Lovely anime song

[Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Freelance music writerTakashi Hoshino
I’m Takashi Hoshino, a freelance writer currently juggling work with parenting. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years since I first picked it up when I started high school, and I’m still active in a band today. Ever since I began playing, I’ve been drawn to hard rock and heavy metal, and I enjoy intense music, whether Japanese or Western. At the same time, I keep in mind something I was told long ago: “If you want to play rock, you should know more than just rock!” With that in my heart, I make a point of listening to a wide range of genres every day. My experience as a writer is still growing, but I’ll keep working hard to recommend all kinds of music to as many people as possible!

“Great anime comes with great anime songs.” If you’re an anime fan, you probably know exactly what I mean.

From dedicated anisong singers to musicians active in the J-pop scene, rock bands, and hip-hop units, artists across a wide range of genres have performed anime theme songs.

It’s not uncommon for landing a theme song to be the spark that leads to a big breakthrough.

This time, we’re featuring anime songs that are nothing short of cool and blazing hot.

We’ve included tracks spanning many eras, so be sure to check out every last one!

[Epic Tracks Assembled] A Collection of Cool Anime Songs Chosen by Anime Fans (11–20)

Winding RoadMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION – Winding Road

Winding RoadMAN WITH A MISSION

An ambitious work that portrays a powerful sprint through life’s twists and turns with lyrics that skillfully interweave English and Japanese.

MAN WITH A MISSION’s signature hard-hitting rap-rock sound blends seamlessly with a grand melody, gripping the listener’s heart.

The track was included on the single “Take Me Under / Winding Road,” released in April 2018, which reached No.

4 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

It was later featured on the album “Chasing the Horizon.” Around the same time, it was selected as the opening theme for Season 1 of the TV anime “Golden Kamuy,” garnering attention as a song perfectly suited to the sweeping story set in Hokkaido at the end of the Meiji era.

This is a song for everyone who keeps moving forward, believing in the dawn despite setbacks and hardships.

Raise the rankinglower

Cry BabyOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

Cry Baby Official HIGE DANDism

The opening theme song of the TV anime Tokyo Revengers captivates with its powerful rhythm and skillful key changes.

Just as the protagonist repeatedly travels back in time and keeps fighting to save those he cares about, the song expresses a strong will to keep moving forward despite setbacks throughout.

Released by Official HIGE DANDism in May 2021, it became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million streams and winning Best Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

Starting in August 2022, it was also featured in a collaborative commercial for DyDo Drinco’s DyDo Blend.

It’s a song that powerfully pushes people forward as they face hardship without giving up.

Raise the rankinglower

unnecessary thingsTatsuya Kitani × Natori

Unnecessary Things / Tatsuya Kitani × natori – Chained / Tatsuya Kitani × natori

Unnecessary Things – Tatsuya Kitani × Natori

An emotionally moving song by Tatsuya Kitani and Natori, where powerful rock sounds intertwine with delicate vocals.

Its stirring lyrics and melody convey the resolve to let go of a loved one and the strong determination to move forward while enduring the pain.

Driven by a self-righteous sense of morality, this work is saturated with the resolve to press on even if it means releasing what must be protected, and it has been selected as the opening theme for the first cour of the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story – Kyoto Uprising, airing from October 2024.

A piece that brilliantly captures the protagonist’s feelings as he remains steadfast in his beliefs despite being caught in a bind, it’s a song that powerfully pushes the backs of those who strive to follow the path they’ve chosen.

Raise the rankinglower

reverse dreamKing Gnu

King Gnu – Sakayume

Reverse Dream - King Gnu

A grand ballad by King Gnu woven from a beautiful piano melody and richly layered strings.

Written as the ending theme for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it delicately portrays the protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu, as he carries feelings for his beloved while undergoing personal growth.

The pain of love that gnaws at the heart like a curse, and the strong will to keep looking forward despite it, strike a deep chord.

Released in December 2021, it is included on the double A-side single Ichizu/Sakayume.

The arrangement—featuring jazz and hip-hop elements emblematic of King Gnu’s essence—and Satoru Iguchi’s expressively nuanced vocals vividly capture the song’s world.

Recommended for those who resonate with the ache of loving someone, and for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Raise the rankinglower

IdentityKiro Akiyama

Akiyama Kiro 'Identity'

Identity Akiyama Kiro

A cool and grand rock number with a striking, edgy guitar sound.

It’s a track by multi-creator Kiro Akiyama, who works not only in music but also in video and illustration, released in 2021 as his first single.

It was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime The Promised Neverland.

The lyrics carry a powerful message: choose and seize your future with your own strength.

If you’re feeling anxious about what lies ahead, this song might especially fire you up.

Raise the rankinglower

Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Raise your flag』

Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION

Maybe because of the hype-building intro, you’re instantly drawn into the world of the song.

It’s a track by MAN WITH A MISSION, the wolf-band that’s active internationally.

It was released as a single in 2015.

The song served as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

The lyrics convey a strong determination to brush off failure and keep moving forward.

Raise the rankinglower

[Epic Tracks Assembled] A Collection of Cool Anime Songs Chosen by Anime Fans (21–30)

Bubble feat.UtaEVE

Bubble feat.Uta – MV Eve

Bubble feat.UtaEVE

The opening theme for the film “Bubble,” created by singer-songwriter Eve, who has been active primarily on the internet.

Released in April 2022 as a digital-only single, the track is characterized by its grand, beautiful worldview and exhilarating, fast-paced melody.

Set in Tokyo where gravity has gone awry, the film depicts people using parkour to compete in battle races for vital supplies, expressing the characters’ resolve as they face hardships and challenges.

The music, synchronized with the film’s dynamic scenes, delivers a powerful message to listeners and evokes excitement and emotion.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to be drawn into an epic world.

Raise the rankinglower