Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
From the latest anime songs to nostalgic national favorites everyone knows—opening themes, insert songs, ending themes—we present a selection of tear-jerking anime tracks, featuring classic and popular picks recommended by our editorial staff.
Some parts that were cut in the TV broadcast versions are included here—why not listen to the full-length versions from this list?
You’ll surely get chills when you discover deeper lyrics or keywords that tie directly into the anime’s scenes.
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Moving anime song masterpieces and popular tracks (71–80)
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)Honma Meiko (Kayano Ai) Anjou Naruko (Toumatsu Haruka) Tsurumi Chiriko (Hayami Saori)
It’s the ending theme of Anohana.
Like the anime itself, the lyrics are heartrending and moving.
The simple, unadorned vocals further heighten the sorrow, and it brings me to tears.
I can’t help but see my own childhood in it.
I think it’s a top-tier song in the “moving/tear-jerker” category.
NAKAMAZeddo feat. AI
A much-talked-about track born from a dream collaboration between a world-renowned producer and a powerhouse Japanese singer.
It serves as the ending theme for the anime Dragon Ball DAIMA.
Zedd’s gentle yet grand electronic sound blends beautifully with AI’s soulful vocals, resulting in a moving piece.
The lyrics, which sing of unshakable bonds with friends and hope for the future, warmly embrace the listener’s heart.
It’s the kind of song that will set your heart ablaze when you need the courage to take a step forward.
Over the StarOshitani Saki
This is a ballad whose grand sound, woven by piano and acoustic guitar, evokes the boundless cosmos.
Released as a single in June 2009, it was featured as an insert song in episode 17 of the anime Dragon Ball Kai.
It movingly sings of the courage born from thinking of someone dear and a prayer for the future.
The lyrics, imbued with a strong will to overcome fate and move forward, resonate deeply with listeners.
It will surely gently illuminate your heart as you strive toward your goals.
Moving Anime Song Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (81–90)
Life is Like a BoatRie fu
The gentle piano melody and warm acoustic guitar tones seem to softly nestle up to the listener’s heart.
This work by Rie fu is a song that richly expresses the journey of pressing forward with hope alongside someone precious, even as we face rough waves on the voyage called life.
The interplay of English and Japanese in the lyrics is truly beautiful.
Released as a single in September 2004, it captured the hearts of many fans as the very first ending theme for the anime BLEACH.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling a touch nostalgic or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
Tomorrow will come.Tōhōshinki
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad by Tohoshinki that brought a moving close to the ending of the anime ONE PIECE.
The song conveys a universal and powerful message of hope: no matter how deep the darkness, dawn will surely break.
Its beautiful harmonies, carried by a gently soothing melody, perfectly align with the series’ worldview—overcoming the bonds of friendship, the pain of parting, and pressing on.
Released as a single in March 2006, it was also included on the album Heart, Mind and Soul later that year.
It’s a heartwarming track that gives you a gentle courage to face tomorrow—perfect for nights when you feel uncertain about the future or quietly think of someone dear.
Tomorrow will come.Tōhōshinki
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad by Tohoshinki that brought a moving close to the ending of the anime ONE PIECE.
The song conveys a universal and powerful message of hope: no matter how deep the darkness, dawn will surely break.
Its beautiful harmonies, carried by a gently soothing melody, perfectly align with the series’ worldview—overcoming the bonds of friendship, the pain of parting, and pressing on.
Released as a single in March 2006, it was also included on the album Heart, Mind and Soul later that year.
It’s a heartwarming track that gives you a gentle courage to face tomorrow—perfect for nights when you feel uncertain about the future or quietly think of someone dear.
Hill of the Rainbow and the Sunpiyo piyo
It’s the ending theme of Ranma ½.
The lyrics are very beautiful, and listening to it as an adult really resonates with me.
Especially when I hear the second verse, I’m moved as it brings back the innocent feelings from my childhood.
Piyopiyo’s singing voice is very gentle and soothing.