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 (51–60)
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
This is the opening theme for episodes 1–38 of Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, which aired from January 10, 1996 to September 8, 1998.
Many people think of this song when they think of the rock band JUDY AND MARY.
It was a million-selling hit and is one of the most beloved songs in the Japanese music scene of the 1990s.
Invisible Power ~INVISIBLE ONE~B’z
This is the ending theme of Hell Teacher Nūbē, which aired from April 13, 1996 to June 21, 1997.
It was released in 1996 as the 19th single by B’z, one of Japan’s leading rock duos.
The grand sound and world-building are truly impressive.
PlatinumSakamoto Maaya
Despite being released in the ’90s, the anime Cardcaptor Sakura continues to grow in popularity and enjoys immense support.
This is its opening theme—a song that further heightens the story of Sakura-chan as she gathers powerful cards and battles foes with magic.
Listening to it again after a while brings back a fun feeling, as if the richly unique characters are starting to move once more.
Rondo – revolutionOkui Masami
Broadcast in 1997, the TV anime Revolutionary Girl Utena gained popularity across a wide audience thanks to its experimental direction and a storyline that transcended the boundaries of shoujo manga.
Its opening theme, Rondo – revolution, was released as Masami Okui’s 10th single.
She has worked on many other anime songs as well, and in 2003 she joined JAM Project, a hugely popular group of anison singers.
Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s: Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (61–70)
Hurry, hero!!Dan Jirō
This is the theme song from when the manga DRAGON QUEST: The Adventure of Dai—an original story based on the Dragon Quest series—was adapted into an anime.
It is sung by actor Jiro Dan, with composition by Koichi Sugiyama, well known for his work on the Dragon Quest series.
For my beloved personSatō Akemi
This is the opening theme of the TV anime adaptation of Fushigi Yugi, which ran as a shoujo manga in the ’90s and enjoyed great popularity.
Akemi Satou, who performed the vocals, also sang the opening theme for the OVA version of Fushigi Yugi, so I imagine many people associate her voice closely with the series.
The oriental sound, the lyrics incorporating Chinese, and the wistful melody of the chorus fit the world of the work perfectly—it’s fantastic.
Another highlight is the sudden exchange of guitar and saxophone solos that appears right after the first verse.
JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY
THE YELLOW MONKEY is a band that steadfastly upholds its own aesthetic, grounded in glam rock.
Released in February 1996, this song is a heavy rock ballad whose piercing, earnest message resonated widely.
It portrays a sharp gaze toward society and a thirst for life—touching on everyday loneliness and the unease felt toward overseas news coverage.
It was used as the ending theme for NHK’s music program “Pop Jam,” and its coupling track became the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.
When you want to feel the human vulnerability and quiet prayer that lie behind the dazzling sound, this is a track well worth listening to.