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[Anime/Games] Special Feature: Popular Character Songs
“Character songs” are image songs sung by characters from anime, games, and more.
They have a different kind of charm from main theme songs.
That’s because these works reveal the personalities of the characters and help you dive deeper into them.
When you like someone, you naturally want to learn more and more about them, right?
Character songs are a kind of tool that can make that wish come true.
In this article, we’re doing a big feature on character songs.
Here’s hoping you find a track that suits your taste.
[Anime & Games] A Big Feature on Popular Character Songs (1–10)
Dream JourneyJapan (CV: Hiroki Takahashi)
Hetalia is a mixed-media series that personifies countries.
Each nation has a distinctive character, so each one has many fans.
And, as you can probably guess from the song’s vibe, the character song Yume Tabi-ji is sung by Japan.
It’s a cool, rock-style track with the resonant tones of traditional Japanese instruments.
Hiroki Takahashi, the voice actor, delivers an appealing vocal with a touch of sweetness.
Many of Hetalia’s songs are quite unique, so be sure to compare them and find the ones you like best.
WishingRem (VA: Inori Minase)
It’s a moving ballad that sings out the wish to “stay by the side of someone precious to you forever.” It’s a character song for Rem from the light-novel-based series Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, performed by Inori Minase, who voices her in the anime.
The clear, transparent melody and vocals really sink into your heart.
With its soothing arrangement, it might be perfect to listen to before bed.
The lyrics, which convey a straightforward love for the other person, are another charm—you can’t help but think, “I want to meet someone who would feel this much for me.”
My charm point is a beauty mark under my eye.Keigo Atobe (CV: Junichi Suwabe)
When talking about character songs, you can’t leave out The Prince of Tennis, can you? This track is by Keigo Atobe, the captain of Hyotei Academy from the Jump manga-based The Prince of Tennis series.
Because of his cool, arrogant personality, Atobe often says things that make you wonder whether he’s serious or joking.
That side of him really comes through in this song too.
I mean, it’s a song about a mole, right? You’d think he should be promoting something else instead, but that’s exactly what makes it so Atobe-like.
Love CirculationNadeko Sengoku (CV: Kana Hanazawa)
How about a cute hip-hop number? The Monogatari series is a collection of novels by Nisio Isin, and one of the opening themes for its anime adaptation is Ren’ai Circulation.
It’s sung by Kana Hanazawa, who plays one of the main characters, Nadeko Sengoku.
The lyrics are packed to the brim with feelings for a loved one—guaranteed to make you grin.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone feel that way about you? It’s an adorable character song and a great pick for karaoke.
Mag-gaaare↓ SpectacleItsuki Koizumi (CV: Daisuke Ono)
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a work that symbolizes the anime scene of the 2000s.
The original light novels are, of course, popular, but looking back, it feels like the Haruhi boom—especially online—really came from the anime.
I bet a lot of people imitated the ending dance.
One of the characters from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Itsuki Koizumi, has a character song titled “Mag-ga-re↓ Spectacle.” The distinctive title seems to reflect Koizumi’s personality just as it is.
Sleeping BeautyChihaya Kisaragi (CV: Asami Imai)
I’m moved by the grand composition and the solid, resonant vocals.
The Idolmaster series, which began as a game and has expanded across media into anime, manga, and dramas, features this character song by one of its characters, Chihaya Kisaragi.
It’s included on the 2007 album “THE IDOLM@STER MASTER ARTIST 2 -FIRST SEASON- 05 Chihaya Kisaragi.” As the title suggests, it’s inspired by the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” characterized by a sound with an exotic flair.
It’s a masterpiece that goes beyond the bounds of a typical character song.
Youth VibrationMio Akiyama (CV: Yoko Hikasa)
Based on a four-panel manga and adapted into an anime in 2009, K-ON! is the work that sparked a band boom.
As a defining presence of the “slice-of-life” genre, it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Akiyama Mio, who plays bass in the in-story band, has a character song titled “Seishun Vibration.” It’s a pop tune themed around friendship that fills you with energy as you listen.
Yoko Hikasa’s lively vocals are wonderful.
Just like the title suggests, give it a spin whenever you want to feel the spirit of youth!