Upbeat Anime Songs Special [Get Hyped]

ChallengerRika Matsumoto

Pocket Monsters OP07 / AG OP2 – “Challenger!!” (Creditless w/ Lyrics)

This is the song that was used as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon Advanced Generation from April 2004 through episode 104.

Sung by Rika Matsumoto, who also voices the protagonist Ash (Satoshi), her powerful vocals perfectly herald the start of an adventure.

The lyrics convey a challenger’s spirit—never giving up no matter the hardship and pushing forward to the very end.

It’s a track brimming with positive energy that faces down the wall in front of you without fear.

Incidentally, it’s also included on the acclaimed 2023 release BEST OF BEST OF BEST 1997–2023.

If you listen to it when you’re starting something new, it’s sure to give you a push.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master - 20th Anniversary -Rika Matsumoto

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-

This is the 20th-anniversary version of the original opening theme from the anime Pokémon.

It’s sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices the protagonist Ash, and her powerful vocals are as strong as ever.

On top of the original’s momentum, the live-instrument performance gives the sound an extra boost that’s enough to get your heart racing just by listening.

The music vividly conveys the excitement of the beginning of an adventure chasing dreams with your friends, as depicted in the lyrics.

Marking twenty years since the original song’s 1997 release, this version was used as the theme song for the movie Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! Incidentally, at a commemorative event in December 2017, about a thousand fans gathered and the venue was filled with a sense of unity.

It’s an uplifting track that I think gives a push to anyone taking on a challenge.

Fried Rice MUSICAlcala

Arukara – Fried Rice MUSIC MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.) / ARUKARA – Chaohan MUSIC

This is a playful, love-packed number crafted by Arukara, known as the “eccentric maestro of the rock world.” Released in November 2016 as the band’s first major-label single, the song colored the story as an ending theme for the anime Dragon Ball Super.

It’s a humorous track with bilingual phrases centered on fried rice, while showcasing advanced musicianship behind the scenes, such as slap bass.

It also brims with deep respect for the Dragon Ball series, including fan-pleasing tricks like a reverse-playback gimmick reminiscent of “Detekoi Tobikiri ZENKAI Power!” A perfect killer tune to lift your spirits.

For this planetLyrics: Hideki Kuroda / Music: Tatsuro Kondo / Performed by: Kazami

Dandadan Regain Returns

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.

Feeling super duper great!Dempagumi.inc

Dempagumi.inc “Most Ψ Optimal!” MV Full

Packed with call-and-response parts that make you want to shout along, you can practically see the sense of unity at a live show.

This track is a single released by Dempagumi.inc in November 2016, and it gained huge popularity as the opening theme for the TV anime The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

It reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

This song gives you an invincible power to overcome any hardship, so it’s perfect for times when you’re feeling low on motivation.

Give it a listen, and you’ll be in top form in no time!

Case closed—stay vigilant.Earphones

[Earphones] “Case Closed, Be On Guard” Music Video

It’s a playful, hero-themed song featuring tokusatsu song legend Akira Kushida as a guest! Released in February 2017 as the fifth single by the voice actress unit Earphones, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime AKIBA’S TRIP -THE ANIMATION-.

The lively vocals of the members blend perfectly with the Japanese-style sound! Recognized by the Akihabara Tourism Promotion Association as an official “Akihabara Support Song,” this track will make you feel like a heroine protecting the city!

Gabriel DropkickGabriel (CV: Miyu Tomita), Vigne (CV: Saori Ōnishi), Satania (CV: Naomi Ōzora), Raphiel (CV: Kana Hanazawa)

Gabriel Dropkick

It’s a super high-energy denpa song that practically conjures up a slapstick comedy between angels and demons! Released in February 2017, this track serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Gabriel DropOut.” Sung by a star-studded cast of voice actors—Miyu Tomita, Saori Ōnishi, Naomi Ōzora, and Kana Hanazawa—it’s a tune you won’t forget once you’ve heard it.

Written and composed by Kenichi Maeyamada, it brilliantly captures the comical everyday life of a slovenly angel and earnest demons.

The characters’ lively back-and-forth unfolds right along with the catchy melody.

Listening to this irresistibly upbeat sound might just blow your worries away!