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!
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- [From 2010 onward] A roundup of anime that teenagers feel nostalgic about
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about
Great Anime Songs That Colored the Heisei Era (1–10)
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This song was used as the opening theme for the 2003–2004 broadcast of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
To distinguish it from the series that began airing in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, this version is also called the original (or “no-subtitle”) edition, and the song has been passed down as an emblematic piece of the work.
It’s also one of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s signature tracks, with the driving, rousing band sound being a major draw.
The intensity that evokes action and the atmosphere of cutting through the obstacles right in front of you seemed to match the content of the series perfectly.
We are!Hiroshi Kitadani
ONE PIECE is a work that has continued to captivate audiences for a long time.
It’s one of Japan’s most iconic manga and anime.
As a long-running anime, it has featured many theme songs, but perhaps the most popular of them all is We Are! It’s a signature piece by Hiroshi Kitadani, a member of JAM Project, and its appeal lies in a refreshing, grand melody that evokes the feeling of a voyage.
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.
Great anime songs that colored the Heisei era (11–20)
Until the World Ends…WANDS
In the past, it was common for anime theme songs to be sung by anison singers.
If there’s an anime that broke that mold, it would have to be SLAM DUNK.
The show drew huge attention because WANDS—a band that was extremely popular in Japan at the time—handled its theme songs.
These days, there are plenty of tracks that don’t quite match an anime’s vibe, but in WANDS’ case, what’s impressive is how perfectly they translated SLAM DUNK’s world into their music.
“Until the World Ends” (Sekai ga Owaru made wa…) was especially popular among their songs.
It’s a fantastic piece both as music and as an anime song, so definitely give it a listen.
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!
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.
Moonlight LegendDALI
For millennial women, isn’t the most popular anime Sailor Moon? Beyond its popularity as a shoujo manga, it was a major hit as an anime as well, and its format continues to influence many works today, such as the Pretty Cure series.
The theme song of Sailor Moon is Moonlight Densetsu.
This song, which expresses both femininity and strength, immersed girls of the time in the world of Sailor Moon.