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)

Brave RaideenMasato Shimon

Brave Raideen

Hero Reideen Komon Makoto

Set to a march-like midtempo that lifts the spirit, the song—paired with Masato Shimon’s expansive vocals—feels as if it portrays a radiant guardian of the skies soaring through the light.

Its friendly, accessible melody, beloved by children and adults alike, vividly depicts a righteous hero’s bravery, infused with a sense of duty to protect peace and a steadfast resolve to carry the hopes of the people.

Broadcast as the opening theme for a robot anime that began in April 1975, it earned high acclaim as a masterpiece that perfectly captured the show’s worldview.

In November 1980, a soundtrack album was released by Nippon Columbia, and it continues to captivate many fans.

It’s a track that, when played during your morning commute to work or school, makes you feel like the protagonist yourself and gives you the courage to face a brand-new day.

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Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 40s: From Nostalgic Classics to the Newest Hits (51–60)

Love me gentlyTakako Ota

Tenderly Loving You - Magical Angel Creamy Mami Opening Theme Song

Delicately Loving Takako Ohta

It’s widely known as a classic that represents 1980s idol pop.

It’s also famous as the theme song for the anime “Magical Angel Creamy Mami,” and I think it’s a track that has stayed in many people’s hearts.

Takako Ohta’s delicate yet powerful vocals are striking, brilliantly conveying the feelings of a girl in love.

Released on December 24, 2008, this work generated significant buzz, especially among anime fans of the time.

Since the lyrics depict the subtle emotions of a woman, it’s recommended for those who feel nostalgic about their youth.

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HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution 'HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~'

HEART OF SWORD ~Before Dawn~ T.M.Revolution

This is a gem of a song, known as the ending theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, that powerfully sings of loneliness and hope.

Set in the stillness before dawn, its strong will to believe in one’s own path and move forward is expressed through a forceful melody.

Its striking, tempestuous sound and emotionally rich vocals resonate together, piercing deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released as T.

M.

Revolution’s third single in November 1996, it was used twice as an ending theme during the anime’s broadcast run.

It has been included on numerous acclaimed records, such as the albums “restoration LEVEL→3” and “B★E★S★T.” When you feel lost in life or are facing an important decision, listening to this song is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

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Burning HeroHiroyuki Okita

TV anime “Captain Tsubasa” non-credit ending sequence

Moete Hero Okita Hiroyuki

A towering landmark of anime songs that sings of dreams and passion over samba rhythms and a catchy melody! This masterpiece briskly and humorously portrays the presence, skill, and influence of an ace player.

Hiroyuki Okita’s refreshing vocals brilliantly capture the allure of soccer and the throbbing energy of youth.

Released in 1983 as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime Captain Tsubasa, it became a classic that helped spark the soccer boom.

In 2018, it was remade by Ryuhei Maruyama of Kanjani Eight.

It’s a song that powerfully pushes the backs of everyone striving toward their dreams—not just soccer fans—and one we highly recommend you listen to.

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Babel IIIchiro Mizuki

[Official] Babel II Episode 1: "The Messenger from Five Thousand Years Ago" <1970s Anime>

Babel II Mizuki Ichirō

A powerful, valiant hero song of justice! This work depicts a young psychic boy living in the desert’s Tower of Babel and his three servants as they fight to protect peace on Earth.

Sung with heartfelt passion by Ichiro Mizuki and the Columbia Yurikago-kai as the opening theme for the television anime of the same name, which aired from January to September 1973.

The striking lyrics by the pen name “Toei Ni” pair perfectly with Shunsuke Kikuchi’s exhilarating, fast-paced melody.

Proclaiming hope for the future and the bonds of comrades, this piece continues to be loved as a fiery cheer song that resonates with both children and adults.

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Genesis of AquarionAKINO from bless4

AKINO “Sousei no Aquarion” Music Video

Genesis of Aquarion AKINO from bless4

The theme song of “Genesis of Aquarion” is a masterpiece that blends AKINO’s clear vocals with Yoko Kanno’s grand sound! No matter how many times I listen, the exhilarating melody and the expansive, larger-than-life lyrics leave a strong impression, and I think it’s a classic that perfectly ties into the anime’s world.

Released in April 2005 and used as the anime’s opening theme, it became a big hit.

Even just listening to the song lets you feel the show’s exciting atmosphere.

It’s a track that fires you up every time you hear it, so give it a listen when you’re taking on something new or chasing your dreams!

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Unwavering WishNaomi Tamura

Naomi Tamura “Unyielding Wish” feat. Akio Dobashi × Shunsuke Ishikawa × Koji Hasegawa × Yoshio Nomura

Unyielding Wish by Naomi Tamura

Resounding with a sound that embodies an unyielding will to push forward without giving up on dreams and goals, it stirs the listener’s heart with fiery emotion.

Woven by Naomi Tamura, this rock-tinged, youth-infused piece carries a message of courage to overcome hardships time and again.

Released in November 1994, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Magic Knight Rayearth and was also included on the album N’ and the acclaimed GOLDEN☆BEST.

Mirroring the protagonist’s doubts and inner conflicts as well as their determined, forward-looking stance, it achieved remarkable synergy.

It’s the perfect song to gently nudge you from behind when you want to move forward but can’t quite take that first step.

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