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

Princess MononokeYoshikazu Mera

Princess Mononoke

The theme song from the film Princess Mononoke brought the vocalist Yoshikazu Mera to widespread fame.

At the time, many people were captivated by that beautiful voice, and some may even have tried to imitate it, singing along in the same way.

The lyrics are also remarkable, capturing the world of Princess Mononoke in just six lines.

Simply hearing the melody is enough for many to vividly recall the characters—like Ashitaka and the titular princess—as well as the film’s most memorable scenes.

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

Sung by Galileo Galilei, this song vividly captures the fresh yet fleeting scenes of youth through sound and words.

A soda in the right hand, feelings for someone precious in the left.

As the spring wind blows, a young person emerges—sensing the farewell that will someday come, yet striving to live this very moment to the fullest.

The message carried by the melody recalls the pale first loves and bonds of friendship from those days, stirring the listener’s heart.

This classic was released as a single in January 2012 and was used as the opening theme for the anime “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.” Filled with memories of adolescence, the song will surely resonate deeply with many in their thirties who feel nostalgic for that time.

Perhaps today is a good day to etch the moment into your heart and savor the small, ordinary times with someone important.

We are!Hiroshi Kitadani

We Are! HIKAKIN & SEIKIN – One Piece anime theme song / “ONE PIECE MUUUSIC COVER ALBUM”

Speaking of One Piece, it’s famous as a masterpiece that Japan’s comic culture can proudly present to the world.

It’s such a hugely popular series that there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of it.

I feel nostalgic for those days when, as soon as the anime aired, I would sit glued to the TV and practically forget to breathe until the words “TO BE CONTINUED” appeared on the screen.

And of course, the first opening theme, “We Are!,” is an indispensable song for that grand adventure.

I bet many people can still sing it even without looking at the lyrics.

Someone at any timeShang Shang Typhoon

Shang Shang Typhoon “Whenever Someone Is There” ~Let’s Go, Japan! Everyone’s Cheer Song ♪~

Pom Poko is a Studio Ghibli anime about tanuki (raccoon dogs) whose homes are threatened by the development plans for Tama New Town, and who plot to stop the project.

Its theme song is Itsumo Dareka ga, performed by Shang Shang Typhoon.

With its warm, gentle vocals, it’s a mysterious number that stirs feelings of nostalgia and bittersweetness no matter when you listen to it.

In your thirties, you start to understand the hardships of the world, and there are times it can feel tough.

At times like that, why not lend an ear to this song? I’m sure it will stay close by your side and give you strength.

ALONESAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “ALONES” Music Video (Anime BLEACH Season 6 Opening Theme)

“ALONES” is one of Aqua Timez’s signature songs, released in 2007, and it’s also well known as an opening theme for the anime BLEACH.

Set to a driving, exhilarating melody, the lyrics strikingly portray inner loneliness and struggles with oneself.

While grappling with a sense of distance from others, the song’s strong message also conveys a thread of hope for the future.

It’s easy to see why it resonated not only with anime fans but with many J-pop listeners as well.

It’s a track that can give you courage when you’re feeling down or starting something new.

inner universeOriga

inner universe

A song performed by the Russian singer-songwriter Origa that evokes a sense of near-future speed and emotional instability.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.

The composition is by Yoko Kanno.

As the same rhythm repeats, various accents are added, creating a progression that seems to express a restless heart.

Another standout feature is the lyrics, which weave together English and Russian; the way they speak about “imagination” and the “self” in different languages powerfully conveys the work’s prevailing atmosphere of the unknown.

Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc

Moonlight Flower

Those childhood moments, heart racing in front of the TV.

“Gekkouka” is a song that can call back memories like those.

It was also used as the theme song for the anime Black Jack.

The melodies woven by Janne Da Arc evoke a sense of trembling hearts and connections that transcend time.

Their music has long been cherished by many fans, but for those who hold particularly poignant memories, “Gekkouka” stands apart with a special presence.

The delicate yet powerful performance in the background presses upon the heart with a tender longing for days gone by.

This song is deeply tied not only to the emotions of the anime itself but also to each listener’s personal story, making it a timeless classic that captures hearts in any era and never lets go.