Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

This is the theme song for the animated film ‘STAND BY ME Doraemon.’ Released in 2014, it’s Motohiro Hata’s 17th single and his biggest hit.

It’s a devoted, heartfelt, and bittersweet song that perfectly suits a Doraemon movie—one that brings tears to everyone’s eyes.

Together with the WindKobayashi Sachiko

Pokémon: Together with the Wind

Created as the ending theme for Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, this piece is a moving duet by Sachiko Kobayashi and Shoko Nakagawa.

Its lyrics, which depict walking the path of life guided by the wind, give listeners courage and hope.

A remake of a song originally performed solo by Sachiko Kobayashi in 1998, it was released in June 2019 and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly anime singles chart.

Paired with the world of Pokémon, it’s a wonderful song that lingers in your heart even after watching the film.

It’s a recommended track when you need the courage to chase your dreams or to take a new step forward.

signpostChihara Minori

Minori Chihara “Michishirube” MV Full Size — Violet Evergarden Ending Theme / “Violet Evergarden” Ending Theme Michishirube

The anime ending theme sung by Minori Chihara is a heartwarming song that portrays the bond between parent and child.

It starts with piano and vocals and unfolds into a grand orchestration, leaving a strong impression.

Released in January 2018 as her 24th single, it is a tie-in track for the anime Violet Evergarden.

Chihara herself wrote the lyrics, which compellingly reflect the emotions of the characters.

Filled with feelings for loved ones and hope for the future, it’s a song that resonates with listeners.

It’s especially recommended when you’re feeling down or when you want to reflect on someone important to you.

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

This track, which also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime “Chi: About the Movement of the Earth,” marks Sakanakution’s first new song in about three years.

Released in February 2025, it has captured many hearts, topping Billboard JAPAN’s Rising Songs chart, among other achievements.

From the lyrics, you can feel a powerful will—like that of a solitary “kaiju”—to pursue the truth even if it means defying common sense.

The interplay between a pure passion to explore precisely because the world is unfinished, and the poignant helplessness that the cry may never reach anyone, tightens the listener’s chest.

For those struggling toward a big goal or trying to stay true to their convictions, this is surely a song that will become a source of strength.

Until the world becomes oneYa-Ya-yah

Until the World Becomes One (Nintama Rantarō)

Ya-Ya-yah’s song was released in May 2002 as the ending theme for the anime Nintama Rantarō.

Its lyrics, themed around friendship and peace, are memorable and carry a warm, positive message.

The phrase “Let’s keep holding hands forever” symbolizes unity and togetherness, expressing love and hope.

It’s a medium-tempo ballad characterized by a simple yet powerful sound.

The members’ youthful, clear vocals enhance the song’s refreshing and heartwarming feel.

In harmony with the anime’s worldview, it became beloved by viewers, and the use of sign language in the performance drew particular attention among fans.

Conveying messages of friendship, love, and hope, the song is a work that leaves a deep emotional impact on listeners.

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ (10 years after Ver.)Chino Ai, Tomatsu Haruka, Hayami Saori

We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day — Secret Base SP Ver. (Revised Edition)

ZONE’s classic song “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~” was covered by voice actors and used as an anime ending theme.

This work, popularly known by the abbreviation “Anohana,” became a hit even among people who don’t usually watch anime.

It’s such a popular song that it consistently ranks near the top of “tear-jerker anime song” lists, so I imagine many people still listen to it even now.

OrangeKugimiya Rie, Horie Yui, Kitamura Eri

Orange

Used as the ending theme of Toradora!, it may seem like a bright, cheerful song at first glance, but the lyrics actually portray a bittersweet love.

It’s sung by the three voice actors who play the main characters, and you can tell they put a lot of emotion into their performance because they understand the characters’ feelings so well.