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 poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Name of LifeYumi Kimura
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.
Full of dreamsYumiko Seki
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.
Come here, Perman.Katsue Miwa
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
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.
colorlessAzumi Uehara
This is a song that was used as an ending theme for the anime Detective Conan.
It’s sung by Azumi Uehara, a singer from Tokyo, and was released in 2002 as her fifth single.
For those who watched Detective Conan back then, it’s a nostalgic track.
The lyrics, which express the loneliness of being alone and the feeling of “I want to see you,” are heart-wrenching.
Her fragile vocals match the tone of the song beautifully.
It’s a bittersweet rock ballad that brings back memories of past loves.