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 legendary tracks (31–40)
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.
Apple-plucking Beam!Ōtsuki Kenji to Zetsubō Shōjotachi
Ringo Mogire Beam!, which was used as the opening theme for the school black comedy anime Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei.
It’s a fun song featuring Kenji Ohtsuki’s wild, over-the-top vocal style.
With its distinctive, quirky melody, it perfectly captures the world of Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei.
pastel pureALI PROJECT
Pastel Pure, with its elegant melody, leaves a striking impression.
This track was released as a single after originally appearing on the soundtrack album for the school-themed anime Maria Watches Over Us.
It was initially an instrumental, but lyrics were written by the original author, Oyuki Konno, and it was released as a vocal song.
Its gently flowing melody makes it feel as if you’re walking on clouds.
The Nationwide Age of Irresponsibilitygagaga supi
Gagaga SP, known for their upbeat melodies, delivered the classic song “Zenkoku Musekinin Jidai” (Nationwide Irresponsible Era).
This track was used as the opening theme for season 2 of the hugely popular sci-fi comedy anime “Sgt.
Frog” (Keroro Gunsō).
It features their signature cheerful, energizing sound and lyrics.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves bright, feel-good songs.
Song of LoveEvery Little Thing
The song that played over the ending of the feature film Inuyasha: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass is a prayerful ballad that gently envelops the lingering emotions of its grand tale set in the Sengoku era.
Carried by Kaori Mochida’s crystal-clear vocals, the lyrics weave wishes for strength, flowers, and love—for the earth, the fields, and the heart.
While acknowledging one’s own weakness, it portrays a resolve to live for love from this very moment, mirroring the film’s theme of feelings that transcend time.
Included on the album Many Pieces, released in March 2003, its acoustic guitar and strings create an expansive sound that resonates deeply.
It’s a song that quietly gives you a nudge when you want to reexamine the bonds you share with someone dear.
Anime songs that were hits in the 2000s: A nostalgic collection of legendary tracks (41–50)
CHANGE THE WORLDV6
Rumiko Takahashi’s manga Inuyasha began its TV anime adaptation in 2000.
The first season’s opening theme was CHANGE THE WORLD, sung by V6, which reached No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
Incidentally, this was the first time V6 performed a theme song for an anime.
Target: The Red ShockWada Kōji
Digimon Adventure 02 is the second installment of the Digimon anime series, and the opening theme, Target ~Red Shock~, was sung by Kouji Wada, the same as in the previous work.
On the Oricon charts, it reached as high as No.
35.