[I Want to Get Fired Up!] A Special Feature on Anime Songs That Pump You Up

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, who draws attention for his genre-blurring musicality from electronica to folk, released his 13th single in November 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man—a track that sonically paints protagonist Denji’s desires and inner turmoil.

Its lyrics, where a thirst for happiness collides with the emptiness of reality, resonate with the mindset of young people trying to claw their way up from rock bottom.

The fierce drum’n’bass-infused beat and dizzying key changes are an emotional roller coaster in themselves.

With dance videos spreading across social media, it also meshes perfectly with the digitally native Gen Z audience.

It’s an impulsive rock tune for anyone craving a jolt in their everyday life.

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

It’s the opening theme of the smash-hit anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” Its breezy yet slightly lonely, bittersweet tone is striking.

It conjures scenes bathed in summer sunlight and is a masterpiece that fits the work perfectly.

If it shinesGoose house

If It Shines / Goose house

This is a song written as the opening theme for the TV anime Your Lie in April.

It’s quintessentially Goosehouse: up-tempo, refreshing, and somehow warm.

Beautiful yet intense, it’s a track that gives you courage—perfect as the theme song for Your Lie in April, which portrays music, love, and life.

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satou-san

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kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

This is Sakanaction’s first anime tie-in song, depicting the passion and struggles of those who pursue truth.

Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for NHK General’s “Chi: On the Movements of the Earth.” Deeply connected to the anime’s worldview, which focuses on people attempting to prove the heliocentric theory, the lyrics convey a strong will to keep seeking the truth even in darkness.

Sakanaction’s unique sound—a fusion of electronica and rock—evokes curiosity and a forward-looking mindset.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience that sensation of having your own common sense overturned when you encounter new knowledge.

Hanamaru Pippi is only for good kidsAoP

TV Anime Osomatsu-san OP 'Hanamaru Pippi wa Yoiko Dake / A応P' MV Making (Dance Version)

It’s the opening theme of the first season of the anime Osomatsu-san, which is based on Fujio Akatsuka’s gag manga Osomatsu-kun.

It’s sung by the idol group AŌP, formed under the theme of the “Anime ‘On Our Own’ Support Project.” The melody has a somewhat nostalgic feel that makes it really addictive.

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Araki Jakkan

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Sacred Girl DomainALI PROJECT

Seishoujo Ryouiki (with lyrics)

As the opening theme of the popular anime Rozen Maiden, this song epitomizes ALI PROJECT.

With its gothic lyrics and melody, complex progression, and a flawlessly delivered worldview, it’s a masterpiece that draws you into the ALI PROJECT universe in an instant.

Boy, return to yourself.yakushimaru etsuko metoro ōkesutora

Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra “Boys, Come Back to Me” (short ver.)

The opening theme for the second cour of the anime “Mawaru Penguindrum.” Its orchestral performance and whispery vocals are addictive.

The lyrics are also thought-provoking and open to interpretation.

Etsuko Yakushimaru is also active as the vocalist of the popular band Soutaiseiriron (Relativity Theory).