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

Battle FrontierTakaya Akina

Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation – OP 4 “Battle Frontier” | v2 (Creditless) [LQ]

This is a track that truly resonates, featuring Akina Takaya’s powerful vocals that opened the anime Pokémon: Advanced Generation.

It’s not just relentlessly upbeat; the lyrics convey a sense of resolve to face any hardship, carrying the oath shared with friends close to heart.

The warped guitar sound in the intro and the rhythmic phrasing that heightens the excitement of battles are especially striking! Released in July 2005, the song accompanied episodes 135 through 165 of the anime and was also tied in with the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

It vividly brings to mind intense showdowns with rivals and the protagonists charging toward their goals.

Perfect for times when you want to fire yourself up.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

TV Anime “Dandadan” × Creepy Nuts “Otonoke” Collaboration Music Video

Creepy Nuts, who stormed the scene with the massive hit “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born.” Their new track was written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime Dandadan.

It expresses the idea of music possessing people with the unique concept of a “sonic apparition,” perfectly syncing with the series’ occult worldview.

Over DJ Matsunaga’s exhilarating, fast-paced track, R-Shitei weaves lyrics that cleverly evoke famous horror works and popular manga, revealing new layers with every listen.

Given its quality, it’s no surprise it topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 after its release in October 2024.

It’s a perfect song not only for fans of the anime but also for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Creepy Nuts’ meticulously crafted wordplay.

A Slice of PeachKensuke Ushio

Dandadan | A Slice of Peach | Soundtrack HQ

This is a track that colors the world of the hit anime Dandadan, which depicts intense battles with ghosts and aliens as well as a bittersweet romance.

The music is by Kensuke Ushio, known for works like Chainsaw Man and A Silent Voice.

It’s included on the album Dan Da Dan (Original Series Soundtrack), released in December 2024.

The piece is marked by a heartbeat-like pulsing beat and melodious synth tones that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Thanks to a sound design that seamlessly blends the thrill of an unpredictable story with the sparkle of the protagonists’ youth, it’s a song that fills you with excitement just by listening.

It’s recommended not only for fans of the story but also for anyone who wants to add some color to their everyday life.

For this planetSakushi: Kuroda Hideki / Sakkyoku: Kondou Tatsurou / Ensou: Kazami

Dandadan Regain Returns

This song, with a melody reminiscent of a nostalgic TV commercial jingle, was used as an in-anime track for Dandadan.

It delivers a passionate, forward-looking message, like that of a corporate warrior fighting for this planet.

Lyricist Hideki Kuroda and composer Tatsuro Kondo are the duo behind a 1989 commercial song that became a social phenomenon.

In episode 10, which aired in December 2024, the track played as a faux commercial jingle that propelled the story’s momentum.

Combined with the sprightly performance by DaizyStripper’s Kazami, the result is a sound that fuses nostalgia with a contemporary rock feel.

Paired with the anime’s comical scenes, it’s a track that doubles the work’s playful spirit.

AwakeningSuperfly

Superfly “Awakening” (Live Music Video) – Theme song of the film “Promare”

This is a soul-stirring number written as the theme song for the animated feature Promare.

The theme of the track is “meditation.” Its progressive development—evoking the awakening of inner power and the thrill of the unknown—is captivating.

The lyrics carry a message of fighting not to hurt others, but to protect what’s important, and they really set your heart ablaze.

The song was included on the single Ambitious, released in June 2019, and later featured on the acclaimed album 0.

Give it a listen when you want to fire yourself up and push past your limits.

DREAMIN’ ONDa-iCE

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

This is a fiery rock number chosen as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE.

Released in August 2020 as the 18th single by the dance-vocal group Da-iCE, the song portrays the courage to believe in limitless possibilities and set out on an endless adventure with your companions.

The lyrics are packed with a strong resolve to stay true to yourself, never bow to hardship, and seize your dreams—just listening to it will set your heart ablaze.

The energetic sound and powerful, resonant vocals shine in this track, so be sure to give it a listen.

It will surely give you a push when you’re taking on a challenge or hesitating to take that next step.

DREAMIN’ ONDa-iCE

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

This is a fiery rock number chosen as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE.

Released in August 2020 as the 18th single by the dance-vocal group Da-iCE, the song portrays the courage to believe in limitless possibilities and set out on an endless adventure with your companions.

The lyrics are packed with a strong resolve to stay true to yourself, never bow to hardship, and seize your dreams—just listening to it will set your heart ablaze.

The energetic sound and powerful, resonant vocals shine in this track, so be sure to give it a listen.

It will surely give you a push when you’re taking on a challenge or hesitating to take that next step.