Lovely anime song

Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Many of you probably still remember the theme songs from the anime you watched as children, even after becoming adults, right?

Even if you haven’t listened to them for decades, there are plenty of songs you can still hum along to today.

In this article, we’ll introduce a collection of nostalgic anime songs especially for those in their 50s!

We’ve gathered anime theme songs from the 1970s to the 1980s, so please take a look, and if you find something nostalgic, take your time and give it a good listen!

Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime tracks (21–30)

Daichan Counting SongYoshimi Yoshida

Country Bumpkin Champion

Daichan Counting Song Yoshida Yoshimi

The theme song of the anime Inakappe Taishō, based on the original work by Noboru Kawasaki and produced by Tatsunoko Production.

It features the vocals of enka singer Yoshimi Tendo, recorded before her professional debut.

With its ondo-style sound and Tendo’s youthful, fresh voice, it’s a delightful classic.

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Please tell me.Kayoko Iju, Nelly Schwarz

HD Heidi, Girl of the Alps OP

Tell me, Kayoko Iju and Nelly Schwarz

The theme song of Heidi, Girl of the Alps, an anime adaptation of Johanna Spyri’s novel that aired in 1974.

The alphorn and yodeling create a majestic atmosphere.

The beautifully clear lead vocals are by singer Kayoko Ishū, known for the soprano scat in the Nescafé commercials.

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Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s: Classic and popular anime tracks (31–40)

Ojamanga Yamada-kunKoorogi ’73

Ojaman-ga Yamada-kun Opening (OP)

Ojamanga Yamada-kun Koorogi '73

The theme song of the anime Ojamanga Yamada-kun, based on Hisaiichi Ishii’s work and broadcast from 1980 to 1982.

Its warm, easygoing lyrics and melody are by Masayuki Yamamoto, known for writing and composing the theme songs for the Time Bokan series.

The down-to-earth vocals by the chorus group Korogi ’73 are pleasing to the ear.

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Cutie HoneyYoko Maekawa

Cutie Honey / Yoko Maekawa

Cutie Honey Yoko Maekawa

Cutie Honey is a popular series that frequently makes headlines, whether through remakes or live-action film releases.

And when it comes to its theme song, this is the one everyone thinks of.

It’s the track used since the original TV series that aired starting in 1973, sung by Yoko Maekawa, one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of anime song vocalists.

I bet many people can sing it without looking at the lyrics.

That’s how widely known this classic anime song is across generations.

Incidentally, it’s also very popular as a cheer song for high school baseball.

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Obake no Q-TaroJunko Hori / New Royal

Obake no Q-Taro - 1971 Edition (Drum Intro Version) / Junko Hori & New Royal

Obake no Q-Taro Ayako Hori / New Royal

The theme song of New Obake no Q-Taro, which aired on the Nippon TV network from 1971 to 1972.

It features a funky sound, with composition and arrangement by Naosumi Yamamoto.

The lead vocals were performed by Ayako Hori herself, who played Q-Taro, and its standout charm lies in her delightfully bubbly delivery.

It’s a classic that has been covered many times since.

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Babel IIIchiro Mizuki

[Official] Babel II Episode 1: "The Messenger from Five Thousand Years Ago" <1970s Anime>

Babel II Mizuki Ichirō

A powerful, valiant hero song of justice! This work depicts a young psychic boy living in the desert’s Tower of Babel and his three servants as they fight to protect peace on Earth.

Sung with heartfelt passion by Ichiro Mizuki and the Columbia Yurikago-kai as the opening theme for the television anime of the same name, which aired from January to September 1973.

The striking lyrics by the pen name “Toei Ni” pair perfectly with Shunsuke Kikuchi’s exhilarating, fast-paced melody.

Proclaiming hope for the future and the bonds of comrades, this piece continues to be loved as a fiery cheer song that resonates with both children and adults.

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Sorrowful WarriorDaisuke Inoue

Sorrowful Warrior

Sorrowful Warrior Inoue Daisuke

Daisuke Inoue, a musician who also thrived as the lead vocalist of Jackie Yoshikawa and The Blue Comets, sadly passed away in 2000.

“Ai Senshi,” chosen as the theme song for the animated film Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, is memorable for its opening, which begins with a soulful vocal over a sprightly piano.

For those familiar with the film, just hearing it is enough to make your heart swell.

While its melody is challenging to sing at karaoke, it’s an undeniable upper tune that’s sure to hype up the crowd if you can pull it off.

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