[Hot & Cool] Up-tempo, hype-inducing anime song

For this planetLyrics: Hideki Kuroda / Music: Tatsuro Kondo / Performed by: Kazami

Dandadan Regain Returns

This song, with a melody reminiscent of a nostalgic TV commercial jingle, was used as an in-anime track for Dandadan.

It delivers a passionate, forward-looking message, like that of a corporate warrior fighting for this planet.

Lyricist Hideki Kuroda and composer Tatsuro Kondo are the duo behind a 1989 commercial song that became a social phenomenon.

In episode 10, which aired in December 2024, the track played as a faux commercial jingle that propelled the story’s momentum.

Combined with the sprightly performance by DaizyStripper’s Kazami, the result is a sound that fuses nostalgia with a contemporary rock feel.

Paired with the anime’s comical scenes, it’s a track that doubles the work’s playful spirit.

Jungle P5050

Jungle P

This is a song by the eight-member band 5050, used as the opening theme for the TV anime One Piece.

Its irresistibly bright, ska-based sound alone lifts your spirits and fills you with excitement for the grand adventure that’s about to begin.

The lyrics express the thrill of a sweeping journey across the world’s seas and a spirit of curiosity that drives one to challenge the unknown.

Released as a single in November 2007, the track accompanied episodes 326 through 372 of the anime.

You can practically picture Luffy and his crew confronting hardships with the strength of their bonds.

It’s a perfect song not only for boosting your mood on a drive, but also as an anthem to cheer you on when taking a new step forward.

BACK ON THE ROCKSMEGA NRG MAN

MEGA NRG MAN / BACK ON THE ROCKS [Initial D]

From its striking intro that memorably quotes Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, this track instantly grabs the listener’s attention.

Produced by Dave Rodgers, a leading figure in Italian Eurobeat, it features MEGA NRG MAN’s powerful vocals, which blend perfectly with the high-velocity sound.

Released in April 1997 on the album Super Eurobeat Vol.

77, the song gained popularity when it was used in the 1998 anime Initial D First Stage.

It appears from episode 5 through episode 9 and has continued to be featured in various spin-off works.

The combination of synthesizers and a pounding beat radiates an allure that seems to resonate with the roar of an engine, making it an ideal soundtrack for long drives.

DREAMIN’ ONDa-iCE

Da-iCE / <TV Anime “ONE PIECE” Theme Song> “DREAMIN’ ON” Music Video

This is a fiery rock number chosen as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE.

Released in August 2020 as the 18th single by the dance-vocal group Da-iCE, the song portrays the courage to believe in limitless possibilities and set out on an endless adventure with your companions.

The lyrics are packed with a strong resolve to stay true to yourself, never bow to hardship, and seize your dreams—just listening to it will set your heart ablaze.

The energetic sound and powerful, resonant vocals shine in this track, so be sure to give it a listen.

It will surely give you a push when you’re taking on a challenge or hesitating to take that next step.

OVER THE TOPHiroshi Kitadani

OVER THE TOP

Sung by Hiroshi Kitadani, who worked on the very first opening theme “We Are!,” this is an irresistible track for fans.

Released as a single in September 2019, it was reportedly written as the opening theme for the Wano Country arc of the TV anime One Piece.

This song is a high-energy, fast-paced number that portrays the protagonist’s spirit of pressing forward and believing in oneself no matter the hardship.

There’s even an anecdote that Kitadani poured so much passion into the recording that he worked up a heavy sweat, and just listening to it fills you with courage.

I wholeheartedly recommend this piece as an anthem that will push the backs of those who want to overcome challenges and break through their limits!

Blue HabitatTatsuya Kitani

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani, who is active as a Vocaloid producer and also stands out as a bassist.

His song “Ao no Sumika,” released in July 2023, was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc.

It sets conflicting emotions—the end of youthful days once believed to go on forever and the radiant memories that linger in the heart—against a refreshing, fast-paced sound.

The lyrics, where the ache for an irretrievable past intersects with the brilliance of time spent with friends, align beautifully with the relationships among the characters.

It’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to when you feel like reflecting on days gone by.

Share The WorldTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)

TVXQ / Share The World

A danceable track that perfectly matches the world of the hugely popular anime ONE PIECE! Its exhilarating, summer-ready electro sound and the powerful vocals of Tohoshinki vividly color Luffy and his crew’s grand adventure.

The theme of sharing the world with your friends and pushing ever forward evokes the passionate bonds portrayed in the story.

Released as a single in April 2009, this song was used as the opening theme for the anime’s 11th season.

It became the best-selling ONE PIECE theme song to date and was also included on the greatest hits album BEST SELECTION 2010.

It’s a courage-boosting number you’ll want to play when striving toward goals with your friends or when you need to lift your spirits.