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 (41–50)
ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)LiSA
An unconventional collaboration that fuses a powerful rock sound with electronic elements.
LiSA’s soaring vocals and Stray Kids’ Felix’s weighty rap blend in exquisite balance, weaving an epic story themed around rebirth and defying fate.
The dynamic sound crafted by Hiroyuki Sawano makes this a track that gives listeners a strong push forward.
The song has been selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-,” airing from January 2025.
Its energetic development and positive message are sure to resonate with those embarking on new challenges or wishing to change themselves.
Azure WaltzEVE
A magnificent and graceful waltz in 3/4 time that resonates in the heart—one of Eve’s masterpieces.
Released in December 2020 as the theme song for the animated film “Josee, the Tiger and the Fish,” this gem of a ballad delicately portrays the days of youth where immaturity, hope, and anxiety intersect, beautifully expressing nostalgia for the past and longing for the future.
The majestic resonance of the strings and the gentle melodic lines add depth to the film’s moving scenes.
The song is included on the album “Kaikai Kitan/Ao no Waltz” and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s a highly recommended track for those who want to feel the bittersweetness of adolescence and the joy of growing up, or who are seeking heartwarming film music.
APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
This ambitious work effectively combines the essences of pop and rock, fusing Korean youth culture with a global sound.
The distinctive vocals of Rosé and Bruno Mars blend beautifully, skillfully conveying the exhilaration of a party and the anticipation of romance.
Released in October 2024, it held the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks.
In November of the same year, it had its first live performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards held in Osaka, captivating the audience.
With a rhythm that makes you want to move and a chant-like chorus, this track is perfect for dance performances.
If you’re looking to create choreography with friends or seeking a song to present at an event, this is a great pick.
Helloyama × Bocchi Boromaru
This is a heartwarming collaborative work by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, packed with courage and hope for stepping into the future.
It carries a message of strong determination to move forward and the importance of staying true to oneself, gently encouraging those heading into new environments.
It has been broadcast as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon since October 2023, and a CD single was released in December 2023.
The transparent vocals and warm tones blend beautifully, resulting in a song that closely accompanies the listener’s heart.
It’s highly recommended for those feeling anxious about a new life or changes in their environment, and for anyone striving toward their dreams.
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
This is a King Gnu song characterized by a sound that conveys intense passion and energy.
It portrays pure, powerful love that deeply moves listeners.
Released in December 2021 as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it received high acclaim across many music charts.
In December 2022, it ranked first in the Oricon Yearly Combined Singles Ranking for the 55th Annual Rankings.
The lyrics express a resolve to devote everything to a loved one and a determination to overcome suffering.
It’s a recommended track when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important or need the courage to face difficulties.
I don’t care what happens anymore.Hoshimachi Suisei
Set to a fast-paced, exhilarating digital dance sound, it delivers a message that hits straight to the heart.
It’s a track by Suisei Hoshimachi, featured as an insert song in the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, released in February 2025.
Perfectly matching the world of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, the song brilliantly heightens the story’s excitement.
Pay attention to the lyrics, which evoke the courage to stay true to your beliefs and the strength to face adversity.
How about giving it a listen when you want to lift your spirits?
snakeYorushika
This song depicts a snake yearning to know the outside world.
Yorushika’s “Hebi” explores a deep theme of thirst for knowledge and growth.
Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Chi: On the Movements of the Earth.” n-buna’s delicate composition and suis’s translucent vocals beautifully elevate the philosophical lyrics.
The song’s worldview overlaps brilliantly with humanity’s pursuit to understand the Earth’s motion.
Be sure to enjoy it alongside the anime.