Lovely anime song

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Anime songs, now even considered a music genre in their own right, enjoy immense popularity.

Many people got hooked on anime by watching shows tied to their favorite musicians—and the reverse is true as well!

From among these inseparable companions to anime, this article will introduce tracks that are sure to get you pumped up when you listen to them.

They’re all certified classics, and before you know it, you might find yourself wanting to watch the anime they’re from.

Use this list in all sorts of situations: when you’re feeling low, when you want to boost your mood, or when you’re searching for anime songs that will get the crowd going at karaoke!

[I Want to Get Fired Up!] A Special Feature on Hype-Inducing Anime Songs (91–100)

Welcome to Chaos(K)NoW_NAME

TV anime Dorohedoro non-credit opening video (K)NoW_NAME “Welcome to Chaos”

Welcome to Chaos(K)NoW_NAME

This is the opening theme of the anime Dorohedoro, known for its dark worldview.

The track is by the creative unit (K)NoW_NAME and was released in 2020 as their ninth single.

Incidentally, they also produced the show’s overall music.

It’s a hard rock number brimming with an eerie vibe that perfectly matches the story, and its distinctive sound arrangement is the kind you can’t escape once you’re hooked.

Also, the break right after the chorus is incredibly cool—be sure to pay attention to it.

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I am the strongest.Ado

[Ado] I’m the Strongest (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)

I am the strongest.Ado

A rousing anthem that powerfully sings of one’s dreams and hopes! Riding on a melody created by Motoki Omori of Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, Ado’s commanding vocals surge forward, carrying heartfelt wishes from deep within.

Messages like “overcoming fear and moving ahead” and “a shining future with your companions” resound alongside an aggressive rock sound, gently giving listeners a push from behind.

Featured as an insert song in the June 2022 film ONE PIECE FILM RED, this track brought theaters to life and reached No.

2 on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100.

It’s sure to instantly ignite the atmosphere at sports days and school festivals as well.

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[I Want to Get Fired Up!] A Special Feature on Hype Anime Songs (101–110)

single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu

King Gnu – Ichizu

single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu

This is a King Gnu song characterized by a sound that conveys intense passion and energy.

It portrays pure, powerful love that deeply moves listeners.

Released in December 2021 as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it received high acclaim across many music charts.

In December 2022, it ranked first in the Oricon Yearly Combined Singles Ranking for the 55th Annual Rankings.

The lyrics express a resolve to devote everything to a loved one and a determination to overcome suffering.

It’s a recommended track when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important or need the courage to face difficulties.

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Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy

Run, SAKAMOTO / Vaundy: Music Video

Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy

This is an anime tie-in song that stirs the heart with an exhilarating melody and powerful beat.

Packed with Vaundy’s love for anime, the track powerfully conveys the protagonist’s determination and courage to keep moving forward.

Its richly layered sound—recorded in London—vividly depicts the struggles the protagonist faces while trying to live a normal life despite a past as an assassin, along with the strength to press on regardless.

Released in January 2025 as the opening theme for the TV anime SAKAMOTO DAYS, the song’s dynamic energy pairs perfectly with the action-packed series, making you feel as if you’re sprinting alongside the hero.

It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to take a new step or need the courage to face challenges.

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Knock OutOkazaki Taiiku

Okazaki Taiiku “Knock Out” Music Video

Knock OutOkazaki Taiiku

Since his debut, singer-songwriter Taiiku Okazaki has gained popularity for his one-of-a-kind perspective and musical style.

His 15th digital single “Knock Out,” chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Mashle: MAGIC AND MUSCLES, is a track whose heavy metal sound and driving beat will get your adrenaline pumping.

Its catchy melody, carried by a powerful ensemble, also ties in with the world of the series.

Blending Okazaki’s signature comedic lyrics with a cool sound, it’s an uplifting tune that heightens anticipation for the anime.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Passion remembers.GRANRODEO

Anime “Baki” Great Raitai Tournament Arc Non-Credit OP “I Remember the Passion” / GRANRODEO | “BAKI: Dai Raitaisai-hen” (2020)

Passion remembers.GRANRODEO

A masculine anime song that was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Baki: The Great Raitai Tournament Saga.

It’s a track by GRANRODEO, the musical duo of KISHOW and e-ZUKA, released in 2020 as their 31st single.

The lyrics are filled with powerful words perfect for a martial arts anime, the sound has a touch of exotic flair—perhaps because the story is set in China—and above all, the vocals are blazing hot.

No matter which part you take, it’s a cool rock number you can’t help but be captivated by.

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ChallengerMatsumoto Rika

Pocket Monsters OP07 / AG OP2 – “Challenger!!” (Creditless w/ Lyrics)

ChallengerMatsumoto Rika

This is the song that was used as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon Advanced Generation from April 2004 through episode 104.

Sung by Rika Matsumoto, who also voices the protagonist Ash (Satoshi), her powerful vocals perfectly herald the start of an adventure.

The lyrics convey a challenger’s spirit—never giving up no matter the hardship and pushing forward to the very end.

It’s a track brimming with positive energy that faces down the wall in front of you without fear.

Incidentally, it’s also included on the acclaimed 2023 release BEST OF BEST OF BEST 1997–2023.

If you listen to it when you’re starting something new, it’s sure to give you a push.

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