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

I’m a popular kid.nohara shin nosuke (yajima akiko)

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.

Passage of Early SpringTanaka Yoko

Yoko Tanaka / Passage of Early Spring (PV)

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.

Absolutely no oneZYYG

ZYYG “Zettai ni Daremo” ~30th Anniversary ver~

Many of you may remember it as the theme song for the anime SLAM DUNK, right? Released in 1995 by the Being-affiliated rock band ZYYG, this track marked the beginning of the anime’s second season.

Takayama Seiki’s powerful vocals and the heavy guitar riffs create a tough, hard-edged sound that really electrifies you.

The lyrics strikingly mirror Hanamichi Sakuragi’s stoic resolve after losing to Kainan and vowing to rise again.

When you feel like you’re about to be knocked down by something, listen to this song—it will fire you up with the message that “no one can take your place.” It might just help you find the resolve to face tomorrow.

disarisaka mika

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…

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Musashi! Bugei Legend!!Shimon Masato

[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.”

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ | Official Music Video

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.M.Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Odoru Pompoko RinB.B. Kuīnzu

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!