Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s)
Anime, a cultural treasure Japan has long been proud of and beloved for many years.
It’s not unusual for massive hits to emerge every year, and sometimes we see booms that come to symbolize an era.
Perhaps some of you even started something new because you were inspired by anime.
In this article, we’re highlighting classic anime that people in their 30s will likely find nostalgic!
Our focus spans the 1990s, with picks from the late ’80s through the mid-2000s.
Some of these titles are available on YouTube, so take your time and enjoy watching them.
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- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- For men in their 30s: Nostalgic music. Recommended popular songs
- Recommended popular anime from the 2000s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
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- Calling all 20-somethings! A roundup of nostalgic anime from the 2000s to the 2010s
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (1990s-based) (1–10)
ONE PIECE
Speaking of One Piece, it’s famous as a masterpiece that Japan’s comic culture can proudly present to the world.
It’s such a hugely popular series that there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of it.
I feel nostalgic for those days when, as soon as the anime aired, I would sit glued to the TV and practically forget to breathe until the words “TO BE CONTINUED” appeared on the screen.
And of course, the first opening theme, “We Are!,” is an indispensable song for that grand adventure.
I bet many people can still sing it even without looking at the lyrics.
The Prince of Tennis
You’ll want to imitate everything—the techniques, the moves, even the characters’ catchphrases! This hugely popular series, originally a manga, has been adapted not only into an anime but also into musicals, novels, and even a live-action drama overseas: The Prince of Tennis.
The story centers on Ryoma Echizen, who enrolls at Seishun Academy Middle School, a prestigious tennis powerhouse.
Its appeal lies in the well-rounded cast of characters and their exhilarating exchanges of dynamic techniques.
The original TV anime aired from 2001 to 2005, and sequels have been released intermittently since then.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, this work has continued to be loved by people of all ages since it began airing in 1990, to the point that it can be called a national anime.
Through the perspective of the protagonist, Maruko, nostalgic Showa-era scenery and the small happenings common in childhood are depicted with humor.
A key point is that the main character reflects the author, Momoko Sakura, and together with her distinctive friends, the everyday lives of children at the time are conveyed with a comedic yet realistic touch.
It’s a series that reminds us of the important things in daily life—family bonds, friendships, and the small joys of everyday moments.
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (based on the 1990s) (11–20)
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a battle-fantasy anime that began airing in 1992.
The live-action adaptation by Netflix and its collaborations with mobile games are still fresh in our memories.
The story follows the protagonist, a boy named Yusuke Urameshi, who takes on various missions in order to come back to life.
With numerous related works across many forms of media, it’s also fun to enjoy it alongside other content.
By the way, the anime includes episodes that differ from the original manga.
Cardcaptor Sakura
The 90s were full of classic anime, but for many women, Cardcaptor Sakura probably left an especially strong impression! From the main character Sakura to Tomoyo and Syaoran, plenty of people were captivated by the unique classmates and characters.
And when you think back on Cardcaptor Sakura, the song that naturally starts playing in your head is Catch You Catch Me.
It’s a timeless track that brings back the excitement of watching Sakura and her friends’ adventures in front of the TV.
Digimon Adventure
The anime Digimon Adventure, which aired in 1999, is a story about children who get lost in another world and embark on an adventure.
Their encounters with Digimon in the Digital World, and the way each of them grows and deepens their bonds throughout their journey, resonated with viewers.
The unique personalities and action of the Digimon are part of the appeal, and the emotion and intensity come through especially strongly in the evolution scenes.
The children each struggle with their own issues, and many viewers likely related to watching them move forward while grappling with their worries.
Pocket Monsters
It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.
The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.
The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.
With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.