Lovely anime song

Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The music we loved as kids somehow sticks with us even after we grow up, doesn’t it?

In an unexpected moment, a song can start playing in your mind along with scenes from back then.

It brings on an indescribable feeling of nostalgia.

In this article, we’ve put together anime songs that people in their 40s will definitely want to check out.

Whether you were glued to the TV watching anime as a child, or you’re just getting into anime now, this is for you.

You might even find yourself time-traveling back to your childhood.

Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits (71–80)

CONFUSED MEMORIESYūko Tsuburaya

Tsuburaya Yuuko-CONFUSED MEMORIES(FULL)(Kindaichi Case Files OP 1)

CONFUSED MEMORIES Yuuko Tsuburaya

angela’s “Shangri-La” is a classic that was also used as the theme song for the anime Fafner in the Azure.

Its distinctive melodic line sticks in your head after just one listen, leaving a lingering, resonant aftertaste.

Atsuko’s overwhelming vocals grip the listener, while KATSU’s meticulous sound production amplifies the song’s appeal.

Especially in the climactic sections, you feel a sense of unity as if it were your own experience, and you can’t help wanting to sing along.

It’s rhythmic yet peppered with dramatic developments throughout, revealing something new no matter when you listen.

Drawing listeners into a whirlpool of passion, this track delivers both nostalgia and exhilaration, along with memories of that anime once seen on TV.

Raise the rankinglower

Hello, SadnessYuki Saito

Yuki Saito / Hello, Sadness ♪

Hello, Sadness — Yuki Saito

One of Yuki Saito’s signature songs, it is known as the first opening theme for the anime Maison Ikkoku.

The track is memorable for its clear, translucent vocals and its positive message of accepting sorrow as if it were a friend.

Released on March 21, 1986, it became a major hit, ranking high on the Oricon charts.

It is an important song in Saito’s career and helped cement her status in the 1980s idol scene.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to pursue new dreams after experiencing heartbreak or parting.

Raise the rankinglower

We are!Hiroshi Kitadani

We Are! HIKAKIN & SEIKIN – One Piece anime theme song / “ONE PIECE MUUUSIC COVER ALBUM”

We Are! Kitadani Hiroshi

Speaking of One Piece, it’s famous as a masterpiece that Japan’s comic culture can proudly present to the world.

It’s such a hugely popular series that there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard of it.

I feel nostalgic for those days when, as soon as the anime aired, I would sit glued to the TV and practically forget to breathe until the words “TO BE CONTINUED” appeared on the screen.

And of course, the first opening theme, “We Are!,” is an indispensable song for that grand adventure.

I bet many people can still sing it even without looking at the lyrics.

Raise the rankinglower

My First KissReassured Dad

My First Kiss Chu – Anshin Papa

My First Kiss, Reassured Dad

A song that was used for a long time as both the opening and ending theme of the anime Kiteretsu Daihyakka.

Incidentally, there is no actual artist named Anshin Papa; the songwriter Toshiharu Jitsukawa applied various effects to his own voice and sang it, creating a distinctive vocal tone that’s unforgettable after a single listen.

It’s also well-known for Hi-STANDARD, pioneers of the melodic hardcore scene, releasing the English-language version My First Kiss, which became a major hit.

A catchy, poppy number.

Raise the rankinglower

I'm Doraemon.Nobuyo Ōyama

Japanese program – Imitating Doraemon | Eiko Tawaraya’s “Doraemon” impersonation, Nobuyo Ōyama, and the real person appears! [Thai subtitles]

I'm Doraemon, Nobuyo Ōyama.

I really love this song.

It brings out the most Doraemon-like atmosphere, and I’d love to hear it played again.

The gentle, heartwarming lyrics are absolutely wonderful.

Since it was written by Fujiko Fujio-sensei, I think it’s a song filled with tremendous affection.

Raise the rankinglower

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAHironobu Kageyama

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA (2005 ver.)

CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA Hironobu Kageyama

Once the intro starts playing, your excitement shoots through the roof—what a classic, “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA.” All the Dragon Ball tracks are amazing, but this one is absolutely essential.

The lyrics and vocals are so thrilling you can’t help but think, “Now this is an anime song!” For those of that generation, it’s an irresistible tune.

And now that we’re adults, this song can still give us a real boost of energy!

Raise the rankinglower

Happy Go Lucky! Doki Doki! PrecureTomoyo Kurosawa

Happy Go Lucky! Doki Doki! Precure

Happy Go Lucky! Heart-Thumping! Precure Tomoyo Kurosawa

A song you’ll want to listen to now that you’re an adult.

It’s the opening theme of the TV anime DokiDoki! Precure, sung by Tomoyo Kurosawa when she was 17.

An upbeat, cheerful track about the importance of friendship and supporting one another.

When you revisit anime songs you listened to as a child, you often discover something new.

This is the kind of piece that gives you the courage to face forward, wrapped in nostalgia.

Give it a listen while reminiscing about the past.

Raise the rankinglower