Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs

Bacchi DancerDOES

DOES 'Gamble Dancer' (Theme song of the film Gintama: The Movie – A New Retelling Benizakura Arc)

This is a song by the popular rock band DOES.

Although it’s an anime song used as an opening theme for Gintama, it’s so beloved—especially in the highly popular “Benizakura” arc, which was adapted into a film—that it was also used unchanged as the theme song for the movie Gintama: The Movie: A New Retelling of the Benizakura Arc.

The song captures the atmosphere of the film’s world.

Brilliant road to tomorrowangela

angela “Brilliant Road to Tomorrow” (Live ver.)

It’s a grand anime song that sings about moving toward the future together with you.

Created by angela, a music unit known for numerous anime theme songs, it was released in 2003 as their debut single and chosen as the opening theme for Stellvia of the Universe.

Atsuko’s rich, alluring vocals are truly wonderful—perfectly matched with the symphonic sound.

It’s a track I recommend when you want to sharpen your focus, like before an important match.

Even if you break tomorrowWANDS

Even if you break tomorrow Yu-Gi-Oh WANDS

This song was used as the ending theme for the anime adaptation of a Jump manga, Yu-Gi-Oh!.

It’s a song by WANDS, a leading figure in the Being-kei boom of the ’90s, released in 1998 as their 14th single.

Their signature bittersweet, deeply resonant sound really sinks in.

The lyrics, which dwell on feelings of loneliness, give it a mature finish.

It’s one of those classic anime songs that reveals more flavor the more carefully you listen.

Give it a spin and relive those days.

Two sides of the same coinyuzu

Yuzu “Two Sides of the Same Coin”

It’s a cool anime song with an impressively light, upbeat rhythm.

It’s a track by the musical duo Yuzu, also known for hits like “Natsuiro” and “Eikou no Kakehashi,” released in 2013 as their 40th single.

It served as the theme song for the film “HUNTER×HUNTER: The LAST MISSION” and as the ending theme for the HUNTER×HUNTER TV series.

Centered on the theme of light and darkness, the lyrics have a depth that reflects the world of HUNTER×HUNTER.

The chorus feels incredibly refreshing, so definitely give it a listen.

wish mensunbrain

sunbrain wish men PV

How about a pop-rock number with a distinctly refreshing vibe? It’s a song by Sunbrain, a music unit from Hokkaido, released as their second single in 2005.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Beet the Vandel Buster.

The relaxed, easygoing sound pairs perfectly with the distinctive vocals, creating a one-of-a-kind world.

The lyrics gently reassure you that no matter how dark you feel now, morning will surely come someday—another part of its charm.

It’s a great recommendation for the first song to listen to right after you wake up.

I want to see your smileRie Hamada

Rie Hamada - I Want to See Your Smile

This piece is by singer-songwriter Rie Hamada, who also creates music for children’s programs, and it serves as the opening theme for the anime Marmalade Boy, which is based on a shoujo manga.

It has the quintessential feel of a ’90s J-pop track, so many listeners may find it nostalgic.

The lyrics reflect the world of the series, expressing feelings for a loved one that grow stronger over time—sure to make your heart race.

Adult listeners might even find themselves reminiscing about their youthful romances.

VividFAIRY FORE

Fairy fore – vivid

It’s a song by the visual kei rock band FAIRY FORE and the ending theme of ‘FF:U ~ Final Fantasy: Unlimited ~.’ It’s upbeat from start to finish, so it’s recommended when you want to get pumped.

Turn up your energy with this pop anime song!