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)

Psycho Every Day!Fumie Akiyoshi

Pocket Monsters OP13 / DP OP3 (V1) – “The Greatest – Everyday!” (RAW)

Psycho Every Day! Akiyoshi Fumie

It’s a pop tune that really resonates, featuring Fumie Akiyoshi’s soaring vocals—she also contributed to the lyrics.

The passionate feelings nurtured through adventures with Pokémon—friendship, love, grit, and growth—are delivered straight to the heart on a driving, exhilarating melody.

It’s an energetic piece that makes you feel empowered just by listening.

Released as a single in February 2010, the song became the opening theme for the anime “Pokémon Diamond & Pearl” starting with episode 158.

The switch to the BAND VERSION partway through was also memorable.

It’s a track that will give you a push when you’re taking on a challenge or need one more burst of effort.

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

Sugar Song and Bitter Step by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

It’s one of the signature songs by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, a rock band hugely popular with younger generations.

It was the theme song for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront and is a staple among anime songs.

The real charm of this track lies in its technically intricate composition, backed by the band’s superb musicianship.

Every phrase sounds cool, and it’s a song you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

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IRIS OUTKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT

IRIS OUT Kenshi Yonezu

This is a track whose overwhelming sense of speed and dramatic development will hit you right in the heart.

Written by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme song for the film “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc,” it will be released to coincide with the movie’s premiere in September 2025.

It marks their second collaboration, following the anime’s theme song “KICK BACK.” Yonezu has shared in production anecdotes that he composed while constantly looking at the manga pages featuring Reze, which really conveys his deep affection for the character.

The powerful rhythms that color the intense battle scenes and the sound that heightens the thrilling story are especially striking.

Highly recommended for those who want to get hyped before watching the movie or for fans of anime songs.

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[Nostalgic & New] A Big Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s (81–90)

SesameKroi

Kroi – Sesame [TV anime “Bucchigiri?!” opening theme]

SesameKroi

This song portrays self-discovery and inner exploration.

Released in January 2024 as the opening theme for the TV anime “Bucchigiri?!,” it features a distinctive hybrid sound that blends elements of R&B, funk, and soul.

The music crafted by the five members of Kroi captivates listeners with unpredictable developments and innovative sounds.

It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down or ready to take a new step forward.

When you want to listen to your inner self, give it a try.

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HemisophiaMaaya Sakamoto

RahXephon – Opening (OP) ver. 2

Hemisofia Maaya Sakamoto

RahXephon is a sci-fi mecha anime directed by Yutaka Izubuchi that aired in 2002.

The opening theme, Hemisphere, is sung by Maaya Sakamoto, who played Reika Mishima, and it reached No.

22 on the Oricon chart.

The sound conveys a grand, expansive worldview.

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Even hell’s judgment depends on you.Hell’s Verdict All-Stars

Jigoku no Sata All Stars “Even Hell’s Judgments Depend on You” | Hozuki’s Coolheadedness | Opening

Even hell’s affairs depend on you — Hell’s Affairs All-Stars

This song poppily elevates Japan’s traditional vision of hell.

It served as the opening theme for the anime “Hozuki’s Coolheadedness,” released under the name Jigoku no Sata All Stars in February 2014, and it reached No.

1 on Billboard’s comprehensive anime song chart in March.

Its pop sound, which incorporates festival music elements, and its lively vocal work stick in your ears.

The lyrics introduce the “hospitality” tailored to each sin while also conveying a message to behave properly in your daily life.

It’s a recommended number not only for anime fans but also for anyone interested in Japanese pop culture.

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I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

[Sung by a woman] I Want to Shout That I Love You / BAAD [Slam Dunk] Full Lyrics Included (Anime Theme Song) - cover (SLAMDUNK/kimigasukidatosakebitai) Tried Singing

I want to shout that I love you BAAD

The basketball anime SLAM DUNK, which continues to be loved to this day.

BAAD performed the first opening theme.

The song is “Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai” (I Want to Shout That I Love You).

It was used not only as the main theme, but also as an instrumental in the next-episode previews.

In the anime song popularity poll campaign held on March 1, 2019, it won the User’s Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize.

Listening to it will surely bring back memories of your youth.

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