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)

Shangri-Laangela

angela「Shangri-La」Music Clip

Shangri-Laangela

It’s a bittersweet and emotional number where grand orchestration intertwines with electronic sounds.

Created by angela as the opening theme for the anime “Fafner in the Azure,” this song feels like a soul-stirring cry from characters who pursue a lost utopia, defy a harsh fate, and reach for the future.

You can feel the heartrending earnestness that tightens your chest.

Released in August 2004, it still enjoys enduring popularity among anime fans.

Give it a listen and immerse yourself deeply in the world of the story.

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Turn the roulette of fateZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND 'Spin the Roulette of Fate' MV

Spin the Roulette of Fate - ZARD

A supreme track woven from lyrical lyrics that capture the subtleties of life and a light, buoyant melody.

While questioning the role of fate’s coincidences and the meaning of our choices, it gently reminds us of the importance of facing forward and living on.

Composed by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, it beautifully harmonizes ZARD’s heartwarming message with a refreshing sound.

Since its release in September 1998, it has been beloved as the opening theme of the anime Detective Conan and is also included on the album ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki.

It’s an uplifting song I’d recommend to anyone hesitating yet ready to take a step forward, or to those who want to move ahead without fearing change.

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Recommended anime songs for people in their 40s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits (31–40)

Country RoadYoko Honna

Country Road – Yoko Honna (Full)

Country Road - Yoko Honna

It’s the ending theme of Whisper of the Heart, released in 1995.

Sung by voice actress Youko Honna, the song is a Japanese-language cover of the American popular song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The original version itself is used as the film’s opening theme.

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When the cherries ripenTokiko Kato

COVER | “Le temps des cerises” from Porco Rosso

When Cherries Ripen - Tokiko Kato

It was used in 1992 as an insert song in Porco Rosso.

The original piece is a song representative of French chanson.

In the film, it is sung by Tokiko Kato, who plays Madame Gina, and there is also a scene depicting it being performed in French.

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dramaticBase Ball Bear

Base Ball Bear – Dramatic

Dramatic Base Ball Bear

Just by listening, those passionate feelings from back then well up in your chest—this is a fresh, vibrant number by Base Ball Bear.

Released in May 2007 as their fourth single, the song was beloved by many as the opening theme of the anime “Big Windup!” The way it surges from a quiet beginning into a fast, soaring chorus is the very essence of youth’s brilliance.

Like summer heat haze shimmering in the air, its scenes sway atop exhilarating guitar sounds.

Let those memories of being glued to the TV come back, and hum along!

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riseOriga

Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG OP Non-Credit Footage | “rise”

riseOriga

This track pulls listeners into a near-futuristic world.

Its English vocal delivery, infused with the resonance of Russian, intertwines exquisitely with the grand electro sound.

The message—filled with a powerful will and hope to face hardship and forge the future—truly stirs the heart.

Released in March 2004 as the opening theme for the TV anime Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG, it’s included on soundtrack albums such as Ghost in the Shell S.

A.

C.

2nd GIG O.

S.

T.

2.

Try playing it on a night when you want to step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in a story, or as background music when you want to boost your concentration.

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One more time,One more chanceMasayoshi Yamazaki

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

One more time, One more chance Masayoshi Yamazaki

It was featured in the anime film Five Centimeters per Second, which has a fantastic atmosphere.

The song, almost like a narration, skillfully expresses the hearts of a man and woman who grow apart as they become adults.

The acoustic guitar sounds incredibly soothing.

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