[Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
Don’t we all have anime songs we used to listen to a lot as kids?
You might not remember the story, but you can still sing the opening chorus—pretty relatable, right?
In this article, I’ve rounded up nostalgic anime songs that will take you right back to your childhood the moment you hear them.
I’ve picked tracks from the 1980s to the 2000s, so it should resonate with a wide range of ages.
Take your time and see if you can find that one song from your memories!
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[Nostalgic Hits] A Collection of Classic Anime Songs That Resonate with Showa and Heisei Generations (1–10)
RomancePENICILLIN
Maybe thanks to the influence of TV shows, the band boom of the ’80s and ’90s was incredible, wasn’t it? Bands like Janne Da Arc and LUNA SEA were fiercely competing.
Among them, I personally think PENICILLIN really stood out.
Their signature song “Romance” is such a nostalgic track.
The lyrics—about “carefully nurturing a love that has only just begun”—were distinctive too.
HAKUEI’s sharp moves as the vocalist were so passionate! It was the opening theme for the anime Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.
We are!Hiroshi Kitadani
We Are! by Hiroshi Kitadani was chosen as the first opening theme for the hugely popular anime adaptation of One Piece, a manga that follows the protagonist Luffy, who aims to become the Pirate King, and his crewmates.
Released in 1999 as his debut single, the song won the Composition Award at Sony Music Entertainment’s Heisei Anisong Grand Prize held in 2019.
Its lyrics evoke the friendship and adventures of pirates, and just listening to it fills you with excitement.
Pegasus FantasyMAKE-UP
Released in 1986 as the fourth single by the rock band MAKE-UP, Pegasus Fantasy was specially written as the opening and ending theme for the TV anime adaptation of Saint Seiya, a manga inspired by Greek mythology that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump the same year.
Its powerful hard rock and metal sound alone is enough to get you excited.
The lyrics, which sing about the ideal image and mission of the Saints—the story’s protagonists—are also striking.
[Nostalgic Hits] A collection of classic anime songs that resonate with those born in the Showa and Heisei eras (11–20)
I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro
The song chosen as the first ending theme for the landmark basketball anime SLAM DUNK is Maki Ohguro’s “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru” (Only You I’m Looking At).
Released in 1993 as her sixth single, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart and became her second million-seller after “La La La.” The lyrics, which wryly portray a woman molding herself to her boyfriend’s tastes, carry a certain persuasiveness when delivered through Ohguro’s powerful vocals.
Hamtaro Tottoko SongHam-chans
“Hamtaro Tottoko Uta,” the opening theme used for the anime Hamtaro, which depicts the fun-filled days of Hamtaro the hamster and his friends.
Many of you probably recognize its lively intro melody that gets everyone excited.
The vocals sung by the hamster characters from the show are absolutely adorable.
The lyrics portray Hamtaro’s everyday life, making it a catchy song that’s easy for kids to remember.
It’s an essential classic when talking about Heisei-era anime songs—be sure to give it a listen!
1/2Makoto Kawamoto
This is a major hit by Makoto Kawamoto, which was also used as the opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.
It was released in 1997 as her third single.
The sight of the petite Kawamoto passionately strumming a big guitar as she sang was always striking.
The lyrics, inspired by the pure idea that “half the person you love and half yourself together make one,” are a wonderful approach.
For those who watched the swordsmen’s fiery battles with bated breath back then, it’s sure to strike a nostalgic chord.
A Night for OnePorno Graffitti
I saw on the TV news that, thanks to Porno Graffitti, more people are moving to their hometown of Innoshima in Hiroshima Prefecture… The influence artists have is amazing, isn’t it? This song, “Hitori no Yoru,” was released back when Porno Graffitti still had three members.
The simple rock intro, which really brings out the strengths of a three-piece band, is easy on the ears, and vocalist Okano’s high tone is crystal clear with youthful brightness! It was the opening theme for the anime GTO.