[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.

The Star of the SeineColumbia Cradle Society

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.

To the Rock RiverKumiko Osugi

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.

See, spring has come.Ushirogami Hikaretai

See, spring has come.

A refreshing song celebrating the arrival of spring has been delivered by Ushirogami Hikaretai.

It expresses the exhilaration and anticipation that come with the changing seasons, set to a bright and lively melody.

The lyrics leave a strong impression with their gentle sensitivity to the love and happiness overflowing in nature—spring’s buoyant warmth, the murmur of a brook, and the hope of new romance.

The track was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuideni Tonchinkan,” and after its release in February 1988, it reached No.

6 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear at the start of a new season, a work that lingers in the heart along with fond memories.

Song of Hakushon DaimaoYuri Shimazaki

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.

Defeat Galactor!Columbia Cradle Society

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 BaseballYumi Chiba, Young Fresh, Korogi '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.