![[Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XggsuWPjLhc/sddefault.jpg)
[Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks
Do you have any anime songs that suddenly start playing in your head? The theme songs from the shows you used to watch, glued to the TV and looking forward to every week—don’t you still find yourself humming them without thinking? Those nostalgic melodies that whisked you away into the world of anime… they vividly bring back the memories and emotions of that time, don’t they? In this article, we’ll be introducing lots of “nostalgic anime songs”! Be sure to read to the end!
[Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs. Revisiting those classics (1–10)
far awayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
When that impressive bass intro kicks in, you can’t help but feel your excitement rise unconditionally! It’s a fast-paced guitar rock track packed with ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s early impulse.
Included on the mini-album “Hōkai Amplifier,” released in November 2002, it was used as the opening theme for the 2003 anime Naruto.
It’s a classic loved across borders, to the point that massive sing-alongs break out at overseas festivals.
The lyrics about breaking through walls hit especially hard when you’re feeling uncertain.
Get OverDream
This is the first opening theme of the popular anime Hikaru no Go, which passionately portrays the world of Go.
The song is by the female dance and vocal group dream, released in November 2001 as their 11th single.
It was also included on the following year’s album, Process.
Characterized by a trance-like, fast-paced beat and distinctive synth sounds, the track stands out.
The lyrics express a strong resolve to move toward the future by overcoming anxiety and hardship, perfectly mirroring the protagonist Hikaru’s coming-of-age story and making a powerful impact.
It’s an energetic masterpiece that gives you courage every time you listen.
cloudy skyDOES
The moment that sharp guitar riff rang out, many of you were probably glued to your TVs.
This is the single released in June 2008 as the opening theme for the popular anime Gintama.
Its lyrics, which convey the will to cut through doubt and push forward even under gloomy skies, fuse with a finely honed sound to set listeners’ souls ablaze.
Put it on when you need to fire yourself up, and it’s sure to give you a powerful push from behind!
Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc
The aching piano and majestic strings capture the listener’s heart in an instant.
It’s a fleeting yet powerful rock number performed by the visual kei rock band Janne Da Arc.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Black Jack, it was released in January 2005 and became a hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It’s also included on the album JOKER and has long been cherished as one of their signature works.
The feelings of continuing to think about a loved one under the moonlight are expressed through vocalist yasu’s expansive singing voice.
It really tightens your chest.
*~Asterisk~*ORANGE RANGE
A track that beautifully fuses a romantic worldview—gazing up at the night sky and dreaming of the stars—with a mixed rock sound.
This work by ORANGE RANGE, a band from Okinawa, was released as a single in February 2005 and was used as the opening theme for the anime BLEACH.
It became a major hit, topping the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks.
It’s a classic that makes you want to hum along while feeling the night breeze.
DANZEN! Pretty Cure (We Are Pretty Cure)Mayumi Gojo
Futari wa Pretty Cure—a title that brought a fresh breeze to the history of magical girl anime.
As the very first opening theme, this song was powerfully performed by Mayumi Gojo.
Its lyrics, about holding hands with your best friend and never giving up no matter the crisis, still resonate even now that we’re adults.
Since its single release in March 2004, it has continued to be loved as a symbol of the series, and a new version was created for the 2018 film Hugtto! Precure: Futari wa Precure All Stars Memories.
How about revisiting those passionate feelings from Sunday mornings, cheering in front of the TV?
Monochrome KissSid
This song was used as the opening theme for the anime Black Butler.
It marks the major-label debut of the visual kei rock band SID and was released in October 2008.
From the very first guitar phrase, its heavy yet melodic sound draws you in, perfectly matching the series’ dark, beautiful atmosphere—so cool, right? The lyrics portray the chill and pain of a monochrome world, and a love that turns into obsession from wanting someone too much.
It’s the kind of track you might want to savor alone during the colder season.