Lovely anime song

Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation

Freelance music writerTakashi Hoshino
I’m Takashi Hoshino, a freelance writer currently juggling work with parenting. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years since I first picked it up when I started high school, and I’m still active in a band today. Ever since I began playing, I’ve been drawn to hard rock and heavy metal, and I enjoy intense music, whether Japanese or Western. At the same time, I keep in mind something I was told long ago: “If you want to play rock, you should know more than just rock!” With that in my heart, I make a point of listening to a wide range of genres every day. My experience as a writer is still growing, but I’ll keep working hard to recommend all kinds of music to as many people as possible!

Japanese animation has now become a cultural asset Japan can proudly present to the world.

Back in the Showa era, songs made for anime works were simply called “anisong,” but in recent years it’s become commonplace for famous artists to handle anime theme songs, and it’s no longer unusual for global hits to be born from those themes.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of classic anisong tracks recommended for the yutori generation.

Every song on the list helped define its era, so be sure to check them out!

Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the Yutori generation (21–30)

GRIDOUTyama

yama『GRIDOUT』Music Video

GRIDOUTyama

You’ll be captivated by its refined sound.

yama’s “GRIDOUT” was released digitally in April 2025.

It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Your Forma.” This work exquisitely blends a grand rock sound—anchored by strings that linger in your ears—with emotional vocals.

Its near-futuristic vibe matches the anime’s world perfectly.

You’ll want to turn up the volume and immerse yourself.

Be sure to give it a deep listen!

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Summertime GhostWednesday Campanella

WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA “Summertime Ghost” (Official Audio)

Summertime Ghost by Wednesday Campanella

A sophisticated electro tune that evokes the atmosphere of a midsummer night.

It’s a song by Wednesday Campanella, released in April 2025, and selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Kowloon Generic Romance.” You’ll be drawn into its dramatic composition, which feels like turning the anime’s mysterious worldview directly into music.

It’s a piece that makes you want to listen closely while picturing a fantastical nocturnal scene.

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Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the Yutori generation (31–40)

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

"Slam Dunk Theme Song" vol. 2 BAAD - 'I Want to Shout That I Love You' sung by Kaname Kawabata (Short Ver.)

I want to shout that I love you BAAD

It’s a timeless masterpiece etched in my heart along with memories of my nostalgic youth.

Beginning with a fresh morning scene, it portrays the protagonist’s emotions as they waver between friendship and romantic feelings, conveyed through a passionate melody and powerful vocals.

A signature work by BAAD, it was released as a single in December 1993 and used as the first opening theme for the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

In March 2021, it won the Users’ Choice Award at the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With lyrics that explore universal themes such as the frustrations of love and the courage to take a step forward, it’s perfect for moments when you want to indulge in sweet, bittersweet memories of romance.

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Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi

Give me an unbalanced kiss

Give Me an Unbalanced Kiss - Hiro Takahashi

This masterpiece expresses a bittersweet yearning for love through delicate imagery—like a crying figure reflected in a cracked mirror and fingers tracing the moon.

Chosen as the ending theme for the beloved classic anime Yu Yu Hakusho, it became a cross-generational favorite, thanks in part to Hiro Takahashi’s clear, translucent vocals.

Since its release in December 1993, it has been included on the albums WELCOME TO POPSICLE CHANNEL and Hiro Takahashi Best Collection, selling around 300,000 copies.

Its sweetly aching, love-like melody and arrangements that evoke the spirit of 1970s kayōkyoku create a gentle mood reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.

Savor this heartwarming song—one to treasure as a cherished memory.

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In conclusion

This time, we introduced classic anime songs that we’d like to recommend to the Yutori generation—how did you like them? Each one not only enhances its anime but also stands on its own as a wonderful piece of music.

We hope you’ll enjoy these masterpieces packed with the charm of J-pop.