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

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.

RomancePENICILLIN

[Official] PENICILLIN 'Romance' (MV) [8th Single] Penicillin/Romance

HAKUEI’s distinctive vocals, which sing of a bittersweet yet intense love, and the exhilarating, fast-paced sound really leave an impression.

Released in January 1998, it’s one of PENICILLIN’s signature singles and is well-known as the opening theme for the TBS anime “Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.” It was a massive hit, selling around 900,000 copies, and is also included on the album “Ultimate Velocity.” While the contrast with the gag anime became a talking point, the song itself is a quintessential PENICILLIN rock tune—hard, danceable, and full of driving momentum.

Belt it out at karaoke with people of the same generation, and those passionate feelings from back then will come rushing back—guaranteed to get the crowd going.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Believe in your dreamsTokunaga Hideaki

Hidetoshi Tokunaga – Believe in Dreams

Singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga continues to captivate listeners with his translucent high-tone voice.

Released as a single in January 1990, this song is known for being used as the ending theme of the Fuji TV anime Dragon Quest.

There’s also a well-known anecdote that the release date was moved to the 16th, the day after Coming-of-Age Day, to avoid a rush of fans at record stores.

Its uplifting lyrics that give you courage to chase your dreams and its refreshing melody warmly embrace the listener.

The overall range is on the higher side, so when singing it at karaoke, try setting a key that suits your voice.

It’s a timeless classic that men in their 40s who watched the anime back then will undoubtedly find themselves humming along to.