[Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s

Endless DreamAikawa Nanase

Endless Dream

A powerful rock number by Nanase Aikawa that added vibrant color as the opening theme for the anime’s third season.

Released in June 2002, the track is a fast-paced piece that showcases her husky, powerhouse vocals.

The lyrics, written by Aikawa herself, tell a story of two people chasing their future through motifs of journey, hope, and vows.

Composed by Hiroshi Shibasaki (formerly of al.ni.co) and arranged by KANAME, its melodic, uplifting sound blends perfectly with the world of Inuyasha.

After peaking at No.

14 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, it was included on the best-of album ID:2 and continues to be celebrated as one of the series’ signature theme songs.

A highly recommended track for anyone eager to thrill to a Sengoku-era fantasy adventure.

DANZEN! Pretty Cure (the two of us)Gojō Mayumi

[Official] Futari wa Pretty Cure Episode 1: "We Transform!? No Way!"

The Pretty Cure series created a new page in the history of magical girl anime.

Here is the opening theme of its first installment, Futari wa Precure.

Sung by Mayumi Gojo, a singer from Ibaraki Prefecture, it was released as a single in 2004.

Unlike previous magical girl anime, Precure’s fighting style features close-quarters combat—punches and kicks.

It’s an energetic song that perfectly matches that exhilarating world.

Maybe quite a few of you often sing it at karaoke, too?

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Araki Jakkan

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Demon God Child ZENKIKageyama Hironobu

Hironobu Kageyama “Kishin Doji Zenki”

It’s an anison so hot you could almost call it too hot.

Performed by Hironobu Kageyama, the “Prince of Anison,” it was used as the theme song for the anime of the same name.

The lyrics skillfully weave in the story, so even just the song alone conveys the anime’s coolness and fun.

And above all, that voice! Just listening to his powerful vocals is enough to blow away your stress—national-treasure level, if you ask me.

It’s a hard rock number that lifts your spirits and makes you want to sing along yourself.

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Araki Jakkan

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Miracle High Tension!saikoro korokke

Croquette! OP1 Miracle High Tension! / Dice Korokke

This song was used as the opening theme for the anime Croket!, based on the manga by Manavu Kashimoto.

Its lyrics express determination and strength, perfectly matching the story of characters continuing their journey toward their dreams.

It’s also memorable that the visual-kei rock band Psycho le Cému released the track under the project-conscious name “Psycho Lo-Croquette.” With a powerful yet light tempo, the song evokes the series’ brightness.

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kappamaki

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GarnetOku Hanako

Hanako Oku / Garnet (Solo Performance) [Music Video]

This is a wonderful song that etches each fleeting moment of youth into the heart.

It gently portrays school grounds, after-school scenes, and the everyday moments we tend to overlook, while weaving in feelings for a cherished person, resulting in a tender composition.

Okuda Hanako’s clear, translucent voice warmly sings of memories that never fade with time and emotions that remain unchanged, making this a particularly memorable track.

Released in July 2006 as her fourth single, it was selected as the theme song for the animated feature film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, peaking at No.

51 on the Oricon charts and staying on the charts for 19 weeks.

Accompanied by a simple piano tone that brings back nostalgic memories, this song is one you’ll want to hear if you’ve experienced parting with someone dear or are about to take a new step forward.

Legend of ThunderTanimoto Norihiko

Legend of the Galactic Warlords Rai OP FULL 'Thunder Legend'

Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Rai is a science fiction manga by Joji Manabe, and a TV anime adaptation aired from April 1994 to March 1995.

Norihiko Tanimoto, who sang the opening theme, later changed his stage name to Kentaro Hayami and became one of the singing hosts on the children’s program Okaasan to Issho.

Turn the roulette of fateZARD

ZARD - Spin the Roulette of Destiny (TV Ver.)

Revolving Roulette of Fate is a timeless masterpiece by ZARD, released in 1998.

That year, it proudly reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts, and it surely captivated many fans.

Izumi Sakai’s vocals convey a direct, powerful emotion that still grips the hearts of people in their 30s today.

Many of ZARD’s songs sing of courage and hope for the future, and this track, too, gives strength when you need to move forward.

It’s a moving song that brings back unforgettable moments from one’s youth and gives the power to start walking again.