Great anime songs that colored the Heisei era
The 1990s…
Riding the wave of Jump’s golden age, the anime world was experiencing a huge surge in excitement.
One of the factors that fueled this anime boom was anime songs, or “anisong.”
In the early Heisei era, unlike today where popular rock bands often perform them, anisong were mostly sung by musicians who specialized in the genre.
This time, we’re spotlighting some of the most popular anisong from that Heisei period!
They’re all famous tracks that people of all ages have likely heard at least once, so be sure to check them out!
Great Anime Songs That Colored the Heisei Era (1–10)
CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAHironobu Kageyama
Dragon Ball Z, a great work that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Its explosive popularity was unmatched by other anime, and in France at the time it even recorded an 80% viewership rating.
Speaking of Dragon Ball Z’s theme song, CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA is undoubtedly the most popular.
Many people may associate it with the Showa era, but the anime itself is from the Heisei era, and this track was released in Heisei year 1 (1989).
Hironobu Kageyama’s energetic vocals have a timeless power that resonates in any era.
Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon
After the golden age of Jump ended, Japan’s manga industry was dominated for a long time by childish works that painted only pretty pictures.
The shocking work that put a stop to that trend was Attack on Titan.
As the flagship series of Weekly Shōnen Magazine, it also gained immense popularity as an anime.
Its theme song, Guren no Yumiya, effectively captures the series’ worldview—one overflowing with unpredictable, real events rather than convenient promises.
The fact that the opening itself serves as foreshadowing may be one of the major reasons this track drew so much attention.
Blue waterMiho Morikawa
Despite airing for only a single year—a period by no means long—Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water captured the hearts of many girls.
Though it’s an SF series with a steampunk foundation, it also featured many elements that made it especially appealing to girls, so it likely left a strong impression on many viewers.
Its theme song is Blue Water, a signature track by Miho Morikawa, known for its refreshing melody that evokes the vastness of the sea.
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterRika Matsumoto
Pokémon is a work that gained immense popularity not only as a game but also as an anime.
For those who grew up in the Heisei era, it was so popular that just about anyone could name five Pokémon.
Recently, it made big headlines when the protagonist, Ash (Satoshi in Japanese), retired.
Speaking of Pokémon’s theme songs, the definitive one is, of course, “Aim to Be a Pokémon Master.” It’s sung by Rika Matsumoto, who voices Ash, and thanks to her strong vocal ability, it feels completely natural—so much so that it sounds exactly like Ash himself is singing.
You could say that’s a testament to Rika Matsumoto’s innate talent.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This song was used as the opening theme for the 2003–2004 broadcast of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
To distinguish it from the series that began airing in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, this version is also called the original (or “no-subtitle”) edition, and the song has been passed down as an emblematic piece of the work.
It’s also one of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s signature tracks, with the driving, rousing band sound being a major draw.
The intensity that evokes action and the atmosphere of cutting through the obstacles right in front of you seemed to match the content of the series perfectly.
mysteryMiho Komatsu
Detective Conan is a work that continues to enjoy enduring popularity even today.
It’s the flagship series of Weekly Shonen Sunday, as everyone knows.
The anime has also been a huge success, and each new movie release invariably generates buzz.
When it comes to theme songs for Detective Conan, many candidates come to mind.
There are so many that it’s hard to choose, but this time I’d like to introduce Nazo from the first season.
I bet many of you vividly remember the chorus melody.
Ojamajo Carnival!!MAHO-do
A song performed by MAHO-dō, the unit formed by the main characters, as the opening theme for the anime Ojamajo Doremi.
It’s often cited as a work that symbolizes the long-running series, and the song itself is beloved for its bright, lively energy.
Focusing on what one would do if they could use magic, it overlaps with the show’s broad themes while touching on ideas everyone has probably imagined, giving it an approachable charm.
With an irresistibly cheerful feel that conveys the image of singing with smiles, it’s a song that stirs a positive feeling of stepping forward toward the future.