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

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

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.

KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

Kenshi Yonezu, who draws attention for his genre-blurring musicality from electronica to folk, released his 13th single in November 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man—a track that sonically paints protagonist Denji’s desires and inner turmoil.

Its lyrics, where a thirst for happiness collides with the emptiness of reality, resonate with the mindset of young people trying to claw their way up from rock bottom.

The fierce drum’n’bass-infused beat and dizzying key changes are an emotional roller coaster in themselves.

With dance videos spreading across social media, it also meshes perfectly with the digitally native Gen Z audience.

It’s an impulsive rock tune for anyone craving a jolt in their everyday life.

Sunday SunTHE NEUTRAL

Narutaru OP 'Sunday's Sun' - The Neutral

Narutaru is a manga by Mohiro Kitoh that was serialized in Monthly Afternoon and was adapted into a TV anime in 2003.

Some viewers refer to it as a “heartful-bokko anime.” The opening theme is The Neutral’s “Nichiyoubi no Taiyou” (Sunday Sun).

World Without LogosIshii Yasushi

TV anime HELLSING opening video (Yasushi Ishii / A World Without Logos) [NBCUniversal Anime × Music 30th Anniversary: Daily OP/ED Posting Project]

HELLSING is a manga by Kouta Hirano, and there are two animated versions: a TV anime that differs from the original story, and an OVA version that faithfully follows the source material.

The opening theme used for the TV anime is Logos Naki World, sung by Yasushi Ishii.

Turn A TurnSaijō Hideki

Turn A Turn ∀ Gundam

Turn A Gundam is an anime series directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino as chief director, which drew attention for its mechanical designs by Syd Mead and for a storyline that encompasses all previous Gundam series.

The opening theme, Turn A Turn, is sung by Hideki Saijo.

HemisophiaSakamoto Maaya

RahXephon – Opening (OP) ver. 2

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.

BlessingYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'The Blessing' Official Music Video (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Opening Theme)

Released in October 2022, this song drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.

Based on Ichiro Okouchi’s original novella cradle planet, the lyrics reflect the bond between the protagonist Suletta and the Gundam Aerial.

Infused with determination for the future and a wish for coexistence, the lyrics convey a strength that says we can support each other no matter which path we choose.

The dramatic development woven by the driving sound and ikura’s clear, translucent vocals is sure to set your heart ablaze.

Featured on the album THE BOOK 3, the track peaked at No.

2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s an energetic number we highly recommend to fans of the Gundam series and anyone seeking a powerful, message-driven song.