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

Wanna beteddyloid

Wanna be

Producer TeddyLoid, known for electronic music and his work on anime and game soundtracks, has created this ambitious new track as the opening theme for the TV anime “Tōjima Tanzaburō Wants to Be Kamen Rider,” airing from October 2025.

Featuring Shigeru Matsuzaki and TOPHAMHAT-KYO, the song pairs a powerful four-on-the-floor beat—channeling the fervor of a hero-struck protagonist—with razor-sharp synth leads.

In the chorus, Matsuzaki’s soaring high notes explode, sonically amplifying the series’ central theme of transformation.

A must-listen for fans of hero stories!

Sweet SensationRie Murakawa

Rie Murakawa / Sweet Sensation (TV anime “Age 12: A Little Heart-Pounding Moment” opening theme)

Some teens might even feel a sense of nostalgia.

This song was used as the opening theme for the anime “12-Sai: Chicchana Mune no Tokimeki,” which portrays the love stories of sixth-grade boys and girls.

It’s sung by Rié Murakawa, who is also active as a voice actress.

It was released as her debut single in 2016.

Especially for women, some of you might have been glued to the TV when it aired.

That sweet, bittersweet feeling comes through from the song alone.

Recommendation for Invasion☆ULTRA-PRISM with Squid Girl (Hisako Kanemoto)

Squid Girl OP Invader, Come and Join Us☆ FULL tmp

Squid Girl is Masahiro Anbe’s hallmark work and was serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion.

The TV anime was produced up to a second season, and the opening theme for the first season was “Shinryaku no Susume☆.” It won the Theme Song Award at the Kobe Animation Awards.

Connect -season 03-ClariS

ClariS “Connect -season 03-” Music Video [TV Anime “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” Opening Theme]

That legendary song, long celebrated as a classic of anime music, has been performed by ClariS in their new three-member formation.

It’s a self-cover of the track originally released in 2011 as the opening theme for the TV anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

The three-part harmonies preserve the original’s clarity while adding richer color and depth.

The lyrics, which sing of promises, hope, and resolve, perfectly match the timing of the unit’s fresh start.

I highly recommend it not only to those who were once moved by this song, but also to anyone who hasn’t heard it yet.

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanaction

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.

KICKBACKKenshi Yonezu

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.

Become a flowerGreen Yellow Society

The Apothecary Diaries Non-Credit OP: Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Become a Flower” [Airing nationwide on the Nippon TV network every Saturday from 24:55!]

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-member pop-rock band.

They created “Hana ni Natte” as the opening theme for the anime The Apothecary Diaries.

It’s an up-tempo rock tune with lyrics that celebrate living beautifully like a flower.

It’s enjoyable on its own, of course, but it’s also highly recommended to watch it together with the opening sequence.

The motion in the anime links with the song, letting you feel the theme even more.

Another major appeal is how the lyrics connect with the story.