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

Battle FrontierAkina Takaya

Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation – OP 4 “Battle Frontier” | v2 (Creditless) [LQ]

This is a track that truly resonates, featuring Akina Takaya’s powerful vocals that opened the anime Pokémon: Advanced Generation.

It’s not just relentlessly upbeat; the lyrics convey a sense of resolve to face any hardship, carrying the oath shared with friends close to heart.

The warped guitar sound in the intro and the rhythmic phrasing that heightens the excitement of battles are especially striking! Released in July 2005, the song accompanied episodes 135 through 165 of the anime and was also tied in with the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

It vividly brings to mind intense showdowns with rivals and the protagonists charging toward their goals.

Perfect for times when you want to fire yourself up.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master - 20th Anniversary -Rika Matsumoto

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-

This is the 20th-anniversary version of the original opening theme from the anime Pokémon.

It’s sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices the protagonist Ash, and her powerful vocals are as strong as ever.

On top of the original’s momentum, the live-instrument performance gives the sound an extra boost that’s enough to get your heart racing just by listening.

The music vividly conveys the excitement of the beginning of an adventure chasing dreams with your friends, as depicted in the lyrics.

Marking twenty years since the original song’s 1997 release, this version was used as the theme song for the movie Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! Incidentally, at a commemorative event in December 2017, about a thousand fans gathered and the venue was filled with a sense of unity.

It’s an uplifting track that I think gives a push to anyone taking on a challenge.

I'm a popular kid.Shinnosuke Nohara

Crayon Shin-chan Theme Song OP3: I’m a Popular Guy (Ora wa Ninkimono)

The voice actor for the protagonist Shinnosuke, Akiko Yajima, sings this song.

It was included on her debut single released in July 1993 and was used as the third opening theme for the TV anime.

With bold lyrics proclaiming herself a star, it feels like the song perfectly captures Shin-chan’s relentlessly cheerful personality.

Just listening to it brings to mind Shin-chan’s powerful, laid-back daily life.

This track became the first character-name single to break into the Oricon Top 10.

Give it a listen when you want to lift your mood, or when you want to feel energized without sweating the small stuff—just like Shin-chan.

It might also be fun to sing along together as a parent and child.

Loosey-goosey DE-O!Shinnosuke Nohara

Yuru-yuru DE-O!

It’s such a fun, upbeat rap-style track sung by Shin-chan, isn’t it? The theme is Shin-chan’s carefree, laid-back everyday life, and just listening to it lifts your spirits and naturally brings a smile to your face.

With the director himself writing the lyrics, the song is packed with Shin-chan’s unhurried, slightly precocious charm.

It was released as a single in January 2005, and it served as the opening theme for the TV anime for about five years starting in October 2004.

It’s also included on the album “Crayon Shin-chan Theme Song CD: Kikanakya Son, Song, Song for You.” It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you need a boost.

AUTUMN DREAMReiko Omori

I gathered all of Fancy Lala/Lala’s songs!

It’s an image song from the anime “Magical Stage Fancy Lala.” It’s sung by Reiko Omori, who voiced the protagonist, and is included on the album “Lala’s Music Canvas page.II ~ Autumn Dream,” released in September 1998.

The lyrics beautifully portray the sweet-and-sour feelings of love swaying amid autumn scenery.

The pop arrangement blends a light, breezy feel with a touch of sentimentality, which is wonderful as well.

Reiko Omori’s clear, translucent vocals further enhance the charm of the piece.

Give it a listen on a typically lonely autumn afternoon.

Jungle P5050

Jungle P

This is a song by the eight-member band 5050, used as the opening theme for the TV anime One Piece.

Its irresistibly bright, ska-based sound alone lifts your spirits and fills you with excitement for the grand adventure that’s about to begin.

The lyrics express the thrill of a sweeping journey across the world’s seas and a spirit of curiosity that drives one to challenge the unknown.

Released as a single in November 2007, the track accompanied episodes 326 through 372 of the anime.

You can practically picture Luffy and his crew confronting hardships with the strength of their bonds.

It’s a perfect song not only for boosting your mood on a drive, but also as an anthem to cheer you on when taking a new step forward.

Crazy RainbowTackey & Tsubasa

One Piece OP 8 – Crazy Rainbow Lyrics

It feels like the acceleration is painting a vivid rainbow! The duo Tackey & Tsubasa, formed by Hideaki Takizawa and Tsubasa Imai, released this song as their eighth single in 2007.

It was the opening theme for the beloved anime One Piece.

With a powerful message that makes you feel like you can break through even the reality before your eyes, and an up-tempo sound that signals the start of an adventure, it’s absolutely thrilling! The song reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, and in episode 303 of the anime, the two even make a humorous cameo within the story.

It’s the perfect number for taking a new step with your friends or when you want to lift your spirits.