Special Feature: Iconic Songs from Anime | Packed with Great Tracks!
Voice acting and animation are the charms of anime, but the music that supports them also makes anime even more captivating.
Everyone has some emotional attachment to an anime’s opening theme or insert song.
This time, we’ve picked out some true gems—songs that make you think, “What a great track!” among the many featured in anime.
Many of these pieces are moving, so if you want to savor the music more deeply, be sure to check out the anime as well.
Please take your time and enjoy!
Special Feature: Famous Songs from Anime | Packed with Great Tracks! (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.
Yorozuya BluesHaizu Odeo
The insert song “Yorozuya Blues” from the anime Gintama is a track whose bluesy, gritty melody deeply portrays the show’s world.
Its somewhat melancholic, sentimental blues rhythm carries a power that prompts self-reflection amid an uncooperative reality and awakens one’s pride.
Set in Edo, where aliens known as Amanto have invaded and values have suddenly shifted, Gintama centers on the protagonist and unfolds a tapestry of human stories that make you laugh, cry, and feel warm inside.
The richly emotional lyrics, which resonate with the struggles of modern people, are profoundly moving.
You are not aloneDEEN
This work by DEEN captivates a wide range of generations, from children to adults, and never lets go.
Its warm melody and lyrics filled with a positive message are brimming with a charm that encourages everyone.
Released in April 1996, it was used as the first ending theme for the Fuji TV anime Dragon Ball GT, leaving a lasting impression on many people.
It is also included on the albums I wish and Mariage, making it enjoyable in various contexts.
It’s a song that gives you the strength to live, the kind that makes you feel energized when you’re down.
You’ll definitely want to add it to your karaoke repertoire!
Genius BakabonIdol Four
This song, performed by the Japanese music group The Idol Four, who were active in the 1970s, was used as the opening theme for a television anime of the same name.
Featuring unique lyrics and a catchy melody, it has continued to be loved by many fans.
The work was released as a single record by Asahi Sonorama in October 1971 and drew significant attention alongside the anime’s popularity.
It also became an important piece for The Idol Four, reportedly having a major influence on their subsequent musical activities.
The lyrics, which portray everyday occurrences through a distinctive worldview, convey the message that unconventional thinking is the true mark of genius.
Baka SurvivorUlfuls
With its positive message and energetic sound, this song stirs the listener’s heart.
Released by Ulfuls in November 2004, it reinterprets the word “baka” (fool) in a forward-looking way and gives you the courage to live.
The friendly lyrics, sprinkled with Kansai dialect, feel as if a friend is cheering you on.
It was used as the latter-period ending theme for the anime “Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo,” where it resonated with the show’s unique worldview.
The track has also enjoyed broad support, being featured in commercials and even as a pro wrestler’s entrance theme.
It’s the perfect song when you need a boost of energy or the courage to face challenges.
The Fateful Day ~Soul vs. Soul~Hironobu Kageyama
I bet many of you have tried mimicking the act of releasing ki! The globally popular anime Dragon Ball Z featured the insert song “Day of Destiny ~Spirit vs.
Spirit~.” It played during the Cell arc when Gohan awakened into Super Saiyan 2.
After Android 16 was destroyed by Cell, Gohan’s anger peaked and he powered up beyond his limits… The song, blending intensity with a touch of sorrow, fit that development perfectly.
Hiroshi Kageyama’s powerful vocals shake both the chest and the heart.
SpiceSaucy Dog
This is a song written as the theme for the 2025 film Crayon Shin-chan: Ultra Glamorous! Blazing Kasukabe Dancers.
The track was created by Saucy Dog, a rock band hugely popular among young listeners.
The piece features a refreshing, nostalgic sound that evokes a free-spirited heart unafraid of childhood mistakes, and brings back the scenery you saw while taking the long way around.
It gently affirms that even the hardships of life are precious spices that color who you are.
Vocalist Shinya Ishihara reportedly read the film’s script and drew on his own childhood while creating the song, and that straightforward sincerity really comes through.
It’s sure to resonate with every adult doing their best each day.