RAG MusicAnime Songs
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Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks

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 anime song masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)

strollHisaishi Joe

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

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.

Genesis of AquarionAKINO

It’s the opening theme for the anime “Sousei no Aquarion,” released in 2005.

AKINO wasn’t originally slated to sing it and was supposed to handle backing vocals.

Its popularity continued not only during the broadcast but also afterward, topping download charts and karaoke rankings.

The memorable hook in the chorus was reportedly created after hearing about an episode in the series, making it an addictive song you can’t forget once you’ve heard it.

Song that Marks TimeLia

[High Quality] CLANNAD: AFTER STORY Opening 'A Song to Pass the Time' FULL with Lyrics
Song that Marks TimeLia

In the opening theme of CLANNAD ~AFTER STORY~, the lyrics that match the main story and Lia’s outstanding vocal performance make it an exceptionally well-crafted song.

It’s wonderful to listen to on its own, but if you listen to it again after watching the anime, it can move you to tears naturally.

If you feel like you haven’t cried much lately, I highly recommend listening to it along with the anime.

And yet, tomorrow will come.Suzuki Yume

It’s the ending theme of Ninku.

With its refreshing melody and uplifting lyrics, it makes you feel ready to do your best again tomorrow.

When I listen to it while I’m feeling down, it moves me so much that I end up in tears.

I also love Ms.

Suzuki’s powerful vocals.

happily ever afterNakagawa Shoko

This is a song used as an insert track in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, and it plays during one of the most iconic scenes in the series.

It’s used in such a crucial moment that it’s hard to fully feel the emotion of the song without having seen the show.

If this track interests you, definitely watch the series.

When you listen to it again after finishing, the lyrics and the story will likely move you to tears.