Male Singer-Songwriters’ Anime Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

I live, I will keep on living.Fukuyama Masaharu78rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Living, Going On (Full ver.)

It is the theme song of the movie “Doraemon: Nobita and the Island of Miracles ~Animal Adventure~.” The song features an impressive rhythm that emphasizes the offbeat and is enjoyable even for children.

Many listeners may find the lyrics—which feel like an adult speaking to a child—deeply relatable.

RainHata Motohiro79rank/position

Rain

It’s a song whose sound of rain seeps into the heart.

Sung powerfully by Motohiro Hata, this piece was originally a masterpiece released to the world by Senri Oe on his 1988 album “1234,” with Hata’s version included on his May 2013 single “Kotonoha.” It graced the ending of the animated film “The Garden of Words,” captivating fans.

The ineffable pangs of sorrow and the subtleties of the heart are delicately portrayed alongside rainy scenes, and that frustrating sense of longing tightens the chest.

Perfect for gazing at a summer downpour lost in thought, or for nights when you want to shed tears over a love that has passed.

globeYonezu Kenshi80rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who continues to captivate many listeners with his original, imaginative world.

Centered on themes of loss and rebirth, the lyrics of this piece resonate deeply, while the organic ensemble of piano and strings quietly stirs the listener’s emotions.

Marking the 100th song released under the name Kenshi Yonezu, it came out in July 2023 and was written as the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s film “The Boy and the Heron.” With a relatively narrow vocal range and a leisurely melody, it’s easy to hum along to even for those not confident in their singing.

It’s a beautiful yet powerful ballad, one to sing with care while savoring the lingering emotions of the story.

Dragon SoulTanimoto Takayoshi81rank/position

TANIMOTO TAKAYOSHI DRAGON SOUL JAPONES E PORTUGUES ANIME DREAMS 2014

It’s no exaggeration to say there isn’t a single person in Japan who doesn’t know Dragon Ball.

This song was used as the opening theme for Dragon Ball Kai.

Many of you have probably heard it.

Its mid-tempo programmed sound and energetic, vitality-filled vocals will lift your spirits.

The shout in the chorus is guaranteed to make you want to yell along.

Yeah! Break! care! Break!Tanimoto Takayoshi82rank/position

Yeah!Break!Care!Break! Full version

Takayoshi Tanimoto, who performed the opening theme for Dragon Ball Kai, also handled the ending theme.

In the Dragon Ball series, only Hironobu Kageyama during Dragon Ball Z and Takayoshi Tanimoto have performed both the OP and ED themes.

He is from Hiroshima, and among his high school bandmates was YUJI, the former drummer of D-SHADE.

Unprecedented; unparalleled; one-of-a-kind (Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go)Tanimoto Takayoshi83rank/position

Unprecedented; unparalleled; one-of-a-kind (Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go)

The passionate lyrics and energetic tempo resonate deeply.

Released in June 2014, this song was used as the opening theme for the Majin Buu arc of the anime Dragon Ball Kai.

Takayoshi Tanimoto’s powerful vocals further amplify the world of Dragon Ball.

The song carries soul-stirring messages about battling oneself and finding the courage to push past limits.

For those who keep challenging themselves or striving toward their dreams, it’s sure to ignite even greater passion.

VYūsuke84rank/position

Yusuke 'V'

This is the opening theme song for Pokémon XY, sung by Yusuke (Yusuke Kamiji), who is also active as an actor and TV personality.

The “V” in the title stands for “volt,” and the lyrics include words from the Pokémon series, making it a song crafted for the franchise.

Its fast-paced melody makes it an invigorating track.