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!
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- 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
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- [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 (21–30)
Someone at any timeShang Shang Typhoon
When it comes to the ending theme of the animated film Pom Poko, it’s “Itsudemo Dareka ga” by Shang Shang Typhoon.
Released in 1993, this song celebrates the importance of bonds between people.
It features a distinctive sound that incorporates traditional Asian music and a friendly, catchy melody.
It resonates with listeners, offering courage and hope.
It’s a great pick to sing together at karaoke with people of the same generation.
The Strongest, Number One, All-OutFEEL SO BAD
Hell Teacher Nūbē is an anime about Meisuke Nueno, a teacher with an Oni Hand, who exorcises yokai.
The theme song “BARIBARI Saikyō No.1” was performed by FEEL SO BAD.
Its highest position on the Oricon weekly chart was 35th.
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s: Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)
Smile BombMasako Mawatari
This is the opening theme of Yu Yu Hakusho, which began airing in 1992.
It was released in 1992 as the second single by Masako Mawata, a singer from Miyazaki Prefecture.
There are many cover versions as well, so some of you may know it from those.
Until the world ends...WANDS
This is WANDS’ eighth single, which was used as the second ending theme for the 1994 TV anime Slam Dunk.
It played alongside Mitsui Hisashi’s comeback arc, topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks, and became a million seller.
Show Uesugi’s impassioned vocals and Tetsurō Oda’s masterful composition lyrically portray the sense of loss after heartbreak and the turbulence of shifting emotions, building gradually from the first verse and bursting open in the chorus—thrilling whether you sing it or listen to it.
Also included on the album PIECE OF MY SOUL, it remains an immortal classic loved across generations, continually covered by the reactivated fifth-generation WANDS since 2019 and by Show Uesugi himself.
A Maiden’s PolicyYoko Ishida
Sailor Moon is a globally beloved series.
This is the ending theme of its second installment, Sailor Moon R.
The singer is Yoko Ishida from Niigata Prefecture.
It was released in 1993 as her debut single.
Back when it aired, there must have been many female fans glued to their TVs.
I stopped being alone.Akiko Yano
It’s a warm pop song whose beautiful piano melody resonates in the heart.
Released by Akiko Yano in August 1999, it was used as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbors the Yamadas.” The song carries a message of overcoming loneliness and cherishing connections with others.
Yano’s gentle voice and the sound of the piano envelop the listener.
Give it a listen when you want to recall the warmth of time spent with family and friends.
Dream ShiftSILK
It is the opening theme of Absolutely Invincible Raijin-Oh, the first entry in Sunrise’s Eldran series and a work that still enjoys enduring popularity.
It is sung by Kinuko Omori under the name SILK.
The lyrics were written by Hitoshi Shinohara, a member of the folk band Zero Zahyo, and the music was composed by Kazuya Izumi.