[Latest & Greatest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for Teens

star*frostnonoc

nonoc “star*frost” MV (TV anime “Astra Lost in Space” opening theme)

An anison that makes you want to throw your fist in the air to the beat.

It’s a track by Hokkaido-born singer nonoc, released in 2019, and it served as the opening theme for the anime Astra Lost in Space, which tells the story of boys and girls stranded in outer space.

It’s a mixture rock song built around distorted guitar sounds, and just the sound alone will fire you up! Listen to it before an important match or a big exam—it might boost your concentration! Be sure to enjoy it at high volume!

Goodbye, BystanderYU-KI

YUKI 'Goodbye Bystander'

It’s light, fast-paced, and it really brings you to tears.

The song is by singer YUKI, who has performed many popular hits like “JOY” and “Melancholinista,” and it was released in 2017 as her 31st single.

It was chosen as the opening theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion, which follows the story of professional shogi player Rei Kiriyama.

The lyrics—about “protecting for life the precious person who saved the me that was about to give up”—really hit home.

When you’re anxious about the future or unsure where you’re headed, this piece will stay by your side.

GreyFOMARE

TV anime “Golden Kamuy” (Season 3) Non-Credit OP / OP theme: FOMARE “Grey”

This is the opening theme of the popular anime “Golden Kamuy,” adapted from the manga that sparked a Hokkaido—and broader Ainu culture—boom.

It’s a track by FOMARE, a three-piece rock band from Gunma, included as the title song on their 2020 EP.

A high-energy guitar rock number, its powerful sound and resolute vocals set your heart ablaze.

The lyrics, which express a determination to “keep moving forward,” are inspiring—an anime song you’ll want to listen to when you need motivation.

Chiki Chiki Bang BangQUEENDOM

TV anime “Ya Boy Kongming!” OP theme “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” non-credit video

Once you hear it, it’ll be stuck in your head for the rest of your life! QUEENDOM, a special unit, covers a hit song by Hungarian singer JOLLY.

It served as the opening theme for the anime Ya Boy Kongming!, which drew attention for its premise alone: the legendary Three Kingdoms strategist Zhuge Liang Kongming is reborn in modern Japan and produces the career of a female singer-songwriter.

Just give it a listen—you’ll immediately understand why it became a hit.

You’ll find yourself humming it as soon as it ends.

Sing it at karaoke and I bet everyone there will get hyped together.

I want to be friends.School Living Club

TV anime “School-Live!” OP video

If you’re looking for a cute anison, how about this one? It’s the opening theme for the anime School-Live!, which is based on a manga that ran in Manga Time Kirara Forward.

The characters’ voice actresses perform it under the name “School Living Club.” The anime’s story is a bit grim, following a survival life in a world overrun by zombies, but the song itself is super cute and catchy.

That contrast really gets you.

Walk This WayTHE BEAT GARDEN

[Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul] Non-Credit OP <Second Cour>

A very stylish electronic number that conveys a firm resolve to carve out one’s own path.

Originally appearing as a mobile game and later expanded through various media, Rage of Bahamut featured this song as the opening theme for its anime series, Rage of Bahamut: VIRGIN SOUL.

Performed by the music group THE BEAT GARDEN, it was released in 2017.

The high-impact sound arrangement and powerful vocals are seriously cool!

Invisible SensationUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN「Invisible Sensation」MV

This razor-sharp rock sound sets my mood on fire! It’s a track by the band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, also known for hits like “Sugar Song and Bitter Step,” and it was used as the opening theme for the anime Welcome to the Ballroom.

Released in 2017 as their 12th single, it’s an upbeat number where the bright guitar phrases shine over a four-on-the-floor rhythm.

Sing it at karaoke and you’re almost guaranteed to have a blast!