Great anime songs that colored the Heisei era
The 1990s.
.
.
Riding the wave of Jump’s golden age, the anime world was experiencing a huge surge in excitement.
One of the factors that fueled this anime boom was anime songs, or “anisong.”
In the early Heisei era, unlike today where popular rock bands often perform them, anisong were mostly sung by musicians who specialized in the genre.
This time, we’re spotlighting some of the most popular anisong from that Heisei period!
They’re all famous tracks that people of all ages have likely heard at least once, so be sure to check them out!
Great Anime Songs That Colored the Heisei Era (1–10)
Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon
After the golden age of Jump ended, Japan’s manga industry was dominated for a long time by childish works that painted only pretty pictures.
The shocking work that put a stop to that trend was Attack on Titan.
As the flagship series of Weekly Shōnen Magazine, it also gained immense popularity as an anime.
Its theme song, Guren no Yumiya, effectively captures the series’ worldview—one overflowing with unpredictable, real events rather than convenient promises.
The fact that the opening itself serves as foreshadowing may be one of the major reasons this track drew so much attention.
CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAHironobu Kageyama
Dragon Ball Z, a great work that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Its explosive popularity was unmatched by other anime, and in France at the time it even recorded an 80% viewership rating.
Speaking of Dragon Ball Z’s theme song, CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA is undoubtedly the most popular.
Many people may associate it with the Showa era, but the anime itself is from the Heisei era, and this track was released in Heisei year 1 (1989).
Hironobu Kageyama’s energetic vocals have a timeless power that resonates in any era.
Until the world ends...WANDS
This is WANDS’ eighth single, which was used as the second ending theme for the 1994 TV anime Slam Dunk.
It played alongside Mitsui Hisashi’s comeback arc, topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks, and became a million seller.
Show Uesugi’s impassioned vocals and Tetsurō Oda’s masterful composition lyrically portray the sense of loss after heartbreak and the turbulence of shifting emotions, building gradually from the first verse and bursting open in the chorus—thrilling whether you sing it or listen to it.
Also included on the album PIECE OF MY SOUL, it remains an immortal classic loved across generations, continually covered by the reactivated fifth-generation WANDS since 2019 and by Show Uesugi himself.
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterRika Matsumoto
Pokémon is a work that gained immense popularity not only as a game but also as an anime.
For those who grew up in the Heisei era, it was so popular that just about anyone could name five Pokémon.
Recently, it made big headlines when the protagonist, Ash (Satoshi in Japanese), retired.
Speaking of Pokémon’s theme songs, the definitive one is, of course, “Aim to Be a Pokémon Master.” It’s sung by Rika Matsumoto, who voices Ash, and thanks to her strong vocal ability, it feels completely natural—so much so that it sounds exactly like Ash himself is singing.
You could say that’s a testament to Rika Matsumoto’s innate talent.
A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi
The original anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which became a social phenomenon in Japan.
Among early Heisei-era anime, it can be considered one of the biggest hits alongside Dragon Ball.
And when it comes to Neon Genesis Evangelion’s theme song, it has to be A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.
This classic by Yoko Takahashi is still used across various media today.
Here we’re featuring the orthodox version, but there are many different arrangements, so be sure to compare them and find your favorite!
Blue waterMiho Morikawa
Despite airing for only a single year—a period by no means long—Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water captured the hearts of many girls.
Though it’s an SF series with a steampunk foundation, it also featured many elements that made it especially appealing to girls, so it likely left a strong impression on many viewers.
Its theme song is Blue Water, a signature track by Miho Morikawa, known for its refreshing melody that evokes the vastness of the sea.
Fluffy TimeAfter School Tea Time
K-On! sparked a band boom among anime fans and had a major influence on later series as well.
Its big appeal lies in the gentle, everyday lives of the girls in the light music club, and the genuine band sound that’s born within those days.
“Fuwa Fuwa Time” is a song that appears in the show, and it’s notable that there are two different vocal versions depending on the story.
It’s a hit classic that conveys cuteness while delivering a light, energetic band sound—a catchy vibe that makes you want to cover it.