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

Until the world endsWANDS

WANDS – Until the World Ends

This masterpiece fuses Sho Uesugi’s lyrics, which depict urban loneliness and despair, with Tetsuro Oda’s wistful melody, powerfully stirring listeners’ hearts.

Released in June 1994, it was used as the second ending theme for the TV Asahi anime SLAM DUNK and became a million seller, surpassing 1.2 million copies.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album PIECE OF MY SOUL, and many people were undoubtedly hooked on it at the time.

The progression from a quiet opening to an explosive chorus makes it perfect for belting out at karaoke.

Sing it with friends from the same generation, and those fiery feelings from back then are sure to come rushing back.

A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE

A third of pure-hearted feelings

Do you know the passionate love song that colored the late-’90s J-Rock scene? Released as a single by SIAM SHADE in November 1997, it was used as the ending theme for the hugely popular anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became the band’s biggest hit.

Also included on the album SIAM SHADE IV: Zero, this classic masterfully fuses hard-edged instrumentation with a catchy melody.

One of its greatest charms is that, despite the band’s high level of musicianship, the chorus is so familiar and easy for anyone to sing along to.

It’s incredibly well-known—just the intro is enough to trigger cheers.

Try singing it when you want to create a sense of unity at a get-together with friends from the same generation!

INVOKET.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – INVOKE -Invoke- | Official Music Video (TV Anime “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” Opening Theme Song)

Among the Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED enjoys immense popularity.

As the show’s first opening theme, this song brilliantly captures its world.

The lyrics, depicting conflict and inner struggle, combined with a fast-paced digi-rock sound, still set hearts racing today.

Released in October 2002 as T.M.Revolution’s 17th single, it also drew major attention for Takanori Nishikawa’s appearance as a voice actor.

The track is included on the album “coordinate” and was recognized as a classic at the 2019 Heisei Anisong Awards.

For men in their 40s who watched the anime back then, the moment the intro plays, memories of that time are sure to come flooding back.

Belt out the exhilarating chorus and fire up the karaoke room!

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

Just hearing the intro guitar riff is enough to get many people’s blood pumping, isn’t it? Released in August 2004, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s “Rewrite” is a rock tune that’s remained a karaoke staple for years.

Chosen as an opening theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist, the song is also included on the classic album Sol-fa and is widely known as one of the band’s signature tracks.

Its emotional lyrics, which feel like an eruption of pent-up feelings, are sure to resonate deeply with those overwhelmed by daily work.

When the chorus—the biggest climax—hits, the best way to sing it is to forget about pitch and just shout at the top of your lungs! Next time you’re with coworkers or old school friends, why not grab the mic and scream your heart out?

Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「Driver’s High」-Music Clip-

When it comes to intros that instantly crank up the excitement with the sound of an engine starting, many people probably think of this L’Arc-en-Ciel song.

Its exhilarating sense of speed that shoots straight to the horizon and the lyrics that feel like you’re bursting out from here and now make your heart race every time you listen.

Released in August 1999, this track was a single cut from the smash-hit album “ark,” and it was also beloved as the opening theme for the TV anime GTO.

The refreshing sound that syncs with the anime’s visuals gripped the hearts of boys at the time.

Sing it at karaoke and you’ll feel a rush from the opening call to the soaring chorus.

It’s an evergreen classic you’ll want to choose for a drive with friends or whenever you want to feel refreshed.

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.

Well then,SURFACE

SURFACE – Now then

Let me introduce a song that revives that rush of speed that makes you want to break into a run, alongside nostalgic anime visuals.

SURFACE’s single “Saa,” released in November 1998, electrified viewers at the time as the opening theme for the TV anime Mamotte Shugogetten! There’s a famous episode about how the lyrics and melody each member brought in miraculously clicked the moment they tried them together with a “Ready, go!” It’s a straightforward rock number that blasts away hesitation.

It was featured on a TV program in October 2015 and drew fresh attention again—proof that it continues to be loved across generations.

If you thrust your fist into the air with your friends to the striking chant at the start of the chorus, the passion of that era will come flooding back, and your karaoke room will instantly be wrapped in the feverish energy of a live venue.