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!
- Popular anime songs you often hear on YouTube Shorts
- Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene
- Anime songs that drew attention in 2022. [Popular Songs / Hit Songs]
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Anime songs recommended for men in their 40s to sing at karaoke
- Cute Anime Song Special: From the 1970s to Today!
- Anime songs recommended for college students: theme songs and insert songs from popular anime.
- It cleanses the soul… Great J-pop songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits
- Special Feature: Iconic Songs from Anime | Packed with Great Tracks!
Iconic scenes overlap! Recommended anime songs for the Yutori generation (1–10)
moonbowBUMP OF CHICKEN
The four-piece rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN shot to fame with 2001’s “Tentai Kansoku” and has since produced numerous classics.
This track, included on their July 2019 album aurora arc, took the unusual path of being used first as the opening theme for the anime Karakuri Circus and later as its ending theme as well.
It features a distinctive, dreamlike sound woven by acoustic guitar and accordion.
With lyrics portraying a protagonist who presses forward with resolve, this grand rock tune gives a boost to anyone striving toward their dreams.
D-tecnoLifeUVERworld
A high-energy major debut track that blends rock with electronic elements.
It’s the song that sparked UVERworld’s breakthrough, released in July 2005.
Since it was used as the opening theme for the anime BLEACH, anyone who watched it back then has probably heard it at least once! The sound—fusing guitar riffs with beatboxing—showcases UVERworld’s unique character.
The title carries the meaning of “pursuing a cool life,” delivering a passionate message that inspires you to keep moving forward.
Sing it at karaoke with friends your age, and it’s sure to get the crowd going!
The Story You Don't Knowsupercell
This is a full-throttle, heartrending rock number that portrays a summer romance burdened by feelings left unspoken.
Created by the creator collective supercell led by ryo, with guest vocalist Nagi Yanagi, the track was released as a single in August 2009.
It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Bakemonogatari and reached No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics vividly capture the feelings of a girl who, while gazing up at the summer night sky with friends, never manages to confess her secret crush before the moment slips away.
Centered on piano tones with a breathless, driving arrangement and Nagi Yanagi’s crystal-clear vocals, the song amplifies the sweet-and-sour essence of youth to the fullest.
For anyone who has tucked away a love they couldn’t tell anyone about, this is a track that will make your heart clench.
Chase the Light!Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
It’s an irresistibly exhilarating loud rock number with an intense yet refreshing sense of speed! It’s a track by the Kobe-based band Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, included on their 2011 mini-album NEXTREME, their first nationally distributed release.
The song was used as the opening theme for the anime Kaiji: Hakairoku-hen.
It delivers an electrocore sound where electronic elements and fierce guitars intertwine with clean vocals and shouts.
Conveying a strong will to move forward despite loneliness and inner conflict, this piece is recommended when you need the courage to face adversity.
Make Me WonderNEW!Official HIGE DANDism
Released for streaming in December 2025, this work is a rock number written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime “Darwin’s Incident.” It expresses the mixed feelings of excitement and fear when stepping into unknown territory with a heavy, dynamic sound.
It should resonate not only with those who want to immerse themselves in the anime’s worldview, but also with listeners seeking a solid, hard-hitting rock sound.
PRIDEHIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
This song, released in 2005, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY.
As HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR’s major-label debut, it is a hybrid rock track where dual male–female vocals fuse seamlessly with heavy guitar sounds.
The interplay between the clear female vocals and the male vocals—featuring shouts and rap—expresses pride and a strong will to move forward.
It debuted at No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
Its sense of speed and passionate message are sure to encourage you when you need the courage to take on a challenge or when you’re fully devoted to something.
Togetsukyo ~Thinking of You~Mai Kuraki
Released in April 2017 as Mai Kuraki’s 41st single, this song was chosen as the theme for the feature-length anime Detective Conan: The Crimson Love Letter.
It marked her 21st song contribution to the Conan series, earning recognition by Guinness World Records.
Inspired by the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto, it evokes a world rich in traditional Japanese sensibility, weaving together autumn foliage, the flow of the river, and unchanging feelings.
The lyrics were written by Mai Kuraki herself, with composition and arrangement by Akihito Tokunaga, and an arrangement featuring traditional instruments such as shakuhachi and koto that harmonizes beautifully with the film’s setting.
Its soul-stirring, ballad-like melody and her poignant yet warm vocals make it a moving masterpiece.