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 (41–50)

Venus Say…Buzy

Venus Say...

Venus Say…Buzy

It’s a song that conjures up a scene where a goddess gently beckons a young person who yearns for space—teasing them at times, yet kindly leading the way.

Performed by Buzy, it was used as the opening theme for the anime Twin Spica.

Included on the single Kujira, released in March 2004, the track reached No.

29 on the Oricon chart.

Its expansive vocals and up-tempo sound are sure to set listeners’ hearts racing with excitement.

It’s the perfect number for when you need a boost of energy!

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Miracle GirlMariko Nagai

Mariko Nagai_Miracle Girl

Miracle Girl Mariko Nagai

A song by Mariko Nagai that was used as the first opening theme for the anime YAWARA!.

With its powerful yet refreshing vocals, this pop number is a perfect fit for a series themed around women’s judo.

Its stylish, lighthearted tone also complements the show’s romantic elements, and it remains a beloved track even long after its release.

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summer evening skyKousuke Atari

summer evening sky

Kousuke Atari under the summer evening sky

“Natsuyūzora,” which was used as the ending theme for the first season of the heartwarming yokai-themed anime Natsume’s Book of Friends.

Its gentle sound perfectly matches the series’ atmosphere and leaves a strong impression.

Because it’s a calm piece, it could also work well as background music for sleep.

It’s crafted with the natural mood characteristic of Kousuke Atari.

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From the depths of the heart to the water planetHiroko Moriguchi

[4K HDR HLG] Hiroko Moriguchi – With Love to the Water Planet (Anime “Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam” Second Opening Theme) [Anison]

With Love to the Star of Water - Hiroko Moriguchi

A song performed by Hiroko Moriguchi, who is active as a variety TV personality, chosen as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.

Although Moriguchi is strongly associated with her work on variety shows, her vocal ability has remained unchanged since her idol days—she even re-recorded the song herself in 2019.

Its melancholic yet powerful tone, perfectly matching the anime’s atmosphere, is likely etched in the hearts of the generation who were captivated by Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam at the time.

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Always With MeYumi Kimura

Yumi Kimura - "Always With Me"

Always With Me by Yumi Kimura

The theme song from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.

It’s a beautiful number featuring a gentle voice set to a triple meter and the soft timbre of a small harp called a Gärtner lyre.

This song wraps around the girl as she returns from a mysterious world to everyday life, providing a sense of relief at the end of the film.

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Princess MononokeYoshikazu Mera

Princess Mononoke

Mononoke Hime Mera Yoshikazu

I imagine quite a lot of people know this song.

It’s famous as the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s iconic film Princess Mononoke.

The original singer, Yoshikazu Mera, has a cheerful personality on variety shows and the like, but when he sings this song he emanates an incredible aura.

That’s another point to pay attention to.

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I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

I want to shout that I love you BAAD

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

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