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

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

A song that sings about the contradictions of modern society and the joys and pains of everyday life was released by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN in May 2015.

It portrays people living in a chaotic world with catchy, pop melodies and striking lyrics.

Packed with deeper themes—such as the discomfort hidden in daily life, the power of music, and the balance between individuality and society—the song’s worldview contrasts appealingly with its up-tempo sound.

Written as the ending theme for the TV anime Blood Blockade Battlefront, it gained popularity alongside the ending visuals featuring the characters dancing.

It has become a cross-generational favorite, ranking high in JOYSOUND’s decade-based karaoke rankings in 2018.

Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+

nobodyknows+ “Kokoro Odoru” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is a signature song by nobodyknows+, released in 2004, which was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SD Gundam Force.

At the time, the cool flow of the five MCs passing the mic and weaving their verses drew a great deal of attention.

Some of you might even have memorized the lyrics and sung it often at karaoke.

In 2022, it was also featured on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, and many people in their 30s were surely thrilled to see the live performance brought back across time.

GarnetHanako Oku

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.

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ | Official Music Video

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.M.Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Dang Dang is on my mind.Yuma Nakamura

Oishinbo Late-Period OP 'Dang Dang Kininaru' Full Version

This is the opening theme of the anime Oishinbo, which sparked Japan’s gourmet boom.

Incidentally, the coupling track LINE was also used as the anime’s ending theme.

It’s a song with a sound characteristic of the peak of the bubble economy—one that makes your body move naturally.

Go-RoundNao Ito in FIX

GO-ROUND / Nao Ito in FIX

The game itself that you could play on the Game Boy was fun too, wasn’t it? This is the opening theme of the anime ‘Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Children,’ titled ‘Go-Round.’ It was the debut single of the music unit Nao Ito in FIX, released in 2000.

Its rhythmic, stylish sound carries a classic anison vibe.

The chorus, with a melody line that feels like heat bubbling up, is especially cool! Perfect for when you want to lift your spirits and pump up your energy.

Hamtaro Tottoko SongHam-chans

[Anime] 'Hamtaro Tottoko Uta' (Sung by: Ham-Chans) [Official] Hamtaro opening theme song, Part 1

In particular, it gained a lot of support from elementary school girls at the time.

This is the opening theme of the cute hamster story Hamtaro.

Once you hear it, you can’t get it out of your head—before you know it, you’ll catch yourself humming it without thinking.

Hamtaro was an anime series that aired for quite a long time, but if someone asks, “What’s the Hamtaro theme song?” this is definitely the one that comes to mind.

If you sing it at karaoke now with people from the same generation, it might be a hit.