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

Aim to be a Pokémon MasterRika Matsumoto

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master! - Rika Matsumoto

It’s the well-known opening theme of the anime Pokémon.

The series began airing in 1997, and this song was used as the very first theme, becoming a huge hit.

Since it’s been remade several times, some of you might know it from one of those versions.

1/2Makoto Kawamoto

1/2 Makoto Kawamoto - Guitar [Rurouni Kenshin] Cover

It’s the theme song of Rurouni Kenshin, a popular Jump anime that was also adapted into a live-action film.

Although the story is set in the era of samurai like a period drama, the pop quality of this song felt refreshingly well-matched to the narrative.

In any case, it’s truly worthy of being called a masterpiece—the cute, rhythmic lyrics and the way the song unfolds are wonderful, and it’s a moving piece no matter how many times you listen to it.

Someone at any timeShang Shang Typhoon

Shang Shang Typhoon “Whenever Someone Is There” ~Let’s Go, Japan! Everyone’s Cheer Song ♪~

When it comes to the ending theme of the animated film Pom Poko, it’s “Itsudemo Dareka ga” by Shang Shang Typhoon.

Released in 1993, this song celebrates the importance of bonds between people.

It features a distinctive sound that incorporates traditional Asian music and a friendly, catchy melody.

It resonates with listeners, offering courage and hope.

It’s a great pick to sing together at karaoke with people of the same generation.

GHOST SWEEPERChie Harada

Chie Harada – Ghost Sweeper

“Ghost Sweeper Mikami” is a TV anime based on the manga by Takashi Shiina.

You can really feel the era from the fact that the protagonist, Reiko Mikami, wears body-con outfits.

The theme song “GHOST SWEEPER” is Chie Harada’s debut single, with lyrics by Satomi Aomori and composition by Toshiyuki Omori.

RomancePENICILLIN

[Official] PENICILLIN 'Romance' (MV) [8th Single] Penicillin/Romance

The power of the chorus is irresistible! This song was used as the theme for Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.

It was released as a single in 1998 by the visual kei rock band PENICILLIN.

Despite being the theme for a gag anime, its energetic and cool sound is captivating.

Once you hear it, it won’t leave your head.

Give a reasonMegumi Hayashibara

Slayers NEXT Opening (Give a reason)

“Give a reason” is a signature song by Megumi Hayashibara, who is active as a voice actress, narrator, lyricist, and radio personality.

It was the opening theme for the TV Tokyo–aired anime Slayers NEXT and was released in 1996.

It won the Voice Actor Song Award in the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize for 1989–1999.

The song brought widespread attention to Megumi Hayashibara as a voice-actor artist, earning strong public support.

I can't even breatheZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND “Breathless (off chorus)” MV

This ZARD classic sets the chest-tightening, heart-racing moment of falling in love to a driving rock sound.

It captures a straightforward love so consuming that you can’t think of anything but the other person.

The lyrics sparkle with the early stages of romance, and Izumi Sakai’s vocals—combining clarity with strength—leave a lasting impression.

Released in March 1998 as their 24th single, it became widely known as the opening theme for the anime “Chuuka Ichiban!” and reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Listen to it as a fight song when you’re about to take on something new, and you’ll surely feel courage welling up from deep within.