Lovely anime song

Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Back in the 1990s, it still wasn’t the age of the internet.

These days, late-night anime and VOD subscriptions are the norm, but when you think of 90s anime, it was all about those early evening broadcasts.

Many of you probably spent your grade-school days rushing home after classes and turning on the TV right away.

This time, we’re featuring anime songs from that nostalgic 90s era!

Be sure to look for tracks from the shows you were obsessed with.

They’re great picks to keep in mind for karaoke, too!

Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (81–90)

Run, Makibao!F Map

Midori no Makibaō OP “Run! Makibaō”

Run, Makibao F · MAP

This is the opening theme of Midori no Makibao, which aired from March 2, 1996 to July 12, 1997.

The original song is Hashire Kōtarō, released by the folk group Salty Sugar.

It was covered by F·MAP, a group of Fuji TV announcers.

It’s a melody that makes you want to hum along.

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I don’t need promises.Maaya Sakamoto

Escaflowne - No Need for Promises

I Don’t Need Promises by Maaya Sakamoto

A gentle piece that evokes the flow of precious, radiant moments.

Its dreamy, tender sound fits perfectly with the anime scenes of The Vision of Escaflowne.

This was voice actor Maaya Sakamoto’s debut as a singer, and it became a popular work alongside the anime.

Released in April 1996.

In the anime, Maaya Sakamoto plays the protagonist, Hitomi Kanzaki.

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PoetSaburō Kitajima

Ojarumaru OP - Full by Eijin

Poet Kitajima Saburō

This is the opening theme of the children’s anime Ojarumaru.

The relaxed feel that evokes the Heian period and the gentle melody make it very pleasant to listen to.

It’s sung by Saburo Kitajima, a giant in the enka world.

You can’t help but say, “That’s Sab-chan for you!”—his wonderful singing voice is irresistible.

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Passage of Early SpringYoko Tanaka

Yoko Tanaka / Passage of Early Spring (PV)

Yoko Tanaka, Passage of Spring

Yoko Tanaka debuted in 1990 and was an idol who won various awards, including the Best New Artist Award at the Megalopolis Song Festival.

The anime created in collaboration with her is Idol Angel Welcome Yoko, and this song is its theme song.

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Catch You Catch Megummy (candy)

Catch You Catch Me

Catch You Catch Me Gummies

This was the debut single released under the name GUMI by Megumi Hinata—who would later become known for her solo work as meg rock and as part of Melocure—and it served as the opening theme for the TV anime Cardcaptor Sakura.

The chorus clearly bears the stylistic imprint of its lyricist and composer, Kohmi Hirose, and for many people that vibe is directly connected to their image of Cardcaptor Sakura.

There’s also a cover version by Sakura Tange, the voice actress for the anime’s protagonist, Sakura Kinomoto, so be sure to check that out as well!

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Boomerang of ?Tomoko Tokugaki

Boomerang of ? / Mitsume ga Tooru OP

Tomoko Tokugaki, the boomerang of ?

When Osamu Tezuka’s manga The Three-Eyed One was adapted into a TV anime, the theme song was sung by Tomoko Tokugaki, who is also active as a musical theater actress.

The opening lyrics are quite catchy, aren’t they? The lyrics were written by Kumiko Aoki, and the music was composed by Yasuo Kosugi.

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Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (91–100)

Demon God Child ZENKIHironobu Kageyama

"Kishin Doji Zenki" OP – Hironobu Kageyama

Demon God Child ZENKI Hironobu Kageyama

As the title suggests, this is the opening theme of the anime Zenki: The Demon Child.

It’s sung by Hironobu Kageyama, known as the “Prince of Anison.” The hard rock sound and his passionate vocals are irresistible! It’s such a cool track that makes you want to say, “This is what anison is all about.”

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