Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko

OP1 – Full of Dreams

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.

Life is Like a BoatRie fu

Rie fu「Life is Like a Boat」Official Music Video

The gentle piano melody and warm acoustic guitar tones seem to softly nestle up to the listener’s heart.

This work by Rie fu is a song that richly expresses the journey of pressing forward with hope alongside someone precious, even as we face rough waves on the voyage called life.

The interplay of English and Japanese in the lyrics is truly beautiful.

Released as a single in September 2004, it captured the hearts of many fans as the very first ending theme for the anime BLEACH.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling a touch nostalgic or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.

Come here, Perman.Miwa Katsue

Come on, Perman — Katsue Miwa [Pāman]

The theme song of Fujiko Anime’s popular series Perman, “Come on, Perman,” is performed by Katsue Miwa.

Katsue Miwa also voices the character Perman.

It’s incredibly nostalgic—a song that makes you feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to the Showa era.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Woven together with a simple piano tone, this moving song showcases TOMOO’s delicate emotional expression.

It carefully depicts the uniquely adolescent swings of feeling, vividly portraying the interplay of conflicting emotions.

With an intimacy akin to reading a diary, it gently traces the subtleties of a heart in love.

Released in January 2024 and chosen as the ending theme for cour 2 of the TV anime Ao no Hako, the track aligns beautifully with the anime’s world, adding depth to the story.

It’s a recommended listen for those who want to empathize with the feeling of being in love or sink into memories of their youth.

Treasure of FlamesBOBBY

Treasure of Flame (Bobby) — from Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro

Speaking of Bobby’s “Honō no Takarabono” (Treasure of Flame), it’s the ending theme of none other than the masterpiece among masterpieces in the Japanese anime world, Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro.

As you can tell when you listen, it’s an achingly bittersweet and utterly wonderful song.

Ash and PrayerGEMS COMPANY

GEMS COMPANY “Ash and Prayer” (Anime ‘NieR:Automata Ver1.1a’ Cour 2 Ending Theme) Music Video

A moving song where the transience of life and the glimmer of hope intersect.

Chosen as the ending theme for cour 2 of the anime NieR:Automata Ver1.1a, it draws you into a world crafted by Taro Yoko’s lyrics and Keiichi Okabe’s music.

The imagery of ash and prayer leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics depicting human sin and redemption pierce the heart.

Released in July 2024, this track resonates all the more the more you know the story of NieR.

Listening to this work, where profound sorrow and hope intertwine, may give you courage when you stand at a crossroads in life or when you have lost someone dear.

TOUGH BOYTOM☆CAT

Fist of the North Star 2 Opening “TOUGH BOY”

TOM☆CAT’s song “TOUGH BOY” is also famous as the opening theme for the popular action anime “Fist of the North Star 2,” which took the Showa era by storm.

It’s also noteworthy that Tsuyoshi Ujiki participated as a producer.