Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
I think it’s quite common that listening to songs tied in with anime makes you recall the work they’re from.
If the story was a sad one, hearing the song can leave you feeling wistful.
Here, I’ve picked out some Japanese pop songs—melancholic anime tracks—that evoke that feeling.
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Masterpieces of melancholy anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
Boogie BackInoue Miyu
This is the ending theme of the Universe Survival Arc from the 2017 broadcast of the anime Dragon Ball Super, which became a hot topic thanks to the major breakthrough of then-newcomer Miyu Inoue.
Released in April of the same year as her memorable debut single, it sings of a bittersweet love set against the backdrop of the city streets.
The strong desire to see the one you love once more rides on her voice and reaches straight to the heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re looking back on the past yet hoping for the courage to step into tomorrow.
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses fierce passion with fleeting poignancy.
Released in December 2021 as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, this work powerfully conveys a pure, unwavering love.
Its devoted resolve—to sacrifice everything for the one you love—is portrayed through a dynamic progression that shakes the listener to the core.
It’s also striking how the relationship between the film’s protagonists, Yuta Okkotsu and Rika Orimoto, is sublimated into a uniquely crafted lyrical world.
An undying classic that resonates deeply with anyone in love.
reverse dreamKing Gnu
This song captured the hearts of many as a soul-stirring, grand ballad.
It features a beautiful piano melody and sweeping string arrangements, with lyrics that poignantly intertwine sorrow and hope.
Released in December 2021, it was selected as the ending theme for the popular anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
The delicate sound design characteristic of King Gnu and the lyrics that align with the film’s worldview are a perfect match.
It’s a recommended track for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or farewells, or for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone dear.
The heart-penetrating vocals are moving and will warmly envelop your heart.
Let’s meet in our dreams.SARD UNDERGROUND
A heartrending love song written as the ending theme for the anime Detective Conan, performed by SARD UNDERGROUND.
Have you ever felt that longing for someone precious whom you can only meet in your dreams? That aching hope for a reunion that can’t happen in reality truly resonates.
Released as a single in August 2024, it’s also included on the simultaneously released album “Namida-iro de.” The delicate vocals reminiscent of ZARD and the moving melody leave a lasting impression—you won’t forget it after just one listen.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.
Don’t be surprised if the tears won’t stop.
Become the windtsuji ayano
Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” is a refreshingly cool song, just like the wind.
It’s also known as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns.
You could say it’s a track that encapsulates the charm of Tsuji, a popular singer-songwriter.
Being human is niceNakajima Yoshimi
Yoshimi Nakajima’s “Ningen tte ii na” (“It’s Great to Be Human”) became popular as the ending theme of the well-known show Nippon Mukashibanashi.
It’s a charming song with a cute melody and lyrics that are somehow wistful yet profound.
It’s said to still be popular at karaoke even today.
wrap (as in: wrap up filming)Yamazaki Ikusaburo
A delicate, wistful medium-tempo ballad that opens with the sound of a film camera.
Released digitally in July 2024, this song is used as the opening theme for the anime “Twilight Out of Focus.” Ikusaburo Yamazaki’s gentle vocals envelop the lingering melancholy of fleeting moments.
The lyrics, which use a film shoot’s wrap as a metaphor, poignantly portray parting and a sense of loss.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to bask in memories or when you’ve experienced a farewell to something or someone precious.
Surely, it will stay close to your heart.