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.
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Moving Anisong Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (51–60)
Melody of the HeartShirahamasaka Koukou Gasshou-bu

An in-story song from TARI TARI.
The fact that it was composed by the protagonist’s late mother is moving enough to bring tears.
With its beautiful melody and lyrics, I find it incredibly soothing.
It’s a piece I’d love to try singing in a choir.
I recommend it when you want to feel refreshed.
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.
cloudy skyDOES

This is the opening theme for Season 5 of the anime Gintama.
Released by DOES in 2008, it reached a personal best of No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics were written by the band’s Ujihara, and it was ranked No.
1 in a 2011 list of the anime’s greatest songs.
It’s a fan-favorite track among anime viewers, and its answer song, “Seiten,” is included on the album INNOCENCE.
Overall, it’s a cool track that really amplifies the vibe of the show.
silhouetteKANA-BOON

It was the 16th opening theme of the anime Naruto Shippuden and KANA-BOON’s fifth major-label single, released in 2014.
It was also the band’s first tie-in song.
The lyrics, which connect with the anime’s story, carry an uplifting message about turning painful pasts and experiences into strength and moving forward toward a new future, sung over a brisk, catchy melody.
It is one of the most popular songs among the series’ themes.
Moving/anime-inspiring theme song masterpieces and popular songs (61–70)
Just one feelingKOKIA

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.
Captured in a shimmering momentMANISH

It’s the ending theme song for season 3 of the anime “SLAM DUNK.” Released in 1995, it was MANISH’s 10th single and became their biggest hit.
Many people probably got to know MANISH through this song.
It’s an uplifting message song about living earnestly in the present rather than dwelling on setbacks or regrets.
For YouSuara

The song that played during the ending of the final episode of the anime Utawarerumono is more than enough to bring the story to a powerful close.
Thanks to Suara’s outstanding vocals and the dramatic melody, anyone watching the anime is sure to be moved to tears.


