[Nostalgic] A special feature on legendary anime theme songs: revisiting those classic tracks

Oak Wood MocOnogi Kumiko

Oak Wood Moc

With a bright, lively rhythm and a catchy, child-friendly melody, this heartwarming song conveys the importance of kindness and human bonds.

It expresses the protagonist’s innocence and positive spirit through simple yet memorable phrases, resulting in a familiar tune that anyone can hum along to.

The clear, gentle vocals of Kumiko Onogi and the Columbia Yurikago Kai softly deliver the story’s message.

Released in January 1972, it was used as the opening theme for an anime produced by Tatsunoko Production.

It has continued to be loved for many years and cherished by people of all ages.

It’s a nostalgic track that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

The Fateful Day ~Soul vs. Soul~Kageyama Hironobu

The Fateful Day ~Soul vs. Soul~

I bet many of you have tried mimicking the act of releasing ki! The globally popular anime Dragon Ball Z featured the insert song “Day of Destiny ~Spirit vs.

Spirit~.” It played during the Cell arc when Gohan awakened into Super Saiyan 2.

After Android 16 was destroyed by Cell, Gohan’s anger peaked and he powered up beyond his limits… The song, blending intensity with a touch of sorrow, fit that development perfectly.

Hiroshi Kageyama’s powerful vocals shake both the chest and the heart.

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Saint Seiya Myth ~Soldier Dream~Kageyama Hironobu & BROADWAY

Saint Seiya Myth ~Soldier Dream~ (An Acoustic Guitar Duo’s Shady Journey!! Live ver.)

It’s a landmark anime song that unfolds a dramatic, grand-scale worldview.

Featuring Hironobu Kageyama’s powerful vocals and BROADWAY’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound, it’s an irresistibly compelling track.

The lyrics, depicting the mission and friendship of warriors who fight with their lives shining, and their hope for the future, are sure to set listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Released in May 1988, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a TV Asahi anime.

In May 2019, a male contestant who performed this song on NHK Nodo Jiman was crowned the first Reiwa-era anime song champion.

Highly recommended not only for those who enjoyed anime in their youth, but for anyone with a fiery spirit.

Blue waterMorikawa Miho

Blue Water (21st century ver.)

This is a masterpiece whose crystal-clear, refreshing melody and hope-filled lyrics resonate deeply.

It beautifully expresses a profound bond with a loved one, the courage to keep moving forward, and the excitement for a future brimming with limitless possibilities.

Miho Morikawa’s powerful, expansive vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

Released in April 1990, it was selected as the opening theme for the NHK anime “Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water,” becoming a popular hit that stayed on the Oricon charts for 11 consecutive weeks.

Also included on the albums “VOICES” and “GOLDEN☆BEST Miho Morikawa,” this song is perfect for adding color to everyday life or giving yourself a boost when you need it.

Song of Steel JeegMizuki Ichirō

Song of Steel Jeeg (Steel Jeeg)

The 1975 robot anime theme song, woven from powerful vocals and melody, portrays an epic tale of a righteous hero battling an evil army.

With a valiant composition by Chuumei Watanabe and lyrics by Haruo Hayashi that stirringly express the protagonist’s sense of mission and responsibility, the piece is perfectly complemented by Ichirou Mizuki’s passionate singing.

Included on the album “Super Robot Spirits: Theme Song Best Collection 2,” this track has colored numerous iconic scenes of giant robots in combat.

It’s a recommended song for those who resonate with heroes of justice or are looking for an uplifting, courage-inspiring anthem.

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.

Unwavering WishTamura Naomi

Naomi Tamura “Unyielding Wish” feat. Akio Dobashi × Shunsuke Ishikawa × Koji Hasegawa × Yoshio Nomura

Resounding with a sound that embodies an unyielding will to push forward without giving up on dreams and goals, it stirs the listener’s heart with fiery emotion.

Woven by Naomi Tamura, this rock-tinged, youth-infused piece carries a message of courage to overcome hardships time and again.

Released in November 1994, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth and was also included on the album N’ and the acclaimed GOLDEN☆BEST.

Mirroring the protagonist’s doubts and inner conflicts as well as their determined, forward-looking stance, it achieved remarkable synergy.

It’s the perfect song to gently nudge you from behind when you want to move forward but can’t quite take that first step.