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 anime song masterpieces and popular tracks (41–50)

We are!Hiroshi Kitadani

Hiroshi Kitadani – We Are! / THE FIRST TAKE

We Are! Kitadani Hiroshi

This is a signature song by Hiroshi Kitadani, famous as the first opening theme of the anime One Piece.

With the series growing ever more exciting—especially with the release of a new theatrical film—why not take this opportunity to revisit the song that started it all?

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Moving Anisong Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (51–60)

memoriesMaki Otsuki

ONE PIECE ED1 Memories

MakI Otsuki - Memories

It’s the song used for One Piece’s very first ending theme, and if you listen to it now, some of you might find it so nostalgic that you can’t help but cry.

One Piece is still ongoing as an incredibly popular anime, but personally, this is my favorite ending theme, and I still listen to it often.

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For Fruits BasketRitsuko Okazaki

For Fruits Basket

For Fruits Basket Okazaki Ritsuko

Used as the opening theme for Fruits Basket, this song features Ritsuko Okazaki’s gentle vocals and a calm melody that naturally puts you at ease as you listen.

Since this anime is extremely well-crafted as a romance, if you like the opening theme, you’ll surely get hooked on the series too.

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Last StardustAimer

【Aimer】「Last Stardust」(Band Cover)【Fate/Stay Night: UBW EP 20 Insert Song】

Last StardustAimer

As an insert song in Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, it brought viewers to tears when it played in the main story, enhanced by the flashback scene.

Not only Japanese fans but also overseas fans were captivated, and the related videos on YouTube are all highly rated.

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Just one feelingKOKIA

"Only One Feeling" GUNSLINGER GIRL

Only One Wish KOKIA

This is the song used for the opening of GUNSLINGER GIRL -IL TEATRINO-, for which the popular singer-songwriter KOKIA handled all the lyrics and composition.

Although the anime itself is relatively niche, the opening is often uploaded to video sites, so many people have probably heard it.

In particular, the chorus has a catchy rhythm and a melody that sticks in your head, so you might find yourself humming it before you know it—another reason this song is so popular.

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MEMORIAEir Aoi

Eir Aoi - MEMORIA

MEMORIA Eir Aoi

It’s the ending theme of Fate/Zero.

It’s a beautiful song with a clear, transparent voice.

Despite being this singer’s debut, it became a classic that made the Top 10.

It’s powerfully delivered and full of emotion—something rare in recent years.

At the same time, the singer performs any song with elegance, making it a pleasure to listen to.

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frecklesJUDY AND MARY

Freckles – JUDY AND MARY (Full)

Freckles JUDY AND MARY

It’s the first opening theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, released in 1996, and the 9th single by JUDY AND MARY.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The band reportedly wrote the song without knowing the anime’s story, and were very surprised when they learned about it after recording.

Still, it’s an amazing song that you’d never guess was made in just three days.

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