Lovely anime song

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
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 writerWakachan Araki
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 Anime Songs (41–50)

a-gainYUI

YUI – Again (Official Audio)

a-gainYUI

It’s the opening theme of the hugely popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

It features YUI’s signature emotional sound and lyrics that make you want to sing along.

The build-up before the chorus is irresistible.

I bet a lot of people sing it at karaoke.

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Hacking to the GateKanako Itou

Itou Kanako – Hacking to the Gate (Live)

Hacking to the Gate Kanako Itō

The opening theme of the anime Steins;Gate.

Its fast-paced rhythm feels great, making it a masterpiece.

Combined with the opening animation, it looks incredibly cool.

The lyrics also capture the anime’s atmosphere well, and listening to the song brings the memorable story back to life.

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Getta BanbanTomohisa Sako

Pocket Monsters OP20 / XY OP3 – “Getta Banban” (Creditless V1) [SD]

Getta Banban Sako Tomohisa

This is the opening theme of the TV anime Pokémon XY, sung by Tomohisa Sako, who was hailed online as the “god of soothing voices.” Just listening to its irresistibly bright sound gives you energy, doesn’t it? The song carries a positive message of “Go out and grab your goals and dreams one after another!”—it feels like a powerful push to take action before overthinking.

Released in April 2015 as his 10th single, it was later included on the album “Boku kara Kimi e.” By the way, the coupling track was reportedly created at the director’s request with the theme “A letter from Clemont to Ash.” The love for the series really shines through! It’s a track packed with heart-stirring elements that we want everyone striving toward their dreams to hear!

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Black BulletfripSide

fripSide – black bullet (Audio)

Black BulletfripSide

This is a track from fripSide—known for their intensely cool songs—that was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Black Bullet.

While creating a weighty impression through extensive use of chorus, the quietly flowing piano lends an air of elegance.

The particularly ear-catching chorus sharply shifts the song’s mood, as the flowing vocals up to that point suddenly turn into a near-shout.

It’s a compelling piece with a powerful impact.

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I want to be friends.School Living Club

TV anime “School-Live!” OP theme “Friend Shitai” preview MV

Friend-Shitai School Life Club

This is the opening theme song of the anime “School-Live!” which depicts the everyday lives of girls barricaded in their school after zombies suddenly appear.

It’s sung by the voice actresses who play the main cast.

The bright melody and energetic lyrics are really cute, but behind them lie the hidden feelings of girls struggling to survive.

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POP TEAM EPICSumire Uesaka

Sumire Uesaka “POP TEAM EPIC” Music Video (YouTube Edit)

Sumire Uesaka from Pop Team Epic

It’s the theme song of the anime Pop Team Epic, which became a hot topic for its self-deprecating taglines like “No matter what you do, it’s crap.” Despite being a surreal gag anime, the EDM sound is incredibly cool—it wouldn’t feel out of place in a club.

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lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Lilac - Mrs. GREEN APPLE

It’s a classic Mrs.

GREEN APPLE track—an exhilarating, back-to-basics guitar rock number that packs in the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

Released in April 2024, the song colored the story as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery.” Its powerful message—let’s love even our past pains and imperfect selves and keep moving forward—resonates deeply with the tale of protagonists who have lost their memories and regain their shine.

It’s easy to see why it won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards.

A charm-like pop tune that gently gives you a push when you’re feeling a little timid at the start of a new season.

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