Jam Project: The Powerhouse of Anime Theme Songs

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A Japanese supergroup specializing in performing powerful theme songs for anime, video games, and tokusatsu (live-action special effects) series.Formed in July 2000 by veteran anison singer Ichirou Mizuki, JAM Project (Japan Animationsong Makers Project) brought together prominent vocalists from the anime and game music scene. Their mission was to create high-energy, impactful theme songs. Led by Hironobu Kageyama, the core founding members included Masaaki Endoh, Rica Matsumoto, Eizo Sakamoto, and Yoshiki Fukuyama. They achieved massive popularity with themes for series like 'One Piece' ('We Are!'), 'Mazinger Edition Z: The Impact!', 'Garo', 'Super Robot Wars', and countless others. Known for their intense live performances and powerful vocals, they remain active icons in the anison world.
  • The group was conceived as a 'supergroup' or 'all-star team' of the anison world, featuring vocalists already famous for their own iconic anime themes before joining JAM Project (e.g., Kageyama for 'Cha-La Head-Cha-La' (Dragon Ball Z), Endoh for 'Gong' (Giant Robo), Sakamoto for 'Soldier Dream' (Saint Seiya)).
  • Their live concerts are legendary for their high energy, audience participation (notably coordinated shouts and chants), and the sheer vocal power delivered by the members, often performing demanding songs for hours.
  • Despite lineup changes over two decades, the core quintet of Kageyama, Endoh, Fukuyama, Sakamoto, and Masami Okui (who joined shortly after inception) remained remarkably stable for over 20 years. Rica Matsumoto left in 2003 to focus on her voice acting career (she voices Satoshi/Ash Ketchum in Pokemon), and Hiroshi Kitadani joined as a regular member later.
  • They hold the Guinness World Record for the 'Most theme songs recorded for the same animation franchise' for their extensive work on the 'Super Robot Wars' game series.
  • Founding member Ichirou Mizuki, a legendary figure in anison known as the 'Emperor', stepped back from active participation shortly after formation due to health concerns but remained a symbolic figurehead. He passed away in 2022.