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

GatherwayMiura Hidemi

Brave Exkaiser by Hidemii Miura

The first installment of Sunrise’s Brave series, created with children as the main target audience, is Brave Exkaiser.

Many people likely looked forward to watching it when they were young.

The opening theme is Gatherway, sung by Hidemi Miura.

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.

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.

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.

cloudy skyDOES

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

Known as one of DOES’s signature songs, this track depicts two people walking together under cloudy skies while carrying their anxieties.

The scene of a girl frightened by the rain and the boy gently staying by her side is tenderly portrayed, expressing both hesitation toward an uncertain future and the small happiness found in being together.

Released in June 2008, it was used as an opening theme for the anime Gintama.

The song is included on the albums The World’s Edge and SINGLES, and has also appeared in rhythm games.

It’s a warm, comforting piece that supports those who, despite their worries, strive to keep moving forward.