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

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.

Flames Go! Fight!Tomoko Tokugaki

Flame Dodgeball Kid: Danpei opening theme — Flame Go Fight / Tomoko Tokugaki with HOLD ME-tai

When I see a title like this, I can’t help but think, “Now this is a true anison.” It’s the theme song for the TV anime “Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei,” based on a manga themed around super dodgeball.

It’s sung by Tomoko Tokugaki, known both as a musical theater actress and an anison singer, and it was released as a single in 1991.

The opening animation—with the ball blazing at incredible speed—brings back nostalgic memories.

Listening again, the hard-edged guitar and the roaming bass line in the B section are seriously cool.

I'm a popular kid.Shinnosuke Nohara (Akiko Yajima)

PV Crayon Shin-chan OP 'I’m a Popular Boy'

It’s the opening theme of Crayon Shin-chan.

Released as a single under the anime character’s name and sung by the voice actor, it became a massive hit, making history as the first of its kind to enter the Oricon Top 10.

Some of you might even be able to sing it without looking at the lyrics, right? It’s one of the classic anime songs that has been loved for many years.

Musashi! Bugei Legend!!Masato Shimon

[MAD] Karakuri Kengōden Musashi Lord [Musashi! Bugei Chronicle!!]

It is the opening theme of Studio Pierrot’s TV anime “Karakuri Kengō-den Musashi Lord,” sung by Masato Shimon, who has performed many anime songs.

Many people may recognize the beginning of the song, as it is used on the variety show “Kaiun! Nandemo Kanteidan.”

disMika Arisaka

Infinite Ryvius dis with lyrics

With a grounding in Black music and boasting exceptional vocal prowess, vocalist Mika Arisaka’s debut single also served as the theme song for the TV anime Infinite Ryvius.

From the intro alone—kicking off with weighty choral work—the track makes a huge impact and leaves a powerful impression as a modern classic.

The mid-song rap, too, reflects an arrangement style that captures the late ’90s, when genres like R&B and hip-hop were becoming widely listened to as part of J-pop.

The anime itself featured content that was shockingly emblematic of the very end of the ’90s era…

Odoru Pompoko RinB.B. Queens

E-girls / Odoru Ponpokorin

Everyone probably knows it.

It’s the opening theme of “Chibi Maruko-chan.” Starting with B.B.

Queens and later carried on by well-known artists like ManaKana and E-girls, it has been used for many years.

Some of you might even feel like listening to this song on Sundays!