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

MöbiusJanne Da Arc

Janne Da Arc – Möbius

This song portrays the emotions of a protagonist lost in an endless labyrinth of love.

The cosmic sweep of the synthesizer tones blends with Yasu’s heartrending vocals to vividly depict a love you can’t escape—like a Möbius strip.

The structure, which dramatically shifts from digital sound in the verse to a weighty band ensemble in the chorus, is sure to seize listeners’ hearts.

Released in May 2006, the track was also used as the opening theme for the anime Yo-kai Ninpōchō: Yōgyakumon (Ninpū Kamui Gaiden).

On nights when your heart is thrown into turmoil by feelings you can’t possibly sever, immerse yourself deeply in this work’s world.

Ready Go!Tamura Naomi

Pokémon OP5 'Ready Go!' Naomi Tamura

This is the opening theme that marked the finale of the original series of the anime Pokémon.

Naomi Tamura’s energetic vocals instantly heighten the sense of anticipation for the grand adventure to come.

You can almost see a hopeful scene of racing across the sunlit earth and heading beyond the rainbow.

It conveys the protagonist’s pure excitement as they step toward new encounters and unseen worlds.

Released as a single in March 2002, the song was used in the anime from Episode 239 through the final episode.

It’s a track that gives you a powerful push when you want to start a new challenge or take that last step toward your dream.

Truly a perfect send-off song for setting out on a journey.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master – 20th Anniversary –Matsumoto Rika

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master -20th Anniversary-

This is the 20th-anniversary version of the original opening theme from the anime Pokémon.

It’s sung by Rica Matsumoto, who voices the protagonist Ash, and her powerful vocals are as strong as ever.

On top of the original’s momentum, the live-instrument performance gives the sound an extra boost that’s enough to get your heart racing just by listening.

The music vividly conveys the excitement of the beginning of an adventure chasing dreams with your friends, as depicted in the lyrics.

Marking twenty years since the original song’s 1997 release, this version was used as the theme song for the movie Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! Incidentally, at a commemorative event in December 2017, about a thousand fans gathered and the venue was filled with a sense of unity.

It’s an uplifting track that I think gives a push to anyone taking on a challenge.

I’m a popular kid.nohara shinnosuke

Crayon Shin-chan Theme Song OP3: I’m a Popular Guy (Ora wa Ninkimono)

The voice actor for the protagonist Shinnosuke, Akiko Yajima, sings this song.

It was included on her debut single released in July 1993 and was used as the third opening theme for the TV anime.

With bold lyrics proclaiming herself a star, it feels like the song perfectly captures Shin-chan’s relentlessly cheerful personality.

Just listening to it brings to mind Shin-chan’s powerful, laid-back daily life.

This track became the first character-name single to break into the Oricon Top 10.

Give it a listen when you want to lift your mood, or when you want to feel energized without sweating the small stuff—just like Shin-chan.

It might also be fun to sing along together as a parent and child.

Loosey-goosey DE-O!nohara shinnosuke

Yuru-yuru DE-O!

It’s such a fun, upbeat rap-style track sung by Shin-chan, isn’t it? The theme is Shin-chan’s carefree, laid-back everyday life, and just listening to it lifts your spirits and naturally brings a smile to your face.

With the director himself writing the lyrics, the song is packed with Shin-chan’s unhurried, slightly precocious charm.

It was released as a single in January 2005, and it served as the opening theme for the TV anime for about five years starting in October 2004.

It’s also included on the album “Crayon Shin-chan Theme Song CD: Kikanakya Son, Song, Song for You.” It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you need a boost.

DAYBREAK’S BELLL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「DAYBREAK’S BELL」-Music Clip-

With its grand melody and profound message, this song is a gem of rock that leaves a deep impression on listeners.

It masterfully fuses L’Arc~en~Ciel’s distinctive sound with lyrics themed around anti-war sentiment and love for humanity.

The intricate drum and guitar rhythm patterns, along with a youthful arrangement reminiscent of their indie days, are also striking.

Released in October 2007, the track was chosen as the opening theme for Season 1 of the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also included on the album KISS, capturing the hearts of a wide audience from rock fans to anime enthusiasts.

For those who grew up loving anime and the Gundam series, it is surely a song that resonates even more deeply.

O2ORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE『O2』MV

As the first opening theme for the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2, a powerful track was born that weaves mixture rock into a J-pop foundation.

Even among ORANGE RANGE’s works, YAMATO’s striking high-range vocals stand out, and the contrast with RYO’s low vocals gives the piece a sense of breaking new ground.

With a message layered over the chemical formula for oxygen and themes that synchronize with the protagonist’s rebellion and pursuit of freedom, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart after its release in May 2008.

It was included on the albums PANIC FANCY and ALL the SINGLES, and has continued to be loved through diverse arrangements, including covers in games such as THE iDOLM@STER and World Dai Star.

In karaoke, its energetic progression and memorable chorus make it a song that greatly lifts the singer’s spirits.