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

Unwavering WishTamura Naomi

Naomi Tamura “Unyielding Wish” feat. Akio Dobashi × Shunsuke Ishikawa × Koji Hasegawa × Yoshio Nomura

Resounding with a sound that embodies an unyielding will to push forward without giving up on dreams and goals, it stirs the listener’s heart with fiery emotion.

Woven by Naomi Tamura, this rock-tinged, youth-infused piece carries a message of courage to overcome hardships time and again.

Released in November 1994, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth and was also included on the album N’ and the acclaimed GOLDEN☆BEST.

Mirroring the protagonist’s doubts and inner conflicts as well as their determined, forward-looking stance, it achieved remarkable synergy.

It’s the perfect song to gently nudge you from behind when you want to move forward but can’t quite take that first step.

Venus Say…Buzy

Venus Say...

It’s a song that conjures up a scene where a goddess gently beckons a young person who yearns for space—teasing them at times, yet kindly leading the way.

Performed by Buzy, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Twin Spica.

Included on the single Kujira, released in March 2004, the track reached No.

29 on the Oricon chart.

Its expansive vocals and up-tempo sound are sure to set listeners’ hearts racing with excitement.

It’s the perfect number for when you need a boost of energy!

Cherry blossoms bloom: future, love, dreamyozuka*

yozuca* “Sakura Saku Mirai Koi Yume” | D.C. ~Da Capo~ | Opening

Like cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze, this heart-fluttering number hints at the start of a sweet-and-sour romance.

Yozuca*’s crystal-clear vocals intertwine with a wistful yet forward-looking melody to make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

The pop sound feels as if it captures a sparkling moment of youth.

Released as Yozuca*’s second single in July 2003, this track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime D.C.

~Da Capo~.

It might just make you want to listen—and rewatch—again.

Clear skies, hallelujahOkui Aki

Harete Hallelujah

Released in 1995 as the opening theme for the anime Magical Circle Guru-Guru, Aki Okui’s “Harete Hareluya” is truly a page of youth for those in their thirties.

Written and composed by Okui herself, the song’s lyrics brim with love and hope and resonate deeply.

Thinking back to those days, I remember dashing to the TV the moment I got home from school.

This track, which gave us the energy to live, feels fresh in any era, its exhilarating melody shining across time.

Its enduring appeal across generations may well lie in that uniquely positive spirit.

Love me gentlyOta Takako

Takako Ohta - Delicately In Love (Creamy Mami OP) Delicate ni Sukishite

It’s widely known as a classic that represents 1980s idol pop.

It’s also famous as the theme song for the anime “Magical Angel Creamy Mami,” and I think it’s a track that has stayed in many people’s hearts.

Takako Ohta’s delicate yet powerful vocals are striking, brilliantly conveying the feelings of a girl in love.

Released on December 24, 2008, this work generated significant buzz, especially among anime fans of the time.

Since the lyrics depict the subtle emotions of a woman, it’s recommended for those who feel nostalgic about their youth.

Blue waterMorikawa Miho

Blue Water (21st century ver.)

This is a masterpiece whose crystal-clear, refreshing melody and hope-filled lyrics resonate deeply.

It beautifully expresses a profound bond with a loved one, the courage to keep moving forward, and the excitement for a future brimming with limitless possibilities.

Miho Morikawa’s powerful, expansive vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

Released in April 1990, it was selected as the opening theme for the NHK anime “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water,” becoming a popular hit that stayed on the Oricon charts for 11 consecutive weeks.

Also included on the albums “VOICES” and “GOLDEN☆BEST Miho Morikawa,” this song is perfect for adding color to everyday life or giving yourself a boost when you need it.

Burning HeroOkita Hiroyuki

TV anime “Captain Tsubasa” non-credit ending sequence

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.