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]
Global smash hits, too! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z (1–10)
Zankyo SankaNEW!Aimer
Released in January 2022 as Aimer’s 20th single, this song was selected as the opening theme for the popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.
It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, surpassed 200 million streams, and received a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Masahiro Tobinai’s bold arrangement features resplendent brass and strings that brilliantly capture both the opulence of the red-light district and the tension of battle.
The lyrics, imbued with a powerful resolve to overcome past pain and resound into the future, embody the very determination of characters who confront their fate.
Performed even in cheering scenes at Koshien, it’s a song cherished not only by anime fans but also by many listeners running through their youth.
IRIS OUTNEW!Kenshi Yonezu
This is a song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for the feature film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
It will be released alongside the movie in September 2025.
Following “KICK BACK” from the previous TV anime, this marks his second collaboration with MAPPA.
A memorable behind-the-scenes anecdote is that he supposedly kept the Reze pages from the original manga open all the time, glaring at them as he composed.
The exhilarating sound and powerful rhythm heighten the battles and thrilling developments.
It’s a dramatic track that perfectly matches a world where intense plot twists and complex emotions intersect.
It’s a must-listen not only for anime fans but for anyone drawn to the world of Chainsaw Man.
flameNEW!LiSA
Released in October 2020 as the theme song for the feature film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, this piece was composed and arranged by Yuki Kajiura and completed with lyrics co-written with LiSA.
The sweeping ballad mirrors the life and spirit of the central character, Kyojuro Rengoku, portraying parting and hope, and the will that is passed on.
It powerfully sings of the strength to keep moving forward without being swept away by sorrow.
It won the Grand Prize at the 62nd Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks, becoming a social phenomenon that transcended the anime-music sphere.
It is a song we hope you’ll listen to if you’ve experienced the loss of someone dear or need courage to face difficulties.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
A song by the four-piece rock band RADWIMPS, written as an insert track for the record-breaking hit animated film Your Name.
With lyrics themed around the bond between lovers across time and its exhilarating rock sound, the song spread RADWIMPS’ name to a wide range of listeners alongside the film’s popularity.
Released in July 2016, it spent eight consecutive weeks in the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 top 10 and claimed its first solo No.
1 on the chart dated October 3.
As a track that symbolizes a film that became a social phenomenon, everyone knows it, and it always gets the crowd going at karaoke.
It’s a song about a fateful encounter and eternal love, perfect for a big sing-along in the chorus.
Blue HabitatTatsuya Kitani
Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter also known as a long-time support member since the early days of Yorushika.
This work was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.
With lyrics themed around farewells in youth and lost time, it’s sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in July 2023, the song received high acclaim, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 weekly chart.
It’s a must-hear rock tune, woven from a powerful ensemble and Kitani’s soaring vocals.
idolYOASOBI
This track is striking for its contrast between hysteric synth sounds and a cute vocal tone.
The rapidly shifting arrangement and intricate melody alone are enough to get you hyped.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oshi no Ko,” the song was produced based on a newly written short story by the anime’s original author.
It’s a high-difficulty number that’s sure to relieve stress if you can nail it at karaoke.
Enjoy this fast-paced pop tune brimming with momentum.
KICKBACKKenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter whose cutting-edge sensibilities have produced hit after hit and who’s now indispensable when discussing the modern J-pop scene.
His 13th single, written as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, is striking for the mounting tension from its breakbeat intro and its dizzyingly fast-changing arrangement.
The music video, featuring weight training and parkour, also drew attention.
Released in October 2022, the track feels closely linked to the anime’s world and story.
It’s a modern rock tune that lifts your spirits on those mornings when your feet just won’t move.