Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
When it comes to anime songs, in the Showa era there were many child-oriented tracks made specifically for each anime, while in the Heisei era there were many tie-in songs that often had little to do with the anime’s storyline.
In contrast, these days there are more and more songs written for anime that have also become signature hits for the artists themselves.
This may well be because Japanese anime has gained popularity overseas.
So this time, we’ll be introducing songs that serve as theme songs for some of Japan’s most iconic anime works!
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All-Star Artists Only! Anime Songs That Energize the Reiwa Era (71–80)
HEROESNishikawa Takanori
Takanori Nishikawa has released a full-fledged rock tune that fuses a high-velocity band sound with an emotional melody.
The song was composed by Sojiro Oki and arranged by seasoned producer Seiji Kameda.
With a powerful message, it’s a track brimming with courage and hope.
Released in May 2025 as his seventh solo single, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “A Middle-Aged Man from the Countryside Becomes a Sword Saint.” The single comes in two editions: a regular edition and a limited-time production edition.
The regular edition includes one of eight random trading cards, while the limited-time production edition features a Blu-ray and a digipak with newly drawn artwork.
It’s an ambitious release recommended not only for anime fans but also for music listeners who love band-driven sounds.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
“BOW AND ARROW” is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist.
Its striking sound blends passion with delicacy, echoing the story’s focus on figure skating.
The lyrics, which celebrate challenge, growth, and the importance of supporting one another, resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a track not only for athletes devoted to their sport, but for anyone striving toward their dreams.
Somebody help usVaundy
A rock tune that sharply captures the urban sense of emptiness and stagnation.
Released in February 2025 as the special ending for episode 7 of the TV anime SAKAMOTO DAYS, it was later included on the single Run, SAKAMOTO, released in March of the same year.
The lyrics deftly portray the loneliness and anxiety of people living in society, paired with a subtly ennui-tinged melodic line that leaves a strong impression.
When you’re feeling life’s hardships or want to reach out for help, this song might resonate with you.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song that celebrates the strength to face adversity, the bonds with comrades, and the desire to try again debuted in May 2021 as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.
Created by Official HIGE DANDism, it features an innovative sound with ten key changes, expressing the protagonist’s indomitable spirit.
It peaked at No.
4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100 and won the Composition Award at the Reiwa 3rd Anisong Taisho.
From August 2022, it was also used in DyDo Drinco’s DyDo Blend commercial.
Imbued with a strong will to keep moving forward despite repeated setbacks, it’s a perfect song to belt out at karaoke.
Plan ADISH//
This is an anime tie-in track that stands out with a rock sound infused with traditional Japanese flavors.
It powerfully conveys the message that “sometimes you need to run from fate,” aligning closely with the protagonist’s inner turmoil and way of life set in the Kamakura period.
It’s an innovative song where DISH//’s dynamic band sound fuses with festival-like rhythms and the timbres of traditional Japanese instruments.
Released as a single in September 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Elusive Samurai.
All members took part in composing, and the lyrics were written by vocalist Takumi Kitamura, making it an ambitious work.
It’s a recommended track not only for fans of anime and manga, but also for music listeners interested in Japanese-style rock.
Stars swimmakaroni enpitsu
The song created by Macaroni Enpitsu as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering” is a track that sings of a fleeting yet beautiful story, like fireworks coloring a summer night sky.
From the protagonist’s perspective, it portrays resolve, the grief of losing someone precious, and memories growing distant, all carried by an exhilarating rock sound.
Included on their major-label 2nd EP “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (A Place for the Soul), the song was released digitally in April 2022 and was crafted with the image of summer’s restlessness and a fate that fades like scattered sparks.
Seamlessly harmonizing with the anime’s worldview, it’s a perfect choice for those who want to delve deeper into the story or feel the bittersweet ache of summer.
unnecessary thingsKitanitatsuya ✕ Natori
This song serves as the theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.
The powerful melody and heartrending lyrics born from the collaboration between Tatsuya Kitani and Natori resonate deeply.
It portrays the protagonist’s resolve and inner turmoil as they confront past sins and strive to walk a new path.
Released digitally in October 2024, with a CD following in November, it also includes the coupling track “I Overwrote It.” The music video has been released as well, visually expressing the world of the song.
It’s a recommended track for when you want to face the complex emotions buried deep within.
Many listeners are likely to relate to its profound themes.