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 (51–60)

INNOCENT SORROWabingdon boys school

abingdon boys school　『INNOCENT SORROW』

INNOCENT SORROWabingdon boys school

It’s the opening theme of the anime D.Gray-man.

Released in 2006 as the debut single of the rock band abingdon boys school, led by vocalist Takanori Nishikawa.

It’s an insanely cool rock track with an irresistible blend of loud sound and scorching, electrifying vocals.

The heavy, distorted guitar tone leaves a strong impression.

The lyrics, which think of a precious “you,” are sweet with a touch of bittersweetness.

Still, it’s a masterpiece that makes you want to introduce it with, “As expected of abingdon boys school,” because it sends your energy soaring.

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futureHIRO-X

The Prince of Tennis OP1

futureHIRO-X

The Prince of Tennis is an anime based on the manga by Takeshi Konomi.

Its first season aired from October 2001 to March 2005.

The opening theme used through the second cour was “future,” sung by HIRO-X.

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Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon

Linked Horizon / Guren no Yumiya with lyrics

Crimson Bow and Arrow by Linked Horizon

This is the opening theme of the enormously popular series Attack on Titan, a work that needs no introduction.

Linked Horizon is a project created by Revo—originally famous for Sound Horizon—so that he could “link” with other works.

Infused with Attack on Titan’s worldview, the exhilarating yet weighty lyrics set to Revo’s characteristically massive, even awe-inspiring sound captured the hearts of many.

It can be called a signature masterpiece representing Linked Horizon.

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Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

Zankyo Sanka by Aimer

Released in January 2022 as Aimer’s 20th single, this song was selected as the opening theme for the popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.

It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, surpassed 200 million streams, and received a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Masahiro Tobinai’s bold arrangement features resplendent brass and strings that brilliantly capture both the opulence of the red-light district and the tension of battle.

The lyrics, imbued with a powerful resolve to overcome past pain and resound into the future, embody the very determination of characters who confront their fate.

Performed even in cheering scenes at Koshien, it’s a song cherished not only by anime fans but also by many listeners running through their youth.

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[Nostalgic & New] A Huge Anime Song Special for People in Their 20s (61–70)

KICKBACKKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

KICK BACK Kenshi Yonezu

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.

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The Biggest DreamerKoji Wada

[With Lyrics] The Biggest Dreamer / Koji Wada [Digimon Tamers OP]

The Biggest Dreamer by Kouji Wada

Digimon Tamers is the third installment of the Digimon TV anime series and introduces new elements such as humans merging with Digimon.

The opening theme is The Biggest Dreamer, sung by Kouji Wada, which reached 59th on the Oricon charts.

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My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense [original ver.] [Official Music Video]

Zenzenzense RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS’s “Zenzenzense,” which achieved explosive popularity as the theme song for the anime film Your Name, is a bright, up-tempo track that lifts your spirits when you listen to it.

Its chorus melody is easy to remember, and the song has been loved for a long time.

It’s also a karaoke staple, so be sure to give it a try.

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