![Male Singer-Songwriters’ Anime Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/9aJVr5tTTWk/maxresdefault.webp)
Male Singer-Songwriters’ Anime Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
You know how you sometimes think, “I’ve heard this song somewhere,” and it turns out it was an anime theme song? And often you only know the chorus.
Here’s a roundup of popular anime songs performed by male singer-songwriters.
Male Singer-Songwriters’ Anime Songs: Popular Hits Ranking [2026] (1–10)
peace signYonezu Kenshi1rank/position
Set to an energetic guitar rock tune, this work vividly portrays the protagonist’s strong resolve to overcome past inadequacies and sorrow and move straight toward the future.
Even if a harsh fate awaits, it carries a passionate message about treasuring every moment and living powerfully through it.
Released in June 2017 as Kenshi Yonezu’s seventh single, it was selected as the opening theme for the first cour of Season 2 of the TV anime My Hero Academia.
As a motivational anthem that encourages those striving daily toward their dreams and goals, it’s a number we hope anyone seeking the courage to move forward will listen to.
One More Time,One More ChanceYamazaki Masayoshi2rank/position
This is a gem of a ballad that passionately sings of loss and a deep longing for reunion.
Feelings of wistfulness and regret seep into the heart through Masayoshi Yamazaki’s clear vocals and the timbre of his acoustic guitar.
Since its release in January 1997, it has remained a beloved classic as the theme song of the film “Moon and Cabbage.” In 2007, it was also chosen as the theme for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second,” capturing the hearts of a new generation.
The lyrics, which trace the lingering image of a cherished person glimpsed within everyday scenes, and the simple yet richly expressive melody gently embrace the bittersweet love that everyone has experienced.
It is a song that quietly stays by the side of those who continue to think of someone dear, and those who hold memories of a precious person close to their hearts.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro3rank/position
It’s a moving ballad whose lyrics speak to the warmth of having someone precious by your side and ask what you can do for that person.
This song makes you realize that everyday life, which seems so ordinary, is actually an irreplaceable treasure.
Its message—that even if you’re apart, your hearts remain connected—will surely give you courage! Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it has since become one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.
His gentle yet powerful voice will softly stay by your side.
It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special, or for occasions like weddings.
Why not listen while thinking of the person who is like a “sunflower” to you?
It seems like it has to be you.Ōishi Masayoshi4rank/position
This is the song that marked Masayoshi Oishi’s beginning as an anisong singer.
Drawing on his many years of experience as Masayoshi Oishi of Sound Schedule, the track features a technical guitar tone and a bright, soaring vocal that leave a strong impression.
It was also used as the opening theme for the anime Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, and the music conveys a strong sense of fun and exhilaration.
With a light rhythm that evokes a marching feel and a structure that seems to invite audience calls, it also feels imbued with a wish to create a joyful space that brings everyone along.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi5rank/position
A melody as sharp as a blade gliding over ice, yet burning with passion, resonates in the heart.
Kenshi Yonezu’s “BOW AND ARROW,” released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist, likens the bond between the figure-skating protagonist and their coach to a “bow and arrow,” brilliantly capturing the single-minded drive to push toward a goal.
Try listening to it at that decisive moment of competition to fire yourself up.
KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi6rank/position
Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who continues to redefine the concept of J-pop with overwhelming originality.
Released in 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, the song made global headlines by becoming the first-ever Japanese-language track to be certified Gold by the RIAA in 2023, and then achieving Platinum in 2025.
Its lyrics, which portray the protagonist’s yearning for a peaceful life in stark contrast with a self-destructive impulse, merge with a thrilling sound marked by relentless key changes to leave listeners awestruck.
The weighty beat—crafted with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu as a co-arranger—feels perfect for blowing away pent-up frustration or soundtracking a workout that pushes your body to the limit.
IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi7rank/position
This is a new song by Kenshi Yonezu, written as the theme for the film “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc,” set to be released in September 2025.
The anecdote about him keeping a page featuring the original characters open around the clock and glaring at it while composing has also drawn attention! It’s an appealing track with a powerful rhythm and a thrilling, high-velocity rock sound that colors the intense battles and suspenseful developments.
The song’s overwhelming energy seems like a perfect fit as BGM for all-out races at school sports days, such as sprints and relays.
The aggressive tone of the piece is sure to give a strong push to the children giving it their all and heat up the entire venue.