[2026] Recommended for men in their 40s! A roundup of anime songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO

TOKIO LOVE YOU ONLY

TOKIO is a group that operates from the unique position of a band-style idol and enjoys nationwide popularity.

Their debut song features lyrics that express the exhilaration of love in straightforward terms, paired with a driving, fast-paced sound that’s truly appealing.

There are call-and-response sections too, making it a number packed with elements that let you get hyped together with friends.

Released as a single in September 1994, it became well-loved as the opening theme for the anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai.” The fact that they appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen just about three months after their debut speaks to the incredible momentum they had at the time.

Also included on the album “TOKIO,” this track is perfect for enjoying a sense of unity at karaoke with friends who shared your youth.

Run, Honest OneSaijō Hideki

ED2 – Run, Honest Man

Superstar Hideki Saijo, who captivated countless fans with his passionate vocals and performances.

Among his many classic hits, this is an unmissable anime song that always fires up a karaoke crowd.

Released as a single in April 1991, it became beloved as the ending theme for the nationally treasured anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

Its brisk beat infused with ska rhythms and lyrics packed with playful, comical wordplay are irresistibly catchy.

The collaboration came about because the original creator, Momoko Sakura, was a fan of Saijo, with Tetsuro Oda handling the composition.

The unique phrase said to be inspired by a commercial from that era also leaves a strong impression, and listening to it will surely bring back memories of those days.

No tricky techniques required—belt it out with energy and power, and it’s a song that will put smiles on the faces of friends from the same generation.

The sun rises again and again.Dragon Ash

Dragon Ash “The sun rises again and repeats”

A single released in May 1998, this monumental work established Dragon Ash’s early style.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime DT Eightron, the track features the trio fusing rap and rock to create a distinctive groove.

Kj’s message—both wistful and powerful—will likely resonate deeply with those who spent their youth wrestling with similar struggles.

Despite its epic length of over seven minutes, its relaxed tempo makes it comfortable to sing even at karaoke.

On your way home from work, sing it while recalling the passion of those days, and you’re sure to feel energized for tomorrow.

Assault Love HeartFire Bomber

Assault Love Heart

These days, it’s not unusual for an anime and its in-story band to actually release CDs, but a pioneer of that trend is this work by FIRE BOMBER, the band from Macross 7.

It’s a straight-ahead rock number distinguished by its no-frills sound and the passionate vocals of Yoshiki Fukuyama, who handled the vocal parts—an emotionally charged track that hits you without overthinking.

In addition to being included on the album “Macross 7 MUSIC SELECTION FROM GALAXY NETWORK CHART,” released in January 1995, the album “LET’S FIRE!!” won a Japan Gold Disc Award, achieving popularity that transcended the anime sphere.

It doesn’t require difficult techniques and is a song you can hype up with your friends, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

TacticsTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Tactics -2022 Remaster- (Official Audio)

Many people might feel nostalgic about it as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

It’s a rock number marked by the glamour of glam rock and a danceable beat that makes you want to move.

Kazuya Yoshii’s sultry vocals blend perfectly with the band’s distinctive sensual vibe, captivating listeners.

Released in February 1996 as a double A-side single, this track was a recut from the classic album FOUR SEASONS.

There’s even an anecdote that Yoshii strongly pushed to release it as a single at the time, making it a song that captures the band’s upward momentum.

The chorus has a wonderful sense of openness, making it perfect for getting fired up with friends of the same generation.

A Night for OnePorunogurafiti

Porno Graffitti “Hitorino Yoru” Music Video (Anime “GTO” Opening Theme)

This track is marked by exhilarating, high-velocity guitar riffs and sharp lyrics that evoke a sense of loneliness.

Its breakneck pace, like tearing through a city night, sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Released in January 2000 as the band’s second single, it was featured as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime GTO.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album Romanticist Egoist and remains a longtime fan favorite.

The chorus hits with explosive power—perfect for instantly changing the mood at karaoke.

You’ll need to watch your breathing, but if you ride the rhythm to the end, the rush is unbeatable.

For those who watched the anime back then, the intro alone is guaranteed to send your excitement soaring.

We Were AngelsKageyama Hironobu

Dragon Ball Z ED We Were Angels

Hironobu Kageyama has moved listeners with his soulful vocals across numerous anime works.

While he’s best known for fiery rock numbers, did you know he’s also highly regarded for wistful mid-tempo ballads? With that in mind, here’s a recommended track: this song, used as the latter ending theme for the TV anime Dragon Ball Z.

Included on a single released in November 1993, it’s a masterpiece that gently enveloped the story’s climax.

The swell toward the chorus is moving, yet the overall range is modest and the melody relaxed, making it perfect when you’re tired of high-intensity songs.

Sing it with rich emotion as you reminisce about those days spent in front of the TV in the early evening.