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 Newest Hits (11–20)

frecklesJUDY AND MARY

freckles

Freckles JUDY AND MARY

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is an anime based on Nobuhiro Watsuki’s manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, and its theme song is Sobakasu performed by JUDY AND MARY.

It was a hit single that sold 1.

2 million copies and reached number one on the Oricon chart.

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Sorry, cowboy.Ushirogami Hikaretai

Sorry, cowboy.

Sorry, cowboy—Ushirogami Hikaretai.

We present a classic idol pop masterpiece from the 1980s, sourced from rare recordings.

Set to a powerful yet beautiful melody line, the song richly expresses a yearning for and desire to understand a free-spirited transfer student.

Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Tsutomu Goto’s composition blend perfectly, resulting in a fresh and captivating track.

Released by Ushirogami Hikaretai in November 1987, the song was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuide ni Tonchinkan” and is also included on the album BAB.

It’s the perfect tune for anyone wanting to indulge in a sense of nostalgia.

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A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi

A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Full)

A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Yoko Takahashi

Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime that sparked a social phenomenon and remains highly popular today.

Its theme song, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, sung by Yoko Takahashi, peaked at No.

27 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.

I’m sure many of you often sing it at karaoke.

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I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro

I'm only gazing at you.

Staring only at you – Maki Ohguro

The moving 1993 hit “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru” is a classic that deeply resonates with people in their 30s who remember that era.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK, the song continues to be loved by many fans today.

Maki Ohguro’s passionate vocals and lyrics that vividly express a woman in love deliver an undying sense of emotion.

The way she portrays romance is sprinkled with the trends and culture of the time, conveying the spirit of the ’90s to the present.

Why not listen again and relive those unforgettable, fiery feelings?

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LieSid

SID “Lie” Music Video

Liar, Sid.

When it comes to nostalgic anime songs, many people probably think of this track by SID.

Its bittersweet, beautiful melody and profound lyrics really resonate.

The delicate portrayal of lost love and human relationships grips listeners’ hearts.

Released in April 2009, this song was used as the ending theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and was loved by many.

It’s recommended not only for anime fans, but also for anyone who relates to the ache of unrequited love or the complexities of relationships.

It might be nice to listen to it while reminiscing with friends.

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1/2Makoto Kawamoto

【MV】Makoto Kawamoto “1/2”

1/2 Makoto Kawamoto

A timeless youth anthem where tender ache and deep affection overflow, carried by the comforting resonance of acoustic guitar.

The lyrics delicately depict a powerful wish to become one with another, and the frustration of that wish remaining out of reach, gently embracing the kind of love we’ve all felt.

Seamlessly blending Makoto Kawamoto’s translucent voice with her unique worldview, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart after its release in March 1997, and etched itself into many hearts as the opening theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to when you long to share in pure feelings, thinking of someone special.

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Recommended anime songs for people in their 40s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits (21–30)

Love is thrill, shock, and suspenseRina Aiuchi

[LIVE] Rina Aiuchi & Aika Ohno – Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense

Love is thrill, shock, suspense — Rina Aiuchi

This is Rina Aiuchi’s signature song and the one that brought her widespread recognition.

It was used as a Detective Conan opening theme, and the animation of Conan doing the para-para dance became a hot topic at the time.

Her powerful vocals are really cool—it makes me want to rewatch the anime.

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