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

Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

The song by Motohiro Hata, written specifically as the theme for a Doraemon film, explores friendship and love, portraying the beauty of bonds that transcend time.

It is a heartwarming classic that gently accepts parting from a loved one while conveying the importance of continuing to hope for a reunion, expressed through warm vocals and melody.

Released as the theme for the 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” which premiered in August 2014, the track reached No.

10 on the Oricon charts and is also included on the album “Ao no Koukei” (Blue Scenery).

The moving story and Hata’s clear, transparent voice harmonize beautifully, making it a work beloved across generations.

It’s the perfect song for those who cherish memories with loved ones or want to sing a heartfelt piece at karaoke.

GHOST SWEEPERChie Harada

1993 GS Mikami OP (lyrics with furigana)

Chie Harada’s debut single “GHOST SWEEPER” is deeply etched in people’s memories as the opening theme for the 1993 anime GS Mikami.

Its nostalgic tones and energetic rhythm bring back the protagonist’s vibrant spirit.

The melody, light and fluttering like a cape, is pleasing to the ear and evokes the excitement we felt as children.

Every listen feels like a time slip back to those days brimming with endless possibilities.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend even now to everyone who loves adventure.

The world is rock, paper, scissors.Takeda Tetsuya Troupe

Sekaiwa Guu Choki Paa

The song “The World is Rock-Paper-Scissors” is performed by Tetsuya Takeda and his troupe, the Tetsuya Takeda Ichiza.

It was used as the theme song for Doraemon’s 15th feature film, Doraemon: Nobita and the Three Visionary Swordsmen.

All the lyrics were written by Tetsuya Takeda, and phrases with a lesson-like message—such as “The world is fun because it isn’t just one thing” and “Even great people have things they’re suited and not suited for”—are expressed in words that even children can understand, which is part of the song’s appeal.

The catchy melody also makes you want to hum it to yourself when it pops into your mind!

Hit in the USABEAT CRUSADERS

Hit in the USA (From “Beck”)

Hit in the USA, which opens the anime BECK, captivates with BEAT CRUSADERS’ energetic guitar riffs and catchy melodies.

The English lyrics heighten the sense of speed, and the chorus sticks in your mind, making you want to sing along.

It conveys the sense of liberation and forward-looking energy that young people felt at the time.

For those in their 30s, it offers a chance to escape everyday noise and experience a fictional musical story that brings a momentary sense of comfort and courage.

It’s a heart-pounding number that seems to whisk listeners away to the free-spirited scenery of the American West Coast.

Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon

Crimson Bow and Arrow

This song is characterized by its overwhelmingly grand music and powerful lyrics.

It expresses a strong will to rebel and seek freedom in a world ruled by overwhelming power.

It has the ability to inspire courage and hope in listeners.

Released digitally in April 2013, it captured the hearts of many and set various records.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and sold 129,000 copies.

Used as an anime opening theme, it generated significant buzz.

It’s a highly recommended track when you want to believe in your inner strength or need the courage to face adversity.

Shangri-Laangela

Shangri-La

angela’s “Shangri-La” is a classic that was also used as the theme song for the anime Fafner in the Azure.

Its distinctive melodic line sticks in your head after just one listen, leaving a lingering, resonant aftertaste.

Atsuko’s overwhelming vocals grip the listener, while KATSU’s meticulous sound production amplifies the song’s appeal.

Especially in the climactic sections, you feel a sense of unity as if it were your own experience, and you can’t help wanting to sing along.

It’s rhythmic yet peppered with dramatic developments throughout, revealing something new no matter when you listen.

Drawing listeners into a whirlpool of passion, this track delivers both nostalgia and exhilaration, along with memories of that anime once seen on TV.

To All Tha DreamersSOUL’d OUT

SOUL’d OUT　『To All Tha Dreamers』

This is a song by the hip-hop group SOUL’d OUT that was used as the ending theme for the anime Yakitate!! Japan.

The ending sequence, featuring the character Ken Matsushiro dancing briskly, also left a powerful impression.

The beat-forward sound and SOUL’d OUT’s signature high-speed rap are major attractions.

While rooted in classic hip-hop, the track weaves in elements from various musical genres—a quality that really comes through in how the song unfolds.