Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks

peace signYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, who is active as a singer-songwriter.

It became a hot topic when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia.

The song carries a message about facing forward and confronting challenges head-on, even while wrestling with doubts in your heart.

strollHisaishi Joe

My Neighbor Totoro – Hey let’s go (Ghibli 25th year Budokan concert)

Azumi Inoue’s “Sanpo,” the signature song from Studio Ghibli’s emblematic film My Neighbor Totoro, is performed here with orchestra and chorus.

The footage is from “Joe Hisaishi in Budokan: 25 Years with the Animations of Hayao Miyazaki,” featuring numerous Ghibli masterpieces arranged and conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself.

The live texture of the orchestra is truly wonderful.

This piece was previously arranged for “Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro,” which includes a narrated performance—highly recommended as well.

Like an instrument introduction, it features sections where only the woodwinds or only the brass play, as well as sections for strings and percussion, plus solo passages, making it an arrangement that showcases the orchestra’s appeal.

It’s also recommended as an introductory piece for those new to orchestral music.

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Diamond CrevasseMay’n

Diamond Crevasse

Used as the ending theme and an insert song in Macross Frontier, this track is characterized by May’n’s powerful vocals and its heartrending lyrics.

The words, which describe parting from a loved one and a firm resolve, can make you feel very positive when you listen to it during times of heartbreak or when you’re feeling down.

KanadeAmamiya Sora

“Kanade” Kaori Fujimiya (CV: Sora Amamiya) Music Video Short Ver.

It’s the song used as the ending theme for One Week Friends.

It was originally sung by Sukima Switch, but voice actress Sora Amamiya covered it for this anime.

Her wistful vocals and the nuanced sense of distance between two people who care for each other are beautifully expressed, and watching the main story makes it even more moving.

My greatest treasureLiSA

My Most Precious Treasure ~Yui final ver.~

It was used as an insert song in Angel Beats! during a moving scene where a disappearing female character is confessed to.

There are two versions of this song with different lyrics, and both successfully express the characters’ emotions, making it a very touching piece.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – If Wrapped in Kindness (THE LAST WEDNESDAY TOUR 2006 ~HERE COMES THE WAVE~)

This is the theme song from Kiki’s Delivery Service, one of the most popular Studio Ghibli films by Hayao Miyazaki.

The sight of the young heroine working so earnestly likely moved many viewers deeply.

Just listening to it brings the film back to mind and stirs the emotions.

ConnectClariS

Connect / ClariS (Cover)

It’s a popular song as the opening theme for Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and because the lyrics are deeply connected to the story of the anime, it’s especially moving for those who know the main plot.

The lyrics skillfully express the feelings of the other protagonist, depicting a resolve to keep moving forward without giving up, even in the midst of despair.