Lovely anime song

Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.

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.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The music we loved as kids somehow sticks with us even after we grow up, doesn’t it?

In an unexpected moment, a song can start playing in your mind along with scenes from back then.

It brings on an indescribable feeling of nostalgia.

In this article, we’ve put together anime songs that people in their 40s will definitely want to check out.

Whether you were glued to the TV watching anime as a child, or you’re just getting into anime now, this is for you.

You might even find yourself time-traveling back to your childhood.

Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits (61–70)

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

I want to shout that I love you BAAD

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

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Burning HeroHiroyuki Okita

TV anime “Captain Tsubasa” non-credit ending sequence

Moete Hero Okita Hiroyuki

A towering landmark of anime songs that sings of dreams and passion over samba rhythms and a catchy melody! This masterpiece briskly and humorously portrays the presence, skill, and influence of an ace player.

Hiroyuki Okita’s refreshing vocals brilliantly capture the allure of soccer and the throbbing energy of youth.

Released in 1983 as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime Captain Tsubasa, it became a classic that helped spark the soccer boom.

In 2018, it was remade by Ryuhei Maruyama of Kanjani Eight.

It’s a song that powerfully pushes the backs of everyone striving toward their dreams—not just soccer fans—and one we highly recommend you listen to.

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God knows…Haruhi Suzumiya (Aya Hirano)

God knows… “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” [Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu] Kadokawa-licensed MAD [Bass Performance]

God knows… Haruhi Suzumiya (Aya Hirano)

Even people who aren’t into anime have probably heard the name The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya at least once.

This is a song performed within the show.

It features a powerful band sound—especially the guitar, which is incredibly cool.

Transcending the label of an anime song, it’s loved by many for the appeal of the track itself.

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We are!Hiroshi Kitadani

We Are! HIKAKIN & SEIKIN – One Piece anime theme song / “ONE PIECE MUUUSIC COVER ALBUM”

We Are! Kitadani Hiroshi

Speaking of One Piece, it’s famous as a masterpiece that Japan’s comic culture can proudly present to the world.

It’s such a hugely popular series that there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of it.

I feel nostalgic for those days when, as soon as the anime aired, I would sit glued to the TV and practically forget to breathe until the words “TO BE CONTINUED” appeared on the screen.

And of course, the first opening theme, “We Are!,” is an indispensable song for that grand adventure.

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

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I'm Doraemon.Nobuyo Ōyama

Japanese program – Imitating Doraemon | Eiko Tawaraya’s “Doraemon” impersonation, Nobuyo Ōyama, and the real person appears! [Thai subtitles]

I'm Doraemon, Nobuyo Ōyama.

I really love this song.

It brings out the most Doraemon-like atmosphere, and I’d love to hear it played again.

The gentle, heartwarming lyrics are absolutely wonderful.

Since it was written by Fujiko Fujio-sensei, I think it’s a song filled with tremendous affection.

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CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAHironobu Kageyama

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA (2005 ver.)

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA Hironobu Kageyama

Once the intro starts playing, your excitement shoots through the roof—what a classic, “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA.” All the Dragon Ball tracks are amazing, but this one is absolutely essential.

The lyrics and vocals are so thrilling you can’t help but think, “Now this is an anime song!” For those of that generation, it’s an irresistible tune.

And now that we’re adults, this song can still give us a real boost of energy!

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HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ | Official Music Video

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ T.M.Revolution

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.M.Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

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