever Friends
  2. [1996.07.24] Killed by Beak Spider
  3. [1997.02.21] Yuusha Ou Tanjou! (勇者王誕生!) (GaoGaiGar Theme)
  4. [1997.08.21] A Piece of the Sun
  5. [1998.11.21] Ano kawa wo koete (あの河を越えて)
  6. [1999.03.03] Ready, B-Fight
  7. [1999.06.21] Senshi yo, Tachiagare! (戦士よ、起ち上がれ！)
  8. [2000.01.01] Yuusha Ou Tanjou! (Mythology Version)" (勇者王誕生！-神話(マイソロジー)バージョン-) (GaoGaiGar FINAL Theme)
  9. [2000.08.23] eX-Driver -Sniper- (With Milk)
  10. [2002.04.20] Bakutou Sengen! Daigunder ( 爆闘宣言！ダイガンダー)
  11. [2003.03.01] Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger (爆竜戦隊アバレンジャー)
  12. [2009.07.01] Sea Jetter Kaito (シージェッター海斗)
  13. [2009.09.25] Kankyou Choujin Ecogainder (環境超人エコガインダー)
  14. [2010.05.12] Believe in Nexus (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds Theme 4)
  15. [2010.09.22] Saigo no Eden (With Aki Misato)
  16. [2010.12.22] Asu e no Michi ~going my way! (明日への道～Going my way!) (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds Theme 5)
  17. [2011.01.11] Honki Sentai Gachi Ranger (本気戦隊ガチレンジャー)
  18. [2011.05.11] Tamashii meramera Itchodo (魂メラめら一兆°C)
  19. [2011.11.09] Fellows
  20. [2012.01.11] Kankyou Choujin Ecogainder 0X (環境超人エコガインダー0X)
  21. [2018.07.25] Vital/Pray
  22. [2020.08.05] Goshowa Kudasai Ware no Na wo! (ご唱和ください 我の名を！)
  23. [2024.04.03] Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger (爆上戦隊ブンブンジャー)
  24. [2025] Kinnikuman Hero

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Masaaki Endoh

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Masaaki Endoh (遠藤 正明, Endō Masaaki; born August 28, 1967) is a Japanese singer-songwriter best known for his powerful vocals in and soundtracks, debuting in the genre in 1995 and marking his 30th anniversary in 2025. Born in , , Endoh rose to prominence through high-energy performances that earned him the nickname "Young Lion of Anison" within the anime music community. As a co-founder and core member of the supergroup —formed in 2000 alongside other prominent anime singers like —Endoh has contributed to the band's signature anthemic style, blending rock and orchestral elements in songs that energize fans at live events and conventions. His solo career highlights include iconic opening themes such as "Yuusha Ou Tanjou!" for The King of Braves GaoGaiGar (1997), which showcased his versatile range from heroic ballads to intense rock tracks, and "Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger" for the series of the same name (2003), solidifying his status in franchises. Endoh has also lent his voice to diverse projects, including the insert "Live in Baghdad" for (1998), the insert "Clear Mind" for (episodes 104–129, 2009–2010), and the opening theme "Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger" for Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger (2024). Beyond anime, his work extends to visual novels such as the Muv-Luv Alternative series and staples like (2020), often emphasizing themes of courage and perseverance that resonate with Japanese pop culture audiences. Endoh's discography spans over 300 credits, encompassing original albums like M.e. (2006) and cover collections such as ENSON ~COVER SONGS COLLECTION Vol.1 (2008), where he reinterprets classic tunes with a edge. His live performances, including annual birthday festivals and charity events like the Michinoku Anisong Fes for disaster recovery in his home region, underscore his enduring popularity and community involvement as of 2025. With a career blending composition, , and performance, Endoh remains a pivotal figure in evolving the anison genre toward global appeal.

Early life and career beginnings

Birth and youth

Masaaki Endoh was born on August 28, 1967, in , a coastal city in , . He measures 173 cm in height and has AB. Public information regarding Endoh's family background and personal life during his youth is limited, respecting his privacy. Endoh attended local schools in during his early education, though specific institutions have not been publicly disclosed. Growing up in the coastal environment of provided a formative setting before his entry into the music industry.

First bands and solo debut

Masaaki Endoh entered the music industry after high school by joining the rock band The Hiptones as , where he performed until the group's disbandment in 1993. Following this, he became one half of the acoustic duo Short Hopes, which later evolved into Steeple Jack, exploring a more intimate pop-rock style in the late and early 1990s. These early group endeavors provided foundational experience but were marked by instability, as they did not achieve widespread commercial breakthrough, prompting Endoh to seek opportunities as an independent artist. In 1997, Endoh briefly collaborated in the heavy metal vocal duo Metal Brothers alongside Hironobu Kageyama, releasing tracks with strong metal influences from 1997 to 1998, though the project remained short-lived and niche within the anisong scene. Transitioning to solo work under independent labels, Endoh made his debut on November 5, 1995, with the single "Forever Friends," the theme for the anime Street Fighter II V. He followed this with the opening theme "ZORRO" and ending theme "Chikai" for the anime series Kaiketsu Zorro in 1996. Throughout the late 1990s, Endoh contributed vocals to several anime soundtracks, gradually establishing his reputation for powerful, high-energy performances in the genre. Notable early solo efforts included the opening theme "Yuusha-Oh Tanjou!" for The King of Braves GaoGaiGar in 1997, which highlighted his dynamic range and helped solidify his presence in mecha anime themes. These initial contributions, often tied to lesser-known or emerging productions, focused on building his vocal profile rather than immediate mainstream acclaim.

Career

Involvement with JAM Project

Masaaki Endoh co-founded in 2000 alongside , Eizo Sakamoto, , and , with the group's mission to promote anime songs (anisong) on a global scale. The supergroup emerged from regular performances on the radio show Yoru Hippare, quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse in the anisong scene through collaborative singles and live shows. As an original member, Endoh has served as a primary vocalist, delivering high-energy performances that define the band's signature hot-blooded style, and has contributed to over 15 studio and compilation albums released by the group. His powerful vocal delivery shines on tracks like the 2001 single "," where he takes lead vocals, and in group themes for anime series such as . JAM Project marked its 25th anniversary in 2025 with the release of its 15th , BEST COLLECTION XV FINAL COUNTDOWN, featuring 15 tracks that span the band's career, alongside announcements for special live events. The group has sustained its momentum through extensive tours, including its inaugural international No Border world tour in 2008 across 10 cities like , São Paulo, and , and continued global performances in subsequent years. In recent activities, performed at 2025 in August, joining a panel with a mini-concert that included live renditions of the anime's opening themes from seasons one and two. Endoh remains one of the few original members still active in the lineup, alongside , helping to anchor the group's enduring legacy amid lineup changes over the decades.

Solo activities in the 2000s

In 2003, Masaaki Endoh released his debut solo album Chakuriku!! on November 27 through Lantis, marking a significant step in his independent career with a fusion of rock elements and -inspired songs across 11 tracks, including the high-energy opener "Shobai Hanjo!!" and the theme "Senshi yo, Tachiagare!" from the Masou Kishin . This album showcased Endoh's powerful vocal delivery and songwriting, blending anisong vigor with influences to appeal to fans of his work while establishing his solo identity. Endoh's solo output in the mid-2000s prominently featured contributions to series, beginning with the opening theme "Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger" for the 2003 production , which highlighted his dynamic range in delivering explosive, heroic anthems. He continued with additional ties, such as the duet "Boukenger! GO ON FIGHTING!!" alongside NoB for Gōgō Sentai Boukenger in 2006, an insert song that emphasized themes of adventure and perseverance. These tracks solidified his role as a go-to vocalist for high-stakes action themes, often incorporating orchestral swells and driving rhythms to match the genre's intensity. Endoh also lent his voice to collaborations, further diversifying his solo portfolio beyond group efforts. The release of his studio album M.e. on November 29, 2006, via Lantis expanded on his rock-anisong style with 14 original tracks, such as "BIG MOUTH" and "my beloved," demonstrating his compositional depth and emotional versatility. A pivotal moment came in 2008 with the inception of the ENSON series, starting with ENSON ~Cover Songs Collection Vol.1, a rock-infused covers featuring reinterpretations of classic , , and themes like those from ; it debuted at #43 on the chart, underscoring commercial viability and Endoh's ability to bridge traditional and modern styles. This project highlighted his vocal adaptability, transforming sentimental ballads into energetic rock arrangements that resonated with a broad audience. Throughout the decade, Endoh's solo prominence grew through energetic live performances, including appearances at events like in 2007 and concerts in 2006, where he delivered fan-favorite anisong medleys and tributes to packed venues. These shows, often featuring collaborations with fellow anisong artists, boosted his reputation as a charismatic performer and led to increased recognition in anisong circles, with nominations in categories celebrating vocal power and genre contributions at industry events. By the end of the , his solo endeavors had cultivated a dedicated following, complementing his group activities and paving the way for further exploration.

Solo activities in the 2010s and 2020s

In the , Masaaki Endoh continued to expand his solo catalog with contributions to soundtracks and original releases that blended his signature high-energy style with experimental elements. His single "BELIEVE IN NEXUS," released on May 12, 2010, served as the fourth opening theme for the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, showcasing his powerful vocals in a track he both wrote and composed. Later in the decade, Endoh issued the album ENSON3 on October 7, 2015, the third installment in his ENSON series of enka-rock fusion covers, featuring reimagined arrangements of classic Japanese songs alongside -inspired tracks to appeal to a broader audience. This was followed by his sixth solo studio album, , released on February 1, 2017, which included 12 original songs emphasizing themes of perseverance and energy, reflecting his maturation as a performer. Entering the 2020s, Endoh's solo work increasingly tied into and projects, maintaining his role as a go-to vocalist for high-stakes openings. In 2024, he performed the opening theme "BAKUAGESENTAI BOONBOOMGER" for the series Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger, a high-octane track co-sung with that captured the franchise's action-packed spirit. That same year, Endoh was announced as the performer for "Kinnikuman Hero," the opening theme for the second season of the Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc, which premiered on January 12, 2025, with lyrics and composition by APAZZI highlighting heroic resilience. Endoh's live performances in this period underscored his enduring fanbase and adaptability. On July 12, 2025, he took the stage at the Yu-Gi-Oh! Series 25th Duelist Live Kingdom event in , delivering energetic renditions of "BELIEVE IN NEXUS" and "Clear Mind" to celebrate the franchise's milestone. His official website announced the Masaaki Endoh 2025 Birthday Celebration event, set for early 2026, focusing on fan interaction and select performances. Looking ahead, Endoh is slated to participate in the Michinoku Anison Fes 2026 ~Eastern Gale on March 1, 2026, in , alongside fellow anison artists to support regional revival efforts, as well as the Chō Eiyū Sai Kamen Rider × Super Sentai Live & Show 2026 on February 3-4, 2026, at , featuring tokusatsu-themed concerts. Amid these activities, Endoh's solo output showed a subtle shift toward acoustic arrangements and anniversary-centric projects, coinciding with JAM Project's 25th anniversary in 2025, allowing for more introspective explorations of his in live settings.

Musical style and influences

Vocal technique and genres

Masaaki Endoh possesses a remarkable and powerful delivery, characterized by a flexible voice that excels in precise high notes and energetic belts suited to heroic and action-oriented themes. His technique emphasizes full-throated commitment, adhering to his personal motto of "Always Full Voice," which allows him to convey intense emotion and drive in performances. This vocal power, often described as brutal and versatile, was initially honed through his experiences in rock and heavy metal contexts, enabling him to handle demanding, high-energy singing without strain. Endoh's genre preferences center on anisong and soundtracks, where he fuses J-rock and heavy metal elements to produce rousing, anthemic tracks that amplify dramatic narratives in and series. His covers, as featured in albums like Enson, reinterpret themes from these fields with a rock-infused edge, blending drive with melodic hooks to enhance their epic quality. This stylistic integration makes his work particularly effective for battle sequences and transformative moments, prioritizing intensity and momentum over subtlety. In live settings, Endoh's performances highlight dynamic phrasing, spontaneous ad-libs, and a focus on emotional depth, especially in tracks evoking conflict or triumph, which captivates audiences through passionate expression and interactive gestures. His adaptability shines in shifting from collaborative band rock to solo interpretations with orchestral flourishes, maintaining vocal consistency across arrangements while tailoring intensity to the genre's heroic demands.

Key inspirations and evolution

After high school, Endoh's experiences in rock and metal bands during the honed his powerful vocals and marked his initial foray into and metal genres. Endoh's transition to anisong was profoundly shaped by pioneers such as and , whose legendary contributions to theme songs inspired his entry into the genre. Mizuki, a foundational figure in 1970s anisong, conceived in 2000, recruiting Endoh as a founding member alongside Kageyama to create high-energy tracks blending vigor with anime narratives. This collaboration amplified Endoh's shift from pure toward heroic anisong themes, reflecting the enduring impact of these trailblazers on his vocal intensity and thematic focus. Throughout his career, Endoh's style evolved from the heavy metal edges of the , characterized by bands emphasizing raw power, to the bombastic heroic anthems of the 2000s via and solo anisong releases. In the 2010s, he explored acoustic arrangements, including a nationwide tour titled Akogina Futaritabidaze!! that highlighted stripped-down interpretations of his repertoire, allowing for introspective vocal delivery. The have seen a reflective phase, with anniversary events like his 2020 birthday concert and JAM Project's 25th anniversary project in 2025, underscoring themes of perseverance amid global challenges. Tokusatsu series, particularly , have been a key cultural influence, informing Endoh's songwriting with motifs of heroism and unyielding perseverance; his performances of opening themes, such as for Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger, embody this spirit through uplifting, battle-ready compositions. Endoh's legacy lies in bridging traditional rock sensibilities with modern and anisong, maintaining a rock vocalist's edge in anime soundtracks while earning the moniker "Young Lion of Anison" for his dynamic range. The 2025 JAM Project anniversary celebrations highlight his role in sustaining the group's influence, connecting generations through enduring heroic music.

Discography

Solo albums and compilations

Masaaki Endoh has released seven solo studio albums since his debut in 2003, blending anisong influences with rock elements to showcase his energetic vocal style. His first album, Chakuriku!! (2003), marked his solo entry with a mix of original tracks and anisong-inspired rock arrangements, including high-energy songs like "Zekkai no Chikai" tied to mecha themes. Subsequent releases like M.e. (2006) explored upbeat, personal compositions, while Circus Man (2009) and (e)-STYLE (2011) incorporated theatrical and stylistic variations on his signature power vocals. Later works, such as EXTREME V MACHINE (2013) and V6 Engine (2017), reflected a maturing sound with reflective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, often drawing from his experiences in anime soundtracks. The most recent, (e)7 (2023), continues this evolution with contemporary rock fusions. The ENSON series consists of cover albums that revitalize classic , , and video game theme songs through Endoh's powerful interpretations. ENSON (2008) features 13 tracks, including renditions of "" from Digimon Adventure and "創聖のアクエリオン" from , emphasizing orchestral rock arrangements. ENSON2 (2008) expands with 13 more covers, such as "ETERNAL BLAZE" from , incorporating guest elements for added depth. ENSON3 (2015) builds on this with 13 selections like "君の知らない物語" from Bakemonogatari, praised for blending nostalgia with modern vocal prowess. The series highlights Endoh's versatility in reinterpreting traditional anisong material. Endoh's compilations include best-of collections and acoustic releases that offer retrospective views of his career. Masaaki Endoh THE BEST (2022) compiles 17 popular tracks, spanning his solo hits and media themes, serving as a career milestone pre-2025 anniversary celebrations. Acoustic albums like Present of the Voice (2014) and its sequel Present of the Voice 2 (2018), the latter featuring Christmas-themed arrangements of select songs, provide intimate, stripped-down performances emphasizing emotional delivery. These works underscore his range beyond high-octane rock. Endoh's solo releases have garnered acclaim for their vocal versatility, particularly in the and , with the ENSON series achieving commercial peaks, such as ENSON reaching #43 and ENSON3 #24 on the charts. Critics and fans note how these albums revitalize genre staples while showcasing Endoh's enduring appeal in anisong-rock. No major studio albums appeared between 2017 and 2023, though anniversary tie-ins were anticipated around 2025.

Singles, collaborations, and JAM Project contributions

Masaaki Endoh has released over 20 solo singles throughout his career, many serving as opening themes for anime and tokusatsu series, particularly from the 2000s onward. One of his prominent contributions is "Believe in Nexus," the fourth opening theme for the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, released on May 12, 2010, which he both wrote the lyrics and composed. In 2024, Endoh performed the high-energy opening "Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger" for the Super Sentai series Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger, composed by Masahiro Takeda and arranged by Yusuke Shirato, capturing the show's explosive vehicular action theme. Extending into 2025, he delivered "Kinnikuman Hero" as the opening for the second season of Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc, released digitally on January 13, 2025, with lyrics and music by APAZZI, emphasizing heroic wrestling motifs. Endoh has engaged in various collaborations, including guest vocals on soundtracks and duets with fellow anisong artists. For the 2020 series , he provided the powerful opening theme "Goshouwa Kudasai Ware no Na wo!," arranged by Kyoichi Miyazaki and Ryota Iida, which became a staple in live performances. In 2021, he teamed up with angela for the duet "Battle & Message," a dynamic track framed as a "love battle" between male and female voices, featured in promotional music videos. Another notable duet occurred in 2020 with Aki Misato, reinterpreting "Oja Witch Carnival," the opening from , during live events. His work also extends to miscellaneous live releases, such as DVD and Blu-ray recordings of concerts featuring these tracks. As a founding member of since 2000, Endoh has contributed vocals to the group's extensive output, including over 15 albums and numerous singles tied to and . The band's 16th single, "," released on April 23, 2003, served as the opening theme for the game Original Generation, with Endoh's harmonies enhancing its battle intensity. In 2025, issued a greatest hits compilation, spotlighting Endoh's role in enduring tracks like these. Endoh frequently appears on tokusatsu soundtrack compilations, such as the Series: Theme Songs Collection, Vol. 6 (2003), where his performances from series like Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger are featured. In July 2025, he performed older singles like "Believe in Nexus" and "Clear Mind" at the Yu-Gi-Oh! Series 25th Duelist Live Kingdom event, celebrating the franchise's milestone with high-energy renditions alongside other anisong artists.

References

  1. https://endoh-masaaki.com/news
  2. https://vgmdb.net/artist/48
  3. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=274305
  4. https://yugioh.fandom.com/wiki/Clear_Mind_(song)
  5. https://powerrangers.fandom.com/wiki/Bakuage_Sentai_Boonboomger_(song)
  6. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/194892/
  7. https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Masaaki_Endoh/262645
  8. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/endoh-masaaki/3910929
  9. https://landofobscusion.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-legend-of-zorro-movie-edit-zorros.html
  10. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1744
  11. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2022-07-14/masaaki-endoh-showcases-his-powerful-voice-with-live-studio-performances-of-sakugan-gaogaigar-/.187626
  12. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/JAM_Project
  13. https://mechaalliance.com/mecha-personnel-profile-jam-project-the-firekeepers-of-mecha/
  14. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2025/1/2/anisong-super-group-jam-project-25th-anniversary-project
  15. https://open.spotify.com/track/6ZXVZyOA7hk3NcR6ODqGcv
  16. https://www.bandsintown.com/a/383550-jam-project
  17. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2025/all-the-news-and-reviews-from-anime-nyc/jam-project-at-the-one-punch-man-anime-nyc-panel-makes-you-glad-youre-an-anime-fan/.228075
  18. https://vgmdb.net/album/148918
  19. https://www.allmusic.com/album/endoh-chakuriku-mw0000354793
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/11951486-Masaaki-Endoh-Enson-Cover-Songs-Collection-Vol1
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RyvM0nnjXs
  22. https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Masaaki_Endoh
  23. https://endoh-masaaki.com/disco/album.html
  24. https://vgmdb.net/album/14126
  25. https://jpop.fandom.com/wiki/ENSON
  26. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL85C5F5805CAB49A7
  27. https://syncnet.work/en/archives/21845
  28. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Believe_in_Nexus
  29. https://vgmdb.net/album/92510
  30. https://open.spotify.com/album/6Uva2zi9B9N5knjiWpWL7c
  31. https://music.apple.com/us/album/enson3/1751888195
  32. https://open.spotify.com/album/1WSCQAkRgNpksay1EfKkuk
  33. https://vgmdb.net/album/149479
  34. https://vgmdb.net/release/23313
  35. https://powerrangers.fandom.com/wiki/Bakuage_Sentai_Boonboomger_%28song%29
  36. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-13/masaaki-endoh-mamoru-miyano-perform-themes-for-kinnikuman-perfect-origin-arc-anime-2nd-season/.218993
  37. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/12/13/kinnikuman-perfect-origin-arc-season-2-theme-songs
  38. https://us.oricon-group.com/news/5330/
  39. https://endoh-masaaki.com/news/12528.html
  40. https://endoh-masaaki.com/news/12556.html
  41. https://endoh-masaaki.com/news/newscategory/event
  42. https://honeysanime.com/masaaki-endoh-v6-engine-concert-review/
  43. https://syncnet.work/en/archives/16671
  44. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2019-12-04/superstar-rock-band-jam-project/.153979
  45. http://www.j-pop.com/2015/guests/jam-project/
  46. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/masaaki-endoh/259025989
  47. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCBnCeOigma9Cv6eI5_QleQQ
  48. http://endoh-masaaki.com/disco/album.html
  49. https://open.spotify.com/album/4b4Vxq9HhvenvKN4wUXOD5
  50. https://jpop.fandom.com/wiki/ENSON3
  51. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/Extreme_V_Machine
  52. https://vgmdb.net/album/146004
  53. https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Ultraman_Z_%28series%29
  54. https://www.facebook.com/ProjectFans/videos/endoh-masaaki-x-aki-misato-oja-witch-carnival-/400011937856891/
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/16721310-JAM-Project-Skill
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