[Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras

A hill where summer begins to showDaisuke

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes Season 2: Da! – Opening Theme “Summerly Slope” (English Sub)

This is a refreshing, fast-paced song by singer-songwriter Daisuke that feels wonderfully pleasant to listen to.

It combines the excitement of the start of summer with a fleeting sense of poignancy that appears in quiet moments.

The lyrics paint scenes of sloping streets, sunsets, and fireworks that spring vividly to mind, almost like your own memories.

Released in July 2013 as his seventh single, the track served as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure and the movie Genesect and the Legend Awakened.

Even now, its heart-thumping melody line is unforgettable.

It’s a song you’ll want to play on a summer drive or on a night when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Gamba’s SongKawahara Hiromasa

Episode 1: Gamba’s Adventure “THE ADVENTURES OF GAMBA” (1975) | An immortal masterpiece depicting the adventures of mice | TMS 60th Anniversary

Hiroaki Kawahara delivers a powerful performance of a song that shines in the history of 1970s anime programs.

Riding an energetic melody, it’s a rousing anthem that calls for the courage to set off on an adventure and the importance of bonds with friends.

Its bright, cheerful rhythm conveys the excitement of an adventure that makes anyone’s heart leap.

Released as a single in January 1975, the song was used as the opening theme for a TV anime broadcast from April to September of the same year.

Like the anime’s story, it centers on friendship and bonds, expressing the determination to face hardships and a positive spirit.

It’s a track that gives you strength and courage when you’re feeling down or want to take on something new.

Song of Hakushon Daimaoshimazaki yuri

Song of Hakushon Daimao

Starting with adorable opening sound effects, the friendly lyrics vividly conjure the image of a great demon king emerging from a magic jar.

His character—honest, quick to tears, and full of human warmth—is wonderfully portrayed, making this a heartwarming piece that children and adults alike can enjoy.

Yuri Shimazaki’s bright, soaring vocals further enhance the comedic storytelling atmosphere.

Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a Fuji TV–broadcast anime airing at the same time.

It’s a perfect track for moments when everyone wants to have fun together—like family time on holidays or children’s events.

The Star of the SeineKoromubia Yurikago-kai

The Star of the Seine / Arène Columbia Yurikago-kai

Set in Paris during the French Revolution, this work, which colors the story of a young girl, is marked by the beautiful vocals of Arène and the Columbia Yurikago-kai.

Carried by a brave yet wistful melody, it conveys the heroine’s steadfast will and solitude as she fights for freedom and love.

French phrases woven throughout further enhance the work’s distinctive world.

The LP record was released by Nippon Columbia in June 1975 and was used as the opening theme for the television anime of the same name.

One month after the anime began airing, Arène visited Japan and held six events mainly in the Kanto region.

With its moving, beautiful melody and crystalline vocals, this is a recommended track for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the story’s world along with nostalgic memories.

Defeat Galactor!Koromubia Yurikago-kai

Defeat Galactor!

Set to a powerful, fast-paced melody, this work portrays the heroic exploits of the Science Ninja Team protecting the peace of Earth.

The clear voices of the Columbia Yurikago-kai further enhance the energetic feel of the piece.

Celebrating the brave figures who fight using the power of science and ninja techniques, the song brings dreams and hope to children.

Used as the ending theme for Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, which began airing in 1972, it captured the hearts of many viewers throughout its 105-episode run.

The lyrics were written by the Tatsunoko Production Literary Department, and the music was composed by Asei Kobayashi.

Evoking empathy for protagonists with a pure sense of justice, this is a perfect track for anyone seeking an inspiring anthem that resonates.

It’s recommended listening when you want to feel uplifted.

Let’s do it with a bang! The Way of BaseballChiba Yumi, Yangu Furesshu, Koorogi ’73

Let's do it in one go! The Way of Baseball

A heartwarming classic, brimming with humor and capturing the feelings of those devoted to baseball, was born in September 1977.

The lively back-and-forth by Yumi Chiba, Young Fresh, and Korogi ’73 creates a bright, powerful harmony that brilliantly conveys a burning passion for the sport.

Broadcast as the opening theme for the anime “Ippatsu Kanta-kun,” it was also included on the album “Tatsunoko Pro Daizenshū” in October of the same year.

The protagonist—struggling with the gap between ideals and reality yet refusing to give up on his dreams—leaves a lasting impression.

It’s recommended not only for baseball enthusiasts but also as a motivational song that gently encourages anyone striving toward their goals.

To the Rock RiverŌsugi Kumiko

To Rock River

The 1977 anime theme song sung by Kumiko Osugi, known for her clear and beautiful voice, is a classic that refreshingly conveys a heartwarming tale of friendship.

Set against lush natural scenery, the encounters and adventures of a boy and a raccoon are portrayed alongside a rich melody.

The gentle lyrics, filled with gratitude to God and pure friendship, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released as a single by Nippon Columbia, the song won the Golden Hit Award in 1977 and ranked second in Oricon’s year-end chart (TV Anime/Children’s Songs category) the same year.

Beloved across generations, this is a warmly recommended track that families can enjoy together.