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.
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- [Anime Songs] Anime tracks recommended for men in their 30s to sing at karaoke
- Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- 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
- A roundup of songs for men in their 30s to sing [’90s–’00s tracks]
- 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 (based on the 1990s) (11–20)
Hell Teacher Nūbē
The anime Hell Teacher Nūbē is a horror-comedy set in an elementary school that aired in 1996.
The protagonist, Meisuke Nueno, is a clumsy, easygoing teacher on the surface, but in reality he’s the most powerful psychic, endowed with the power of an oni.
He exorcises the yokai and evil spirits that attack his students using the “Oni Hand” in his left arm.
It’s compelling to see the distinctive characters deepen their bonds through the troubles caused by these yokai and spirits.
The depictions that convey the terror of the supernatural, combined with moments of humor and tears, create a dynamic rhythm in the story that captivated viewers’ hearts.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Premiering in 1995, the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion tells the story of boys and girls who pilot giant humanoid weapons called Evangelions to fight mysterious enemies known as Angels.
Far from being just a sci-fi robot anime, it delves deeply into psychological portrayals and philosophical themes, sparking a social phenomenon that extended beyond anime fans of the time.
Its stylish visuals, shocking storyline, and distinctive characters have combined to earn it enduring popularity.
In addition to the TV series, its extensive media expansion—including theatrical films and a manga adaptation—is also part of its appeal.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
The 1998 anime often considered the origin of the series, Yu-Gi-Oh!, is a work whose appeal lies in its horror-tinged atmosphere from the early manga and its thrilling developments.
After the protagonist, Yugi Mutou, solves the ancient Egyptian Millennium Puzzle, a second persona emerges, who judges evil through Shadow Games and resolves incidents.
Not only Yugi’s friends but also the villains are strikingly unique, and their relationships further heighten the drama.
The in-story card game, Magic and Wizards, became the basis for Duel Monsters, which then expanded and led to everything that followed—making this a work that can truly be called the beginning of a legend.
Hell Teacher Nūbē
Hell Teacher Nūbē is a yokai battle anime that began airing in 1996.
It follows a one-episode, self-contained format where Meisuke Nueno, a teacher with the “Oni Hand” capable of defeating yokai, protects his students.
The show balances its somewhat intense scenes with comedic elements.
Another appeal is that some episodes are real tearjerkers.
Incidentally, a spin-off manga has been running since 2007.
You could watch the anime to refresh the story and then enjoy the spin-off afterward.
Magical Taluluto (Magical Taruruuto-kun)
An anime based on a manga by Tatsuya Egawa, it was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and began airing in 1990.
It’s a gag-style work depicting the slapstick daily life of Honmaru Edojou and the wizard Taruruto.
The cute appearance of Taruruto and the various magical items with different effects drew attention.
Due to Honmaru Edojou’s personality and other factors, the show also incorporated a lot of risqué humor and featured many black jokes, which is why it’s often spoken of as a legendary anime that can’t be rebroadcast.
Ojarumaru
As an anime featuring cute characters, I also recommend Ojarumaru.
The story follows Ojarumaru, the son of a noble who comes from the fairy world, and his friendship with a young boy.
It currently airs on NHK five times a week.
By the way, two of those are reruns, so it’s easy for new viewers to follow the story.
However, since the show has been airing since 1998, it might be hard to catch the specific episodes you want.
In that case, try using the subscription service Hulu.
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic Anime Memories (1990s-based) (21–30)
Powerpuff Girl
@_ruunasmile_ Powerpuff Girls Purchase Haul ⭐️Small PlanetThe Powerpuff GirlsPurchased items introductionProduct introduction
♬ Cute heartwarming children pet sports day – SOUND BANK
One of the icons that symbolize animation culture of the Heisei era is the American-born animated series The Powerpuff Girls.
Its cute character design and pop color palette are quintessential Heisei-retro design.
The appeal of The Powerpuff Girls starts with the “clarity of the visuals”: large eyes, simple outlines, and vivid red, green, and blue tricolor.
Though they look like little girls, they’re strong enough to defeat villains—a contrast that captivated viewers at the time.
Simple and pop, yet powerful—this design is why it continues to shine with fresh appeal.