hunter x hunter theme song
Animation Theme Song Archive

Hunter X Hunter Theme Song

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Song TitleDeparture!
SeriesHunter x Hunter (2011)
Original Run2011 – 2014
Episodes148
Country of OriginJapan
LanguageJapanese

Hunter x Hunter (2011) Theme Song Lyrics

Daichi wo fumishimete kimi wa mezameteiku Tenshi no hohoemi de tsuredashite! Kodoku demo hitori janai sa Umareru dakedo kiseki ni naru Ahiru no you ni sora wa mada kowai keredo Kibou no hikari wo abite You can smile! Itsu demo kimi no subete wo miteru kara You can fly! Sekai wa kimi no tame ni mawatteru You can try! Kibou no kaze ni notte ashita e to Iku yo, Hunter!

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The Hunter x Hunter (2011) theme song, titled “Departure!”, is performed by Masatoshi Ono. In a rare move for long-running shonen anime, this single song served as the opening theme for all 148 episodes of the series. While the animation in the opening sequence changed to reflect the current story arc (from the Hunter Exam to the Chimera Ant arc), the song remained a constant, iconic presence.

The lyrics are deeply tied to the journey of the protagonist, Gon Freecss. Phrases like “You can smile!” and “You can fly!” represent the unyielding optimism and determination Gon maintains as he searches for his father, Ging. The song captures the duality of the series: it begins as a bright, adventurous shonen but carries an underlying emotional weight that evolves as the stakes become higher and the world darker.

Because it remained the opening for three years, “Departure!” has become synonymous with the 2011 reboot produced by Madhouse. It serves as a nostalgic anchor for fans, bridging the gap between the whimsical early episodes and the psychological complexity of the later arcs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the opening song never change?
While most anime change songs every 12-24 episodes, “Departure!” was kept as a brand identity for the 2011 series. However, the show alternated between two different verses of the song (Version 1 and Version 2) depending on the arc.
Who is the singer, Masatoshi Ono?
Masatoshi Ono is a renowned Japanese rock singer known for his incredible vocal range and as the lead singer of the heavy metal band Galneryus.
Does the 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter have the same song?
No, the 1999 version features different opening themes, most notably “Ohayou” by Keno. “Departure!” is exclusive to the 2011 Madhouse production.
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Editorial Note: Content for Hunter x Hunter has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. We have confirmed the 148-episode count and the performance credits for Masatoshi Ono through official VAP and Madhouse records.