Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs

I want to see your smileRie Hamada

Rie Hamada - I Want to See Your Smile

This piece is by singer-songwriter Rie Hamada, who also creates music for children’s programs, and it serves as the opening theme for the anime Marmalade Boy, which is based on a shoujo manga.

It has the quintessential feel of a ’90s J-pop track, so many listeners may find it nostalgic.

The lyrics reflect the world of the series, expressing feelings for a loved one that grow stronger over time—sure to make your heart race.

Adult listeners might even find themselves reminiscing about their youthful romances.

Plan ADISH//

DISH// – Plan A [Official Video] | TV Anime “The Elusive Samurai” Opening Theme

This is an anime tie-in track that stands out with a rock sound infused with traditional Japanese flavors.

It powerfully conveys the message that “sometimes you need to run from fate,” aligning closely with the protagonist’s inner turmoil and way of life set in the Kamakura period.

It’s an innovative song where DISH//’s dynamic band sound fuses with festival-like rhythms and the timbres of traditional Japanese instruments.

Released as a single in September 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Elusive Samurai.

All members took part in composing, and the lyrics were written by vocalist Takumi Kitamura, making it an ambitious work.

It’s a recommended track not only for fans of anime and manga, but also for music listeners interested in Japanese-style rock.

cloverMeg Rock

(meg lock) Solty Rei Clover Full High-Quality Ver_

If you’re an anime fan from the generation that’s attached to 2000s anime, this is bound to make your heart swell.

This is the second solo single released by Megumi Hinata, a.

k.

a.

meg rock, in 2005, and it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime SoltyRei, which aired the same year.

It’s one of the standout anison classics of the 2000s, with an exceptionally catchy melody, lyrics that showcase a unique feel for language, and meg rock’s charming vocals at their best.

Personally, I’d also love for people to pay attention to the band ensemble, which clearly shows influences from UK rock.

The guitar solo that flows in, overlapping with the final chorus, is super cool, and the Western pop sensibilities you can feel throughout are also evident in melodie cute (melocure), her legendary unit with the late Ritsuko Okazaki.

If this song is how you came to know her, be sure to check out her 2006 single incl.

as well!

Fairy Tale LabyrinthYukari Tamura

Yukari Tamura – Fairy-tale Labyrinth {From the DVD released on 2007.12.24 [*Pinkle ☆ Twinkle Party* 2006 Winter]}

Beyond her undeniable ability as a voice actress, Yukari Tamura also has a solid track record as a voice-acting artist, having become the third voice actress—after Hekiru Shiina and Nana Mizuki—to perform at the Nippon Budokan.

She is also known for her passionate fanbase, so much so that there’s even the term “Yukari Kingdom,” where Tamura is the princess and her fans are the citizens.

Her 2006 single “Fairy Tale Labyrinth” served as the first opening theme for the anime “Otogi-Jushi Akazukin,” in which she herself starred.

The lyrics were written by Aki Hata, a songwriter indispensable to any discussion of anime songs from the 2000s onward.

Tamura’s vocal performance is marvelous—maintaining a fairy-tale atmosphere without tipping into excessive sweetness—and the driving arrangement and irresistibly catchy melody fuse at a very high level to create a masterpiece.

It feels like the methodology of this track went on to greatly influence later anime songs and Vocaloid tunes.

As an aside, the follow-up single “Princess Rose,” which became the second opening theme for the same anime, is also a gem that reached No.

6 on the Oricon chart!

Brilliant road to tomorrowangela

angela “Brilliant Road to Tomorrow” (Live ver.)

It’s a grand anime song that sings about moving toward the future together with you.

Created by angela, a music unit known for numerous anime theme songs, it was released in 2003 as their debut single and chosen as the opening theme for Stellvia of the Universe.

Atsuko’s rich, alluring vocals are truly wonderful—perfectly matched with the symphonic sound.

It’s a track I recommend when you want to sharpen your focus, like before an important match.

Kokoro-eRoad of Major

Road of Major / Kokoro-e

It might make you reminisce about your own youth.

It’s one of the signature songs by the rock band Road of Major, released in 2004 as their major-label debut single.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Major: 1st Season.

The passionate lyrics—about keeping your head up and moving forward even while crying or going through tough times—are really cool.

They match perfectly with the band’s energetic sound.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or struggling with something.

Tanjiro Kamado's SongGo Shiina featuring Nami Nakagawa

Tanjiro Kamado’s Song – Go Shiina featuring Nami Nakagawa (Full)

This is an insert song that played during a crucial scene in the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

The composer is Go Shiina, and the vocals are by Nami Nakagawa, who is also active as a narrator and actress.

Carried by a grand musical style, the song conveys a heartrending yet powerful resolve: no matter how tragic the circumstances, we must keep living for what we need to protect.

It really pierces the heart.

It’s a masterpiece that makes you feel there’s no other music that could possibly fit that scene.

Please be sure to watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.