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 bittersweet anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
This is the song that was used as the ending theme for the anime Anohana.
No matter when I listen to it, I feel a pang of sadness.
It really feels like the end of summer…
100% CourageNYC
This is a song that makes you feel like you just have to be brave.
It’s so straightforward that it cheers you up whether you like it or not.
It seems like a song that could lift the spirits of a woman heartbroken after a breakup.
Isn’t it a classic? I’ve been listening to it since I was little, so it’s a song I still want to listen to from time to time.
1/2Kawamoto Makoto
It’s a classic song I’ve been listening to since I was little.
The tempo and the lyrics make it super upbeat.
Kawamoto-san’s clear, pure voice makes it one of those songs that brightens your mood.
I think it’s great to listen to after a breakup—it lifts your spirits a bit.
Name of LifeKimura Yumi
It’s a hidden gem from Spirited Away, a representative Japanese animated film that became a worldwide hit.
It’s sung by Yumi Kimura, who also performs the main theme, Always With Me.
Her clear, pure voice pairs beautifully with lyrics that feel like they’ve stepped out of a work of literary fiction.
Galaxy Express 999Godiego
The anime that chose Godiego—who were at the height of their popularity at the time—to sing its theme song is Galaxy Express 999.
As you know, it’s a space-spanning adventure fantasy, and this song fits its world perfectly; just listening to it makes my heart flutter.
Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko
Yumiko Seki’s “Yume Ippai” is still a truly wonderful song even today.
It’s also known as the first theme song of the popular anime Chibi Maruko-chan, which is still on the air.
The lyrics are absolutely fantastic and perfectly match the worldview of the early Chibi Maruko-chan.
Sad ConstellationIKU
With its slow tempo and clear, translucent voice, it’s very easy to listen to.
The lyrics are great and make it a song you can really relate to.
The part about a letter that will never be delivered resonates so much it brings me to tears.
I’ve been listening to it on repeat.
It’s a song I want to listen to alone.