Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
In the past, anime songs were often closely tied to the content of their shows and felt somewhat distinct from mainstream J-pop.
In the Heisei era, however, famous artists’ tracks began to be used, and songs written specifically for anime by those artists even became massive hits.
As a result, the nature and reputation of anime songs changed significantly.
This time, we’re introducing anime songs recommended for Gen Z—those who likely spent their childhood or teen years during that era.
From nostalgic tunes to global mega-hits, enjoy the selection!
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- [2025] Recommended Anime Songs for Middle School Students: Theme Songs and Insert Songs from Popular Anime
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- [Popular] A compilation of anime songs that were hits in 2020
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Great anime songs that colored the Heisei era
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits
- [Cute] A Collection of Popular and Famous Anime-Style Songs [J-Pop]
Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z (21–30)
ignited -Ignited-T.M.Revolution
A powerful number that fuses electronic sounds with hard rock, depicting the resolve and inner conflict of a protagonist swept up by the fate of battle! The heavy sound woven by synthesizers and fierce guitar riffs captures the very tension of an interstellar war.
Released in November 2004, this song was selected as the first opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, and it claimed the top spot on the Oricon Weekly Chart for the first time in about six years.
The lyrics, imbued with a strong will to uphold one’s beliefs on the battlefield and a pure desire to protect the ones you love, are sure to push you forward when you face major life decisions.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
This is a heartwarming song that leaves an impression with its theme of youthful memories and friendship.
It sings of parting from friends and the hope of reunion, with feelings woven in a secret place carried by a beautiful melody.
ZONE’s charming harmonies and vocals that convey hope even within a sense of melancholy make this a moving piece.
Released as their third single in August 2001, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama-30 series “Kids War 3: Zakenna yo” and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The song also won the Best New Artist Award at the 34th Japan Cable Awards.
It’s an approachable track for beginners in rock to practice, so definitely give it a try!
SailingBE:FIRST
This is an ambitious work from BE:FIRST overflowing with upbeat messages and youthful passion.
Its powerful, hope-filled beat, melodies that sing of bonds with friends, and lyrics that convey determination for the future come together beautifully.
Showcasing the distinctive vocals of every member, this piece is sure to be a reassuring anthem for anyone striving toward their dreams.
Starting in November 2024, it was selected as the ending theme for the Fish-Man Island arc of the TV anime ONE PIECE, and in February 2025 it was included on the double A-side single “Spacecraft / Sailing.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those chasing dreams with their friends or about to take a new step forward.
If you’re looking for a motivational song that gives you courage and hope, be sure to check it out.
BelieveNami Tamaki
This is the memorable debut single by Nami Tamaki, who made her debut in 2003 at the young age of 15.
The song was selected as the opening theme for the third cour of the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and made a striking debut by reaching as high as No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Its fast-paced, trance-influenced J-pop sound blends perfectly with Tamaki’s powerful vocals, and as an anthem about maintaining hope even in the midst of battle, it has continued to be beloved by many fans.
It’s a song that gives you a push forward when you need the courage to believe in yourself and move ahead.
HALONOMELON NOLEMON
This is an anisong that layers a danceable beat with a beautiful melody line.
Created by NOMELON NOLEMON and released in May 2025, it was written as an insert song for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX.
Following Midnight Reflection and Kienai, it is the third insert song for the same series.
Its hope-filled lyrics leave a strong impression, and by the time it ends, your heart will feel gently warmed.
Listening to it together with your partner may help you reaffirm the importance of love.
PlasmaKenshi Yonezu
The world of Kenshi Yonezu woven from imaginative melodies and innovative electronic sounds.
Set against the backdrop of space, this work—depicting life’s choices and fateful encounters—was released in January 2025 as the theme song for the animated film “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.” It carries Yonezu’s signature delicate sensibility and straightforward passion, familiar from albums like “diorama” and “BOOTLEG.” Alongside its high-energy musicality, the lyrics powerfully convey the courage to step into new worlds and the drive to face the unknown, leaving a deep impression.
It’s a song I especially recommend to younger listeners who are determined to forge their own path.
Cry BabyOfficial HIGE DANDism
The opening theme song of the TV anime Tokyo Revengers captivates with its powerful rhythm and skillful key changes.
Just as the protagonist repeatedly travels back in time and keeps fighting to save those he cares about, the song expresses a strong will to keep moving forward despite setbacks throughout.
Released by Official HIGE DANDism in May 2021, it became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million streams and winning Best Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan.
Starting in August 2022, it was also featured in a collaborative commercial for DyDo Drinco’s DyDo Blend.
It’s a song that powerfully pushes people forward as they face hardship without giving up.