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 (1–10)

Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi

Give me an unbalanced kiss

Give Me an Unbalanced Kiss - Hiro Takahashi

This masterpiece expresses a bittersweet yearning for love through delicate imagery—like a crying figure reflected in a cracked mirror and fingers tracing the moon.

Chosen as the ending theme for the beloved classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, it became a cross-generational favorite, thanks in part to Hiro Takahashi’s clear, translucent vocals.

Since its release in December 1993, it has been included on the albums WELCOME TO POPSICLE CHANNEL and Hiro Takahashi Best Collection, selling around 300,000 copies.

Its sweetly aching, love-like melody and arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1970s kayōkyoku create a gentle mood reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.

Savor this heartwarming song—one to treasure as a cherished memory.

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single bedSharam Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

Single Bed Sharam Q

“Single Bed” is Sharam Q’s sixth single, released in October 1994.

Although it initially peaked at No.

9 on the Oricon chart, it became a long-running hit and sold over a million copies.

It may be a bit surprising, but this song was used as the ending theme for the anime “D.N.A.

— Doko ka de Nakushita Aitsu no Aitsu —” at the time.

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Mystical, Mysterious Adventure!Hiroki Takahashi

(In Memory of Akira Toriyama) Dragon Ball “Makafushigi Adventure!”

Mysterious Adventure! Hiroki Takahashi

Despite being one of the earliest opening themes of the anime Dragon Ball, this number is the one many people instantly associate with the series.

With its bright, catchy melody that perfectly matches the adventure about to begin, it surely amped up the excitement of the generation that used to watch the show eagerly in front of their TVs.

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Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 40s: From Nostalgic Classics to the Newest Hits (11–20)

Moonlight LegendDALI

DALI – Moonlight Densetsu (Moonlight Legend) Sailor Moon

Moonlight Densetsu DALI

The anime of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, which can be called a landmark of the transforming-heroine genre, began airing in 1992, and its opening theme is Moonlight Densetsu sung by DALI.

It has also been covered by various musicians.

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Until the World Ends…WANDS

WANDS “Until the World Ends… [WANDS 5th Generation ver.]” MV

Until the World Ends… WANDS

Released in 1994.

Set to a pleasant mid-tempo backing track, this supreme love song sings of a heartbreakingly tender love.

Many of you may know it, or have at least heard it once, as the opening theme song for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

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I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro

I'm only gazing at you.

Staring only at you – Maki Ohguro

The moving 1993 hit “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru” is a classic that deeply resonates with people in their 30s who remember that era.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK, the song continues to be loved by many fans today.

Maki Ohguro’s passionate vocals and lyrics that vividly express a woman in love deliver an undying sense of emotion.

The way she portrays romance is sprinkled with the trends and culture of the time, conveying the spirit of the ’90s to the present.

Why not listen again and relive those unforgettable, fiery feelings?

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A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi

A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Full)

A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Yoko Takahashi

Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime that sparked a social phenomenon and remains highly popular today.

Its theme song, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, sung by Yoko Takahashi, peaked at No.

27 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.

I’m sure many of you often sing it at karaoke.

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