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

Step by StepYumiko Takahashi

Step by Step

This song is memorable for its uplifting, empowering lyrics.

Released in April 1990 as Yumiko Takahashi’s debut single, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mashin Hero Wataru 2.

Its upbeat, energetic pop sound pairs beautifully with her refreshing vocals.

The lyrics express a resolve to take a new step forward, conveying the importance of moving toward the future.

It’s a perfect track for anyone feeling nostalgic for ’90s anime songs.

Fly, fly, big sisterShinnosuke Nohara (CV: Akiko Yajima) Action Kamen (CV: Tesshō Genda)

Fly, fly, big sister

The voices of Shinnosuke Nohara and Action Kamen ring out powerfully! Released in April 1998, this song was used as the opening theme for the anime Crayon Shin-chan.

Its bright, rhythmic tune pairs perfectly with Shinnosuke’s distinctive singing style and Action Kamen’s heroically resonant vocals.

Incidentally, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film Crayon Shin-chan: Blitzkrieg! Pig’s Hoof’s Secret Mission.

memoriesMaki Otsuki

memories ～17years after～

This work is known as one of Maki Otsuki’s signature songs.

It was chosen in December 1999 as the first ending theme for One Piece, marking Otsuki’s major-label debut.

A nostalgic pop-rock tune, its warm, wistful vocals gently wrap tenderly around memories of days gone by.

In July 2016, an arranged version titled “memories ~17years after~” was also released.

It’s the kind of song that sinks deeply into your heart when you listen to it at dusk.

Clear skies, hallelujahAki Okui

Clear skies, hallelujah

Magical Circle Guru-Guru is a manga by Hiroyuki Eto that was serialized in Monthly Shonen Gangan, and the opening theme for the second cour of the first anime series is “Harete Hareruya.” It is Aki Okui’s biggest hit, and its highest position on the Oricon chart was 18th.

Elbow jabs flying in all directionsNinjers

Elbow Blows in All Directions / Mayumi Funaki

“Shihō Happō Hiji Teppō” stands out for its lively rhythm and playful lyrics.

Since 1995, it has been used as the ending theme for season 3 of Nintama Rantarō and has been beloved by anime fans for many years.

Capturing the show’s fun atmosphere, it portrays a world where ninja skills and the tension of combat coexist with a sense of humor and playfulness.

Listening to it makes you want to sing along.

It’s a song enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults.

Just one wishMiho Komatsu

Miho Komatsu – Only One Wish

Miho Komatsu’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the inner conflict of a protagonist who can’t be honest with their feelings.

Starting in December 1997, it was used as the ending theme for Detective Conan and reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts, ultimately becoming a major hit with total sales of 500,000 copies.

This work is captivating for its warm vocals that gently embrace the complexities of love and its lyrics that stay close to the heart.

Through the lyrics, you can feel the interplay between the desire not to get hurt and the feelings for a loved one, which really tightens your chest.

Butter-FlyKoji Wada

Butter-Fly – Kouji Wada (Full) (Digimon Adventure OP)

Digimon Adventure became extremely popular among children at the time and helped bring the Digimon franchise into the mainstream.

The theme song of this hit anime is Koji Wada’s “Butter-Fly.” Even today, it remains a classic anime song with tremendous popularity—many of you have probably sung it at karaoke.