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.

Masterpiece and popular anime songs that move you (141–150)

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

Racing through memories — My Hair is Bad

This song by My Hair is Bad starts with a soft, gentle tone and unfolds into a grand rock ballad.

It was released digitally in June 2024 and was written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Ora-tachi no Kyōryū Nikki,” which premiered in August of the same year.

The lyrics tenderly embrace precious time with family and friends, meetings and farewells, and new departures.

The track is also included on the album “ghosts,” My Hair is Bad’s sixth full-length album.

It enhances the emotional scenes of the movie and is a perfect song for looking back on memories with loved ones or finding the courage to take a new step forward.

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Beautiful WorldHikaru Utada

Utada Hikaru「Beautiful World」　Directed by Tsurumaki Kazuya

Beautiful World Utada Hikaru

This song sung by Hikaru Utada is deeply etched in people’s hearts alongside the Evangelion feature films.

Released in August 2007, it was used as the theme song for the movie Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.

With a pop sound that incorporates mid-tempo house elements, it gives voice to poignant love and a profound prayer.

Utada herself is a fan of Evangelion and reportedly crafted the track with the world of the series in mind.

The lyrics, which reflect the emotions of the anime’s characters, are sure to resonate with listeners.

It’s a moving, tear-jerking song that fills you with a bittersweet feeling.

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High High HighKasarintyu

Katarinchū “High High High”

High High High Kasarinchu

It’s the ending theme of Usagi Drop.

The lyrics, which celebrate simple, everyday happiness, match the anime’s content and are very moving.

They convey the joy of going for a walk with someone you love on a sunny day, and listening to it makes me feel warm and content too.

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Moving Anime Song Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (151–160)

Ame-no-Murakumo no Tsurugi - SKYBREAKER -Takanori Nishikawa

Takanori Nishikawa – Ama-no-Murakumo Sword -SKYBREAKER- | Official Music Video (Opening Theme for “Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels in the East 4”)

Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi - SKYBREAKER - Takanori Nishikawa

The music that colors this sweeping tale is brought back to life by Takanori Nishikawa’s vocals.

It’s a perfect fit for the world of wuxia fantasy, with powerful singing and a dynamic sound that grabs you from the start.

Released digitally in December 2024 as the opening theme for Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels in the East 4, the song also features Nishikawa as a character voice in the series, reflecting his deep connection to the work.

Expressing the grand world and the characters’ inner conflicts through music, this track is highly recommended listening before you watch the drama or film.

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Sacred Girl DomainALI PROJECT

Seishoujo Ryouiki (with lyrics)

Holy Maiden Territory ALI PROJECT

This is the opening theme of Rozen Maiden.

The singer of this song is so popular that she has devoted fans.

Arika Takarano’s voice is addictive from the very first listen, and her vocal ability is on a level that can’t be compared with other singers.

I think of her as the Sachiko Kobayashi of the anime world.

The song has a mysterious atmosphere with a steady rhythm, but the pitch is somewhat challenging, so it’s not easy to hum along.

The lyrics are fairy-tale-like.

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In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

On the Morning of Determination by Aqua Timez

It also became a hot topic as the theme song for the film Brave Story.

It’s a song by the rock band Aqua Timez.

The lyrics, which link to the story’s message of facing one’s own weakness while gradually looking forward and moving ahead, make it a moving piece to listen to.

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karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN 'Karma'

Karma by BUMP OF CHICKEN

It’s the legendary masterpiece used as the opening theme for Tales of the Abyss—one that even people unfamiliar with the anime have likely heard at least once.

The lyrics faithfully reflect the story’s content, and even those who haven’t seen the main work will be moved by their depth.

For those who do know the story, listening while recalling “that scene” may bring you to tears.

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