[2026] The Hottest Hit Songs from Pachinko and Pachislo! A Special Feature on God-Tier Tracks That Send Your Hype Through the Roof

Refrain of SoulsTakahashi Yoko

Refrain of Souls - Yoko Takahashi

The smash-hit anime Evangelion has been turned into a pachinko machine and continues to be a major success.

There are special projects linking the anime and the pachinko game, and the mutually supportive relationship between them is developing in a positive way.

The song Tamashii no Refrain, which plays during big wins, was the theme song for the film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth.

Many people probably love the a cappella-like opening lines, right? The chorus’s soaring climax could be considered the pinnacle of anime pop.

Lyricist Neko Oikawa has also appeared frequently in the media, often talking about this song.

The future is in our hands.THE BLUE HEARTS

Kaiji OP Full “The Future Is in Our Hands” Kaiji opening full

The manga Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor, which elevated the simple onomatopoeia “zawa zawa zawa…” into a buzzword, is a pioneer that turned psychological mind games into pure entertainment.

Although similar manga and dramas were made afterward, no work is said to have surpassed Kaiji to this day.

The song that plays on the Kaiji-themed pachinko machine, CR Dankyu Mokushiroku Kaiji Numa 3, is this one.

The lyrics, which carry a “I’ve got no expectations for this rotten world” vibe, are pure Blue Hearts.

By stringing together the blunt truth of bold punk, the lyrics have paradoxically resonated with many.

LionSheriru Nōmu starring May’n/Ranka Rī (Nakajima Ai)

Live “Lion” May’n/Megumi Nakajima at Nippon Budokan 2010-12-22 [Conducted by Yoko Kanno] [Subtitled]

It’s a familiar number for anime fans from the 2000s.

The song was used as the opening theme for the anime Macross Frontier, performed by May’n and Megumi Nakajima.

The Macross series has a long history, and this installment is among the most passionately supported by fans, often vying for the top spot.

The lyrics evoke such a grand sense of scale that they feel like they’re expressing the anime’s story on their own.

Some listeners might even find their grip on the steering wheel tightening when this track comes on.

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Araki Jakkan

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HOT BLOODMizuki Nana

Nana Mizuki “HOT BLOOD” (NANA MIZUKI LIVE GATE 2018)

A Japanese rock number with traditional flair, powerfully sung by Nana Mizuki as the ending theme for the anime Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls.

Heavy guitar lines are layered with synths evoking traditional instruments and taiko-like percussion, sonically expressing the work’s world of ninja fate.

The lyrics, interweaving classical and elegant diction, portray the protagonist’s resolve and tragic love—risking life for the one they cherish despite the bonds of blood—where defiance and resignation toward a shifting destiny collide.

Released in January 2018 as a new track on the best-of album THE MUSEUM III, it was also performed during that year’s seven-day run at Nippon Budokan.

A must-listen for those drawn to a fusion of Japanese elements and rock.

Night-Approaching Soul

Basilisk OST III – Aiyoeru Tamashii

An epic, roughly eight-minute instrumental composed as part of the score for the anime Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls.

It features a weighty, traditional Japanese sound, with a structure that builds gradually from a quiet introduction, conveying the fated tragedy of the Kouga and Iga clans through music alone.

It was included on the 2005 album “Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou Drama & Soundtrack Oto Emaki ~Chapter Three~,” and was re-released in 2017 on the pachislot series soundtrack.

As background music played during hall performances, it’s a classic etched in the memories of many fans.

Even more and more KujirakkiYoshiki Risa

Even more and more Kujirakki

A pop tune that makes you feel happy just by listening.

It’s filled with a sparkling wish to become even, even happier, and its irresistibly bright melody leaves a strong impression.

It’s included on the mini-album “CRA Umi Monogatari AQUA with Risa Yoshiki SONG COLLECTION,” released in June 2014, and is known as the legendary track that plays the moment a jackpot is confirmed during the Special Fish Group Time in the pachinko game “CRA Umi Monogatari Aqua with Risa Yoshiki.” Put it on when you want to lift your mood, and it feels like it might just draw some good luck your way…!

NoiseMioyamazaki

MIOYAMAZAKI “Noise” (TV anime Jigoku Shoujo: Yoi no Togi opening theme)

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Hell Girl: Yoi no Togi.

“宵伽” is read as “Yoi no Togi.” Hell Girl has some episodes that are refreshingly cathartic, but also some that leave a bad aftertaste, and even some that make fans themselves go, “Huh?”

This song, which also plays in the pachinko machines, is familiar to those who know the anime.

But I think the melody resonates even with people who don’t.

The lyrics, which push in with “I’m thinking of you—surely you feel the same, right?” are almost scary in their intensity…