Lovely anime song

Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerTakashi Hoshino
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

Japanese animation has now become a cultural asset Japan can proudly present to the world.

Back in the Showa era, songs made for anime works were simply called “anisong,” but in recent years it’s become commonplace for famous artists to handle anime theme songs, and it’s no longer unusual for global hits to be born from those themes.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of classic anisong tracks recommended for the yutori generation.

Every song on the list helped define its era, so be sure to check them out!

Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the Yutori generation (31–40)

HALONOMELON NOLEMON

NOMELON NOLEMON / HALO Official Music Video

HALONOMELON NOLEMON

This is an anisong that layers a danceable beat with a beautiful melody line.

Created by NOMELON NOLEMON and released in May 2025, it was written as an insert song for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.

Following Midnight Reflection and Kienai, it is the third insert song for the same series.

Its hope-filled lyrics leave a strong impression, and by the time it ends, your heart will feel gently warmed.

Listening to it together with your partner may help you reaffirm the importance of love.

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

Sugar Song and Bitter Step by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

A song that sings about the contradictions of modern society and the joys and pains of everyday life was released by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN in May 2015.

It portrays people living in a chaotic world with catchy, pop melodies and striking lyrics.

Packed with deeper themes—such as the discomfort hidden in daily life, the power of music, and the balance between individuality and society—the song’s worldview contrasts appealingly with its up-tempo sound.

Written as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, it gained popularity alongside the ending visuals featuring the characters dancing.

It has become a cross-generational favorite, ranking high in JOYSOUND’s decade-based karaoke rankings in 2018.

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GRIDOUTyama

yama『GRIDOUT』Music Video

GRIDOUTyama

You’ll be captivated by its refined sound.

yama’s “GRIDOUT” was released digitally in April 2025.

It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Your Forma.” This work exquisitely blends a grand rock sound—anchored by strings that linger in your ears—with emotional vocals.

Its near-futuristic vibe matches the anime’s world perfectly.

You’ll want to turn up the volume and immerse yourself.

Be sure to give it a deep listen!

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Summertime GhostWednesday Campanella

WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA “Summertime Ghost” (Official Audio)

Summertime Ghost by Wednesday Campanella

A sophisticated electro tune that evokes the atmosphere of a midsummer night.

It’s a song by Wednesday Campanella, released in April 2025, and selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Kowloon Generic Romance.” You’ll be drawn into its dramatic composition, which feels like turning the anime’s mysterious worldview directly into music.

It’s a piece that makes you want to listen closely while picturing a fantastical nocturnal scene.

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I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

I want to shout that I love you BAAD

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

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In conclusion

This time, we introduced classic anime songs that we’d like to recommend to the Yutori generation—how did you like them? Each one not only enhances its anime but also stands on its own as a wonderful piece of music.

We hope you’ll enjoy these masterpieces packed with the charm of J-pop.