Lovely anime song

Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.

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.

Moving/Touching Anime Song Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (111–120)

Galaxy Express 999Godiego

Galaxy Express 999

Galaxy Express 999 Godiego

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.

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Unwavering WishNaomi Tamura

Naomi Tamura - Unyielding Wish

Unyielding Wish by Naomi Tamura

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.

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RIVERTatsuya Ishii

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

RIVER Tatsuya Ishii

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.

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Peerless BlossomAina the End

AiNA THE END – Hana Musou [Official Music Video]

Hana Musou Aina the End

A soul-stirring, epic ballad.

Written as the theme song for the film Mononoke the Movie: Chapter Two – Fire Rat, set for release on March 14, 2025, this piece beautifully blends gentle piano melodies with a stunning string arrangement.

Aina the End masterfully conveys the emotions born in the space between love and loss.

It’s a song to listen to on nights spent deep in thought, with someone dear in your mind.

Especially when your heart is wavering, this song will be there to stay close to you.

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secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)Meiko Honma (Ai Kayano), Naruko Anjou (Haruka Tomatsu), Chiriko Tsurumi (Saori Hayami)

[THsub] Secret Base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.) Meiko Honma (Ai Kayano), Naruko Anjou (Haruka Tomatsu), Chiriko Tsurumi (Saori Hayami)

Watch “secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.) Meiko Honma (Ai Kayano), Naruko Anjou (Haruka Tomatsu), and Chiriko Tsurumi (Saori Hayami)” on YouTube.

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.

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catch the momentLiSA

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

catch the momentLiSA

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.

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Because you are hereMiho Komatsu

Detective Conan OP - Because You’re Here - Miho Komatsu - Detective Conan OP

Miho Komatsu - Because You’re Here

It’s the theme from the Detective Conan movie.

The relaxed tempo matches Ms.

Komatsu’s gentle, beautiful singing voice, and it’s moving.

The lyrics and melody feel very Conan-like, and I love it.

I love it so much that I sometimes watch the movie just to hear this song.

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