Lovely anime song

[Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Anime, a cornerstone of Japanese culture, is beloved not only by children but also by adults, and it’s highly regarded overseas too! Along with anime itself, the theme songs that play during openings and endings—known as anison—are appreciated not just in Japan but around the world.

So this time, we’ve gathered a wide selection of anison, from nostalgic tracks recommended for people in their 20s to the latest hits! You’ll find memorable songs you listened to as a child as well as popular new tracks, so be sure to read to the end! You might even find one of your favorite songs or a tune that brings back memories.

Now, let’s get started!

[Nostalgic & New] A Big Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s (71–80)

peace signKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Peace Sign

Peace Sign Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu, who was highlighted as one of the most popular singers from the Heisei into the Reiwa era, delivers his smash hit “Peace Sign.” The song was used as the opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia.

Just like the protagonist who grows while facing various obstacles, the track is a perfect fit.

Yonezu’s distinctive musical style and voice further elevate the anime.

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When They Cry: HigurashiEiko Shimamiya

When They Cry Opening

Higurashi When They Cry, Eiko Shimamiya

This song is an astonishingly perfect match for the dark, terrifying, and grotesque work Higurashi When They Cry.

It’s full of subtle tricks—like the distinctive choral intro becoming meaningful words when played in reverse—making it a piece that would normally be fascinating to listen to.

However, faced with its eerie atmosphere and ghastly lyrics, I can’t think of anything to say but “scary.” It truly encapsulates what Higurashi When They Cry is all about in a single track.

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CRUSH GEAR FIGHT!!JAM Project

Fierce Battle! Crush Gear – Crush Gear Fight

CRUSH GEAR FIGHT!!JAM Project

The TV anime based on the toy “Crush Gear,” which was released by Bandai in the early 2000s, is “Bakusou! Crash Gear TURBO” (known as “Crush Gear Turbo”).

The opening theme, “CRUSH GEAR FIGHT!!,” sung by JAM Project, is an extremely fiery song.

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unravelTK from Ling tosite sigure

TK from Ling Tosite Sigure 'unravel (short version)'

unravelTK by Ling tosite sigure

It’s a song that begins with vocalist TK singing in a whisper, and at that moment you can’t help but think, “Here it comes!!” It was used as the theme song for Tokyo Ghoul, and its emotional sound perfectly matches the series’ atmosphere.

It’s addictive—you’ll want to listen to it over and over again.

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idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

Idol YOASOBI

YOASOBI, who has captured global attention with their unique stance of “turning novels into music.” Their 19th digital single, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko, was produced based on an original short story written by the manga’s author, Aka Akasaka.

Released in April 2023, the song became the first Japanese-language track to reach No.

1 on the Billboard Global chart and skillfully portrays both the glittering facade and the conflict-laden underside of idol life.

The lyrics, where lies and truth intersect, pierce the heart as they lay bare the inner world of an idol performing perfection.

Its shape-shifting arrangement—fusing pop, hip-hop, and rock—reveals something new with every listen.

It’s a song that every member of Gen Z in Japan knows.

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Revolutionary Journey – On the WayAina the End

Aina the End / On the Road of Revolution – On The Way [Official Music Video] (TV anime “Dandadan” Season 2 Opening Theme)

Revolutionary Journey - On The Way Aina The End

This song, created as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Dandadan, was written and composed by Aina the End.

It will be released digitally in July 2025, followed by physical releases in two formats—CD and Blu-ray—in September.

Its exhilarating sound layers with a mysterious melody, conveying the protagonists’ determination to fight to protect what’s precious to them in a straightforward way.

As Aina herself says, she “reduced the distortion in her voice and sang straightforwardly,” resulting in a clear and powerful vocal performance.

It perfectly matches the anime’s worldview, where the occult and youth intersect.

It’s a track we recommend when you want to keep moving forward or need a push on your back.

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kaiju (giant monster)Sakanaction

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

Sakanaction the Kaiju

This is Sakanaction’s first anime tie-in song, depicting the passion and struggles of those who pursue truth.

Released in February 2025, it was chosen as the opening theme for NHK General’s “Chi: On the Movements of the Earth.” Deeply connected to the anime’s worldview, which focuses on people attempting to prove the heliocentric theory, the lyrics convey a strong will to keep seeking the truth even in darkness.

Sakanaction’s unique sound—a fusion of electronica and rock—evokes curiosity and a forward-looking mindset.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience that sensation of having your own common sense overturned when you encounter new knowledge.

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