Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.

coarse sugarAimyon

Aimyon – Zarame [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A work by Aimyon that sings of pain deeply lodged in the heart.

This piece was written specifically as the theme song for a suspense drama.

It’s striking in the way it faces one’s own emotions while still striving to look forward.

Included on the album “Jealousy of a Cat,” the song drew attention alongside the drama “May Lonely Deaths Pile Up,” which began airing in July 2024.

It’s recommended for those carrying heartache or those who want to confront themselves.

It might also be nice to listen alone on a quiet night.

Stars swimMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Hoshi ga Oyogu” MV

A gem of a ballad themed around the restlessness and transience of summer.

Released by Macaroni Empitsu in April 2022, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering.” Its bittersweet lyrics and exhilarating sound leave a strong impression, depicting the sense of loss after losing someone precious and the struggle against fate.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a summer night—perfect for times of heartbreak or parting from someone important.

As you listen, you’ll likely find yourself relating it to your own experiences.

Savor this masterpiece packed with everything that makes Macaroni Empitsu so compelling—you’re sure to be moved.

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Aoi Teshima

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ / Aoi Teshima cover by Yurina

Speaking of Aoi Teshima, she is a vocalist known for her clear, translucent singing voice.

She is also known for performing several songs for Studio Ghibli.

This time, I’d like to introduce “Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~.”

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.

The Garden of WordsRAIN

"The Garden of Words OST / Kotonoha no Niwa" Rain - Motohiro Hata | Cover by Kim Dallim and Hamabal

Makoto Shinkai is a popular animation director.

The song “The Garden of Words,” sung by RAIN, was created as the theme for his fifth animated film, The Garden of Words.

Like the film, the song is heartrending and achingly beautiful, resonating deeply with the heart.

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.