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

Boomerang of ?Tokugaki Tomoko

Boomerang of ? / Mitsume ga Tooru OP

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.

N’baba Love SongTOME

Tropical Boy Papuwa-kun OP “N’baba Love Song”

Papuwa-kun, the Island Boy was the flagship series of Monthly Shonen Gangan, a manga magazine launched in 1991.

It was adapted into an anime in 1992, and the contrast between its eccentric gag characters and serious plot developments proved popular.

The opening theme, N’baba Love Song, was composed by Yasuo Kosugi—known for many children’s shows and anime tracks—and its distinctive melody is one that sticks in your head.

I can’t even breatheZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND “Breathless (off chorus)” MV

This ZARD classic sets the chest-tightening, heart-racing moment of falling in love to a driving rock sound.

It captures a straightforward love so consuming that you can’t think of anything but the other person.

The lyrics sparkle with the early stages of romance, and Izumi Sakai’s vocals—combining clarity with strength—leave a lasting impression.

Released in March 1998 as their 24th single, it became widely known as the opening theme for the anime “Chuuka Ichiban!” and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Listen to it as a fight song when you’re about to take on something new, and you’ll surely feel courage welling up from deep within.

Catch You Catch Megumi

Catch You Catch Me

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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Give me an unbalanced kissTakahashi Hiro

Give me an unbalanced kiss

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.

Ojamajo Doremi Carnival!!MAHO dō

Ojamajo Doremi opening theme song “Ojamajo Carnival!!” full high quality audio

It’s the opening theme of Ojamajo Doremi, which aired starting in 1999.

It’s incredibly bright and poppy—a song you find yourself humming before you know it.

I bet some of you often sing it at karaoke, too.

You can almost see the characters’ smiling faces in your mind.

Cutie HoneySalia

Pink Miku-sama ~Cutie Honey F~

This is the opening theme of Cutie Honey F, which aired from February 15, 1997 to January 31, 1998.

When it comes to songs from the Cutie Honey series, this is the definitive one, right? It was originally sung by Yoko Maekawa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of anime songs.

It was covered by Salia, a singer from Osaka Prefecture.