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 (41–50)
snakeYorushika
This song depicts a snake yearning to know the outside world.
Yorushika’s “Hebi” explores a deep theme of thirst for knowledge and growth.
Released in January 2025, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime “Chi: On the Movements of the Earth.” n-buna’s delicate composition and suis’s translucent vocals beautifully elevate the philosophical lyrics.
The song’s worldview overlaps brilliantly with humanity’s pursuit to understand the Earth’s motion.
Be sure to enjoy it alongside the anime.
Magic Hour&TEAM
Magic Hour is a youthful pop song that blends poignancy with power.
It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime Honey Lemon Soda and was released in January 2025.
Titled after the beautiful moments of the sky around sunset and just before sunrise, its melody strikingly symbolizes a special time.
The way the arrangement shifts toward the latter half seems to reflect the protagonist’s growth.
It’s a perfect pairing with the anime, and also recommended for anyone who wants to reminisce about their youth.
CASANOVA POSSEAli
It’s a groove-driven track that blends a variety of elements—rock, funk, hip-hop, and Latin.
It’s a song by the band ALI, slated for release in January 2025, and it’s been selected as the opening theme for the anime Dr.
STONE.
The song carries a message of having the courage to break free from the past and forge your future, and listening to it really sets your heart on fire.
Why not give it a listen and recharge your energy for tomorrow?
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
This is a King Gnu song characterized by a sound that conveys intense passion and energy.
It portrays pure, powerful love that deeply moves listeners.
Released in December 2021 as the theme song for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it received high acclaim across many music charts.
In December 2022, it ranked first in the Oricon Yearly Combined Singles Ranking for the 55th Annual Rankings.
The lyrics express a resolve to devote everything to a loved one and a determination to overcome suffering.
It’s a recommended track when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone important or need the courage to face difficulties.
PlazmaKenshi Yonezu
It’s a work with a grand world-building and a profound message.
It’s a song by Kenshi Yonezu, released in January 2025 as the theme for the theatrical anime Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.
The lyrics center on challenge and hope, paired with energetic musicality.
It’s crafted to resonate with themes the Mobile Suit Gundam series has explored over the years—war and peace, and personal struggle.
If you’re striving to keep looking forward amid days of conflict, give it a listen.
Ame-no-Murakumo no Tsurugi - SKYBREAKER -Takanori Nishikawa
The music that colors this sweeping tale is brought back to life by Takanori Nishikawa’s vocals.
It’s a perfect fit for the world of wuxia fantasy, with powerful singing and a dynamic sound that grabs you from the start.
Released digitally in December 2024 as the opening theme for Thunderbolt Fantasy: Sword Travels in the East 4, the song also features Nishikawa as a character voice in the series, reflecting his deep connection to the work.
Expressing the grand world and the characters’ inner conflicts through music, this track is highly recommended listening before you watch the drama or film.
From SHINSEKAIano × Rira Ikuta
It’s a memorable rock number that weaves together a sense of speed and cuteness.
A collaboration between ano and Lila Ikuta, it was released digitally in November 2024 and chosen as the opening theme for the anime Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction.
The lyrics and composition were handled by the original creator, Inio Asano.
While depicting a sense of discomfort and loneliness in modern society, the lyrics also suggest a glimmer of hope beyond it.
It may especially resonate with those searching for a place where they belong.
Be sure to give it a careful listen.
In conclusion
This time we introduced anime songs recommended for Gen Z—how did you like them? Even if you don’t know the anime, many of these tracks are ones you’ve probably heard at least once.
They’re perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke with people your age, so be sure to check them out!