Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
We’ve put together a collection of anime songs that anyone who grew up in the 2000s will undoubtedly find nostalgic.
Some are original tracks made for the anime, while others are tie-in songs.
Each and every one of them still sounds fresh today.
There are probably people who discovered these artists through anime, grew to love them, and are still following them now.
We hope this article—and the songs themselves—help you remember those wonderful feelings from back then.
It also works great as a go-to karaoke song list.
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Anime songs that were hits in the 2000s: A nostalgic collection of god-tier tracks (21–30)
Nadja!!Minako Honda
This number evokes nostalgia for anime fans of the 2000s.
Sung by Minako Honda, it was released in 2003 as her 25th single.
It’s the opening theme of the anime Ashita no Nadja.
With a bright and powerful tone, the lyrics are filled with dreams, hope, and an uplifting message.
As you listen, you can feel the protagonist Nadja’s adventurous spirit and cheerful personality.
Although time has passed since its release, it remains a timelessly appealing classic among anime songs.
FOR REALHidenori Tokuyama
This work is characterized by its powerful, catchy melody.
Released in May 2000, it was used as the opening theme for the anime “Gensomaden Saiyuki.” It carries a strong message about overcoming loneliness and sorrow and moving forward, with a powerful vocal performance and a resonant worldview that’s perfect for anyone trying to forge their own path.
The rock-style arrangement is another highlight.
It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke, too!
Drawing daysSPLAY
“Drawing days,” which was used as the opening theme for the popular anime “Katekyo Hitman REBORN!” that aired on the TV Tokyo network.
It’s a song by SPLAY, a band from Osaka Prefecture that has since disbanded.
The track has an overall bright tone.
ParadiseDo As Infinity
This is the single released in December 2004 as the theme song for the film “Inuyasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island.” It became Do As Infinity’s first entry into the top three of the Oricon weekly chart—a true breakthrough for the band.
While grappling with heavy themes like war and loss, the lyrics powerfully sing of a firm resolve to “keep on living,” clearly conveying lyricist Ryo Owatari’s heartfelt message.
The driving energy created by Seiji Kameda’s bass and Kausuke Kawamura’s drums blends with Tomiko Van’s soaring vocals, resulting in a grand sound that captures the film’s sense of scale.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you need courage to face challenges.
PRIDEHIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
PRIDE by the six-member co-ed band HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR.
One of their signature songs, it was used as the opening theme for the popular mecha anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY.
Highly recommended if you like bands with cool female vocals.
cloudy skyDOES
Douten, sung by DOES, was used as the fifth opening theme for the classic Shonen Jump gag anime Gintama.
If you’re a Gintama fan, it’s probably stuck in your head.
The rough, gritty vocal style matches the somewhat hard-boiled world of the Shinsengumi and the Yorozuya that appear in Gintama.
Baka SurvivorUlfuls
Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo is a gag manga by Tetsuo Sawai that gained attention for its outrageous content, and a TV anime adaptation aired from November 2003 to October 2005.
Baka Survivor served as the later opening theme, reaching a peak position of 13th on the Oricon charts.