Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
In the past, anime songs were often closely tied to the content of their shows and felt somewhat distinct from mainstream J-pop.
In the Heisei era, however, famous artists’ tracks began to be used, and songs written specifically for anime by those artists even became massive hits.
As a result, the nature and reputation of anime songs changed significantly.
This time, we’re introducing anime songs recommended for Gen Z—those who likely spent their childhood or teen years during that era.
From nostalgic tunes to global mega-hits, enjoy the selection!
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- [2026] Recommended Anisongs for Middle Schoolers: Theme Songs and Insert Songs from Popular Anime
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- Definitely when you want a boost of power! Energetic songs recommended for Gen Z
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- For those chasing dreams and goals! Support songs recommended for Gen Z
Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z (21–30)
IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi
This is a song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
It will be released alongside the movie in September 2025.
Following “KICK BACK” from the previous TV anime, this marks his second collaboration with MAPPA.
A memorable behind-the-scenes anecdote is that he supposedly kept the Reze pages from the original manga open all the time, glaring at them as he composed.
The exhilarating sound and powerful rhythm heighten the battles and thrilling developments.
It’s a dramatic track that perfectly matches a world where intense plot twists and complex emotions intersect.
It’s a must-listen not only for anime fans but for anyone drawn to the world of Chainsaw Man.
A Slice of PeachKensuke Ushio
This is a track that colors the world of the hit anime Dandadan, which depicts intense battles with ghosts and aliens as well as a bittersweet romance.
The music is by Kensuke Ushio, known for works like Chainsaw Man and A Silent Voice.
It’s included on the album Dan Da Dan (Original Series Soundtrack), released in December 2024.
The piece is marked by a heartbeat-like pulsing beat and melodious synth tones that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Thanks to a sound design that seamlessly blends the thrill of an unpredictable story with the sparkle of the protagonists’ youth, it’s a song that fills you with excitement just by listening.
It’s recommended not only for fans of the story but also for anyone who wants to add some color to their everyday life.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
The opening theme song of the TV anime Tokyo Revengers captivates with its powerful rhythm and skillful key changes.
Just as the protagonist repeatedly travels back in time and keeps fighting to save those he cares about, the song expresses a strong will to keep moving forward despite setbacks throughout.
Released by Official HIGE DANDism in May 2021, it became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million streams and winning Best Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan.
Starting in August 2022, it was also featured in a collaborative commercial for DyDo Drinco’s DyDo Blend.
It’s a song that powerfully pushes people forward as they face hardship without giving up.
TAIDADAzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni., a music unit that captivates listeners with their one-of-a-kind worldview, crafted this piece, which was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Dandadan.
Inspired by the clumsy words of the characters, it’s a song that conveys a quiet, heartwarming sense of happiness—like the kind you feel in a small four-and-a-half-tatami room.
Within a meticulously woven ensemble where funky grooves and rock intertwine, ACA-ne’s delicate yet energetic vocals come alive.
Released in October 2024, the track is included on the mini-album “Koke no Ichinen Kaiba ni Takusu.” It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sink into when you want to savor the tenderness of everyday life that follows an occult uproar.
For this planetSakushi: Kuroda Hideki / Sakkyoku: Kondou Tatsurou / Ensou: Kazami
This song, with a melody reminiscent of a nostalgic TV commercial jingle, was used as an in-anime track for Dandadan.
It delivers a passionate, forward-looking message, like that of a corporate warrior fighting for this planet.
Lyricist Hideki Kuroda and composer Tatsuro Kondo are the duo behind a 1989 commercial song that became a social phenomenon.
In episode 10, which aired in December 2024, the track played as a faux commercial jingle that propelled the story’s momentum.
Combined with the sprightly performance by DaizyStripper’s Kazami, the result is a sound that fuses nostalgia with a contemporary rock feel.
Paired with the anime’s comical scenes, it’s a track that doubles the work’s playful spirit.
Zankyo SankaAimer
Released in January 2022 as Aimer’s 20th single, this song was selected as the opening theme for the popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.
It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, surpassed 200 million streams, and received a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Masahiro Tobinai’s bold arrangement features resplendent brass and strings that brilliantly capture both the opulence of the red-light district and the tension of battle.
The lyrics, imbued with a powerful resolve to overcome past pain and resound into the future, embody the very determination of characters who confront their fate.
Performed even in cheering scenes at Koshien, it’s a song cherished not only by anime fans but also by many listeners running through their youth.
ignited -Ignited-T.M.Revolution
A powerful number that fuses electronic sounds with hard rock, depicting the resolve and inner conflict of a protagonist swept up by the fate of battle! The heavy sound woven by synthesizers and fierce guitar riffs captures the very tension of an interstellar war.
Released in November 2004, this song was selected as the first opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, and it claimed the top spot on the Oricon Weekly Chart for the first time in about six years.
The lyrics, imbued with a strong will to uphold one’s beliefs on the battlefield and a pure desire to protect the ones you love, are sure to push you forward when you face major life decisions.