Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
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!
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- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- [Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks
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- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- [Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (1–10)
Wild FlowersRAMAR
Released in 1999, this is rock band RAMAR’s fourth single and the theme song for the MBS/TBS anime “Zoids.” Its light, refreshing acoustic-guitar backing and energizing melody make it a pleasure to listen to.
The band itself originally came from the visual kei scene and was discovered by X JAPAN’s YOSHIKI, releasing their debut album on Extasy Records.
Back then, many visual kei bands followed a similar path…
It’s like I’ve gone back to being a girl.ZARD
A ZARD classic that deeply resonates in the heart, along with memories of the ’90s.
Released in September 1998, it was also used as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: The Fourteenth Target.
Izumi Sakai’s clear, translucent voice beautifully conveys a sense of wistful emotion.
Many listeners likely related to the lyrics that look back on one’s past self while quietly holding feelings for someone precious.
Filled with the pain of heartbreak and the nostalgia of youth, this work offers a different kind of richness when listened to now as an adult.
Goodbye, civilizationbakufū suranpu
Released in 1992, this single by Bakufu Slump was used as the theme song for the TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai.” Sunplaza Nakano’s lyrics make a powerful impact.
It’s no surprise they were once called one of Sony’s “big three novelty bands” in the ’80s.
Many people will likely feel a wave of nostalgia when they hear the chorus melody.
By the way, the coupling track “Namida 3” was also used as the ending theme for the same anime.
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular songs (11–20)
Fly, fly, big sisterNohara Shinnosuke (CV: Yajima Akiko) Akushon Kamen (CV: Genda Tesshou)
The voices of Shinnosuke Nohara and Action Kamen ring out powerfully! Released in April 1998, this song was used as the opening theme for the anime Crayon Shin-chan.
Its bright, rhythmic tune pairs perfectly with Shinnosuke’s distinctive singing style and Action Kamen’s heroically resonant vocals.
Incidentally, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Blitzkrieg! Pig’s Hoof’s Secret Mission.
Mystery of SoundTsuburaya Yūko
A song by Yuko Tsuburaya produced by Tetsuya Komuro, released in December 1996.
It was the theme song for the theatrical anime The Kindaichi Case Files.
Characterized by an electronic dance beat, it gradually builds up and gets you excited as you listen.
The lyrics convey a desire to keep believing in someone important, giving it a bittersweet feel.
It might even make you want to say that famous line!
Rival!Matsumoto Rika
Featuring Rica Matsumoto’s powerful vocals, this work is a popular opening theme from the Pokémon (Pocket Monsters) series.
It was released in March 1999.
Its defining feature is a fiery sound that feels like it channels the heat of battle directly into the music.
It has been used in various contexts, including anime films.
On the Oricon charts, it ranked for 10 weeks, peaking at No.
13.
With lyrics themed around friendship and growth, it brilliantly conveys the feelings of Pokémon Trainers.
A must-listen if you want to enjoy a nostalgic ’90s anime song!
Elbow jabs flying in all directionsNinjāzu
“Shihō Happō Hiji Teppō” stands out for its lively rhythm and playful lyrics.
Since 1995, it has been used as the ending theme for season 3 of Nintama Rantarō and has been beloved by anime fans for many years.
Capturing the show’s fun atmosphere, it portrays a world where ninja skills and the tension of combat coexist with a sense of humor and playfulness.
Listening to it makes you want to sing along.
It’s a song enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults.