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 (51–60)
Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi
This masterpiece expresses a bittersweet yearning for love through delicate imagery—like a crying figure reflected in a cracked mirror and fingers tracing the moon.
Chosen as the ending theme for the beloved classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, it became a cross-generational favorite, thanks in part to Hiro Takahashi’s clear, translucent vocals.
Since its release in December 1993, it has been included on the albums WELCOME TO POPSICLE CHANNEL and Hiro Takahashi Best Collection, selling around 300,000 copies.
Its sweetly aching, love-like melody and arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1970s kayōkyoku create a gentle mood reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.
Savor this heartwarming song—one to treasure as a cherished memory.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This rock tune delivers a hopeful message centered on positive self-transformation.
It powerfully portrays the feelings of those wrestling with conflict and uncertainty, gently giving listeners a push forward.
Released as a single by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, it was also included on the album Sol-fa.
Chosen as the opening theme for Season 4 of the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist, it earned high popularity among anime fans.
In 2024, it was also featured in promotional footage for the M-1 Grand Prix.
It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking to take a new step or to find their own path.
RealizeNami Tamaki
This is Nami Tamaki’s second single, released in July 2003 as the fourth opening theme for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The lyrics, themed around hope for the future and a strong will to overcome hardship, pair perfectly with the upbeat sound that blends electronic elements and dance beats.
Its powerful melody conveys the grand worldview of a story set in space.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to face a challenge or take a new step forward.
In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez
This song resonates with lyrics full of kindness and empathy.
Without hiding its own naivety, it gently conveys the desire to live life in one’s own way, carried by a warm, soothing melody.
It tenderly embraces everyday doubts and inner conflicts, as well as the ache of not being able to speak one’s true feelings, resulting in a track that stands by every listener.
Released by Aqua Timez in July 2006, it drew attention as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.
It was also used in Sapporo Beer’s New Year Sports Special: Hakone Ekiden commercial, and has been loved by many.
This is a song you’ll want to hear when your heart is wavering or when you’re facing an important decision.
It’s also easy to follow the melody for karaoke, allowing you to sing it with heartfelt emotion.
Anime songs that were hits in the 2000s: A nostalgic collection of legendary tracks (61–70)
IKE IKEHINOI Team
Ichigo 100% is a romantic comedy manga by Mizuki Kawashita that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and was adapted into a TV anime in 2005.
The ending theme is IKE IKE by HINOI Team, which ranked 44th on the Oricon weekly chart.
Cherry blossoms bloom: future, love, dreamyozuka*
Like cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze, this heart-fluttering number hints at the start of a sweet-and-sour romance.
Yozuca*’s crystal-clear vocals intertwine with a wistful yet forward-looking melody to make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.
The pop sound feels as if it captures a sparkling moment of youth.
Released as Yozuca*’s second single in July 2003, this track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime D.C.
~Da Capo~.
It might just make you want to listen—and rewatch—again.
BelieveNami Tamaki
This is the memorable debut single by Nami Tamaki, who made her debut in 2003 at the young age of 15.
The song was selected as the opening theme for the third cour of the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and made a striking debut by reaching as high as No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Its fast-paced, trance-influenced J-pop sound blends perfectly with Tamaki’s powerful vocals, and as an anthem about maintaining hope even in the midst of battle, it has continued to be beloved by many fans.
It’s a song that gives you a push forward when you need the courage to believe in yourself and move ahead.