Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

N'baba Love SongTOME

Tropical Boy Papuwa-kun OP “N’baba Love Song”

Papuwa-kun, the Island Boy was the flagship series of Monthly Shonen Gangan, a manga magazine launched in 1991.

It was adapted into an anime in 1992, and the contrast between its eccentric gag characters and serious plot developments proved popular.

The opening theme, N’baba Love Song, was composed by Yasuo Kosugi—known for many children’s shows and anime tracks—and its distinctive melody is one that sticks in your head.

Catch You Catch Megummy (candy)

Cardcaptor Sakura OP 1 – Catch You Catch Me! Hinata Megumi

This was the debut single released under the name GUMI by Megumi Hinata—who would later become known for her solo work as meg rock and as part of Melocure—and it served as the opening theme for the TV anime Cardcaptor Sakura.

The chorus clearly bears the stylistic imprint of its lyricist and composer, Kohmi Hirose, and for many people that vibe is directly connected to their image of Cardcaptor Sakura.

There’s also a cover version by Sakura Tange, the voice actress for the anime’s protagonist, Sakura Kinomoto, so be sure to check that out as well!

Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi

Give me an unbalanced kiss

This masterpiece expresses a bittersweet yearning for love through delicate imagery—like a crying figure reflected in a cracked mirror and fingers tracing the moon.

Chosen as the ending theme for the beloved classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, it became a cross-generational favorite, thanks in part to Hiro Takahashi’s clear, translucent vocals.

Since its release in December 1993, it has been included on the albums WELCOME TO POPSICLE CHANNEL and Hiro Takahashi Best Collection, selling around 300,000 copies.

Its sweetly aching, love-like melody and arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1970s kayōkyoku create a gentle mood reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.

Savor this heartwarming song—one to treasure as a cherished memory.

PoetSaburō Kitajima

Ojarumaru OP - Full by Eijin

This is the opening theme of the children’s anime Ojarumaru.

The relaxed feel that evokes the Heian period and the gentle melody make it very pleasant to listen to.

It’s sung by Saburo Kitajima, a giant in the enka world.

You can’t help but say, “That’s Sab-chan for you!”—his wonderful singing voice is irresistible.

Passage of Early SpringYoko Tanaka

Yoko Tanaka / Passage of Early Spring (PV)

Yoko Tanaka debuted in 1990 and was an idol who won various awards, including the Best New Artist Award at the Megalopolis Song Festival.

The anime created in collaboration with her is Idol Angel Welcome Yoko, and this song is its theme song.

I don’t need promises.Maaya Sakamoto

Escaflowne - No Need for Promises

A gentle piece that evokes the flow of precious, radiant moments.

Its dreamy, tender sound fits perfectly with the anime scenes of The Vision of Escaflowne.

This was voice actor Maaya Sakamoto’s debut as a singer, and it became a popular work alongside the anime.

Released in April 1996.

In the anime, Maaya Sakamoto plays the protagonist, Hitomi Kanzaki.

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution 'HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~'

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.

M.

Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.