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.

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

skirtaiko

aiko-『skirt』music video

skirtaiko

Singer-songwriter aiko continues to portray the delicate nuances of love with razor-sharp lyrics and a one-of-a-kind melody.

This song conveys a bittersweet yet resolute vow to never wear again a piece of clothing bound to a special memory.

The unforgettable recollections hidden beneath its sound may gently touch the drawers of the heart that each listener carries.

It’s one of the tracks on her 16th major-label album, “Zanshin Zansho,” and also serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Apocalypse Hotel.” A bitter yet beautiful pop number.

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Cat's EyeAnri

cat’s eyes (1983 Cat’s Eye) OP

Cat's Eye Anri

A song by singer-songwriter Anri that served as the opening theme for the anime Cat’s Eye.

It’s a pop number with a mysterious vibe that perfectly fits a show about a beautiful phantom thief who hides her identity and targets works of art.

Sharing its title with the anime, the song is widely known across generations, and for many people, the anime and the track are inseparably linked in their memories.

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Don't turn me into a wild filly.Etsuko Nishio

Ranma ½ “Don’t Make Me a Tomboy” — Ranma 1/2 OP 1

Don’t Turn Me into a Tomboy by Etsuko Nishio

It was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Ranma 1/2, based on Rumiko Takahashi’s work.

The playful wordplay and the lyrics that reflect the anime’s content make it really fun to listen to, don’t they? Doesn’t it bring back memories of being engrossed in the slightly goofy battles and storylines of Ranma, the high school boy who turns into a girl when splashed with hot water?

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Butter-FlyKoji Wada

Butter-Fly – Kouji Wada (Full) (Digimon Adventure OP)

Butter-Fly Wada Kouji

When it comes to karaoke anime classics, this is the one! It’s the theme song from the anime Digimon Adventure.

It’s highly recommended for karaoke—everyone knows it, so you can sing it together, and the song itself is super cool, so it’s sure to get the crowd pumped.

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The Back-Finger-Pointed GroupThe Back-Finger-Pointed Group

Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi - High School! Kimengumi (full version)

Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi

A song produced as the opening theme for the anime High School! Kimengumi.

It’s also well known as a track by the duo of Mamiko Takai and Yukiko Iwai, members of the immensely popular Onyanko Club at the time the anime aired.

The contrast between the comedic anime and the refreshingly idol-like melody left a strong impression on viewers, making it one of the classic anime theme songs of the 1980s.

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Rondo - revolutionMasami Okui

Masami Okui “Rondo - revolution” | Revolutionary Girl Utena | Opening

Revolutionary Rondo - Masami Okui

Opening with a powerful beat, this song vividly conveys a message of self-transformation and growth, carried by Masami Okui’s resonant vocals.

The protagonist’s strong resolve to overcome a parting with someone dear and carve out their own path is embedded in the memorable melody.

Her commanding voice gives listeners the courage to take that first step forward.

Released in May 1997, the track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Revolutionary Girl Utena.

It was later included on the album Ma-KING and the acclaimed compilation S-mode #1.

Brimming with hope, this is a dependable song recommended for anyone feeling uncertain or ready to embark on a new beginning.

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Premium salted grilled Kuroge Wagyu tongue 680 yenAi Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Grilled Kuroge Wagyu Top Salted Tongue 680 yen

Premium Black Wagyu salted tongue grill 680 yen Ai Otsuka

This is a song about pure love for someone special.

Created by Ai Otsuka, this number was released in February 2005 as her seventh single.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Black Jack and became a hot topic.

It’s a love song with an intriguingly unusual title, and its heartwarming lyrics and gentle melody are truly wonderful.

It reminds you that the ordinary moments of everyday life are the real treasures.

Brimming with that kind of charm, this piece will surely bring you a sense of calm when you listen to it!

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