Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks

Galaxy Express 999Godaigo

Galaxy Express 999

This is the theme song of the feature-length animated film Galaxy Express 999.

It was released in 1979.

The song carries a message aiming for a bright future, and the chorus evokes the image of the flying train from the anime.

For its time, it was an unusual style of anime song (before pop and rock influences), and it’s a track that makes you feel like taking on a challenge with a spirit of adventure.

Unwavering WishTamura Naomi

Naomi Tamura - Unyielding Wish

It’s the opening theme of Magic Knight Rayearth.

It was Naomi Tamura’s fourth single, released in 1994, with lyrics written by Tamura herself.

A massive hit with over 1.2 million copies sold, it has been covered by artists and voice actors such as Shoko Nakagawa and Mikuni Shimokawa.

It’s an uplifting, empowering song about a protagonist who aims for the future—strong enough to withstand adversity and loneliness, yet also aware of her own weaknesses.

RIVERIshii Tatsuya

Tatsuya Ishii “RIVER” [TATSUYA ISHII CONCERT TOUR 2003 “ISHYST”]

A solo work by Tatsuya Ishii, released in 2003 as the ending theme for the third cour of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.

Its lyrics, which sing of the resolve to face hardship, align perfectly with the struggles of characters buffeted by war, leaving a profound afterglow within the world of the series.

This dramatic ballad fuses the expressive power he honed through his activities with Kome Kome Club and a unique aesthetic sensibility informed by his art background.

In the later HD Remaster version, the song was replaced due to rights issues, prompting regret from some fans.

It’s a recommended track for those confronting difficult moments in life or wishing to linger in the afterglow of a grand narrative.

A gaze is lightKitanitatsuya

A gaze is light

This is a song by Tatsuya Kitani that was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity.” Kitani himself describes the relationship between the characters as “like sunlight piercing through thick clouds,” and the song expresses that beautifully with an emotional sound.

The lyrics capture the preciousness of the moment when their gazes cross, and it’s hard not to feel your heart swell.

If you listen to it while thinking of someone important to you, it’s sure to hit you right in the feels!

Pride RevolutionCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Pride Revolution / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

This is a song that was used as an opening theme for the anime Gintama.

The lyrics feel like being powerfully supported by someone important, and I think it’s a song that gives you a push forward.

The anime and the lyrics are linked, which is really great.

The music video is a romance-themed PV characteristic of HoneyWorks, so the contrast with the anime works well too.

catch the momentLiSA

LiSA 『Catch the Moment』-Music Clip RADIO EDIT ver.-

It’s the theme song for the Sword Art Online movie.

It’s up-tempo and really pumps you up.

The lyrics tell a story and are filled with affection, so they resonate deeply.

The singer’s voice is so clear it’s impossible to imitate—and it sounds incredibly cool.

Renaselle SerenadeMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Renaselle Serenade

This is a song by Momoiro Clover Z whose moving lyrics and powerful melody resonate deeply.

It carries messages about the importance of taking on challenges and the meaning found in past experiences, gently encouraging listeners forward.

Released digitally in June 2024, it was also selected as the opening theme for the TV anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3.

Another highlight is that Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE wrote and composed the song.

It’s recommended for anyone standing at a crossroads in life who wants to keep moving forward in their own way.

Give it a listen, and you’ll surely feel hope for tomorrow welling up.