![[Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/uQGVWhSnQZ0/maxresdefault.webp)
[Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
Don’t we all have anime songs we used to listen to a lot as kids?
You might not remember the story, but you can still sing the opening chorus—pretty relatable, right?
In this article, I’ve rounded up nostalgic anime songs that will take you right back to your childhood the moment you hear them.
I’ve picked tracks from the 1980s to the 2000s, so it should resonate with a wide range of ages.
Take your time and see if you can find that one song from your memories!
[Nostalgic Hits] A Collection of Classic Anime Songs That Resonate with Showa and Heisei Generations (1–10)
OK!Rika Matsumoto
OK! was chosen as the third opening theme for the anime adaptation of the hit game series, Pokémon.
Sung by Rica Matsumoto—known as the voice of the protagonist Ash (Satoshi in Japanese) and the singer of the first opening theme, “Aim to Be a Pokémon Master”—it was released in 2000 as her 10th single.
With its fast-paced rock sound and the title phrase repeated throughout, just listening to it naturally gives you a boost of energy.
Love Song of LumYuko Matsuya
The opening theme of the anime Urusei Yatsura, “Lum’s Love Song,” is a memorable track with impactful lyrics and sound.
It captures the cute and charming character of the series’ heroine, Lum.
Sung by Yuko Matsutani, who was active as both a singer and voice actress, it was released in 1981 when the anime first began airing.
In 2021, the composer, singer-songwriter Izumi Kobayashi, recorded a self-cover, and various artists in Japan and abroad have remixed this version.
RomancePENICILLIN
Maybe thanks to the influence of TV shows, the band boom of the ’80s and ’90s was incredible, wasn’t it? Bands like Janne Da Arc and LUNA SEA were fiercely competing.
Among them, I personally think PENICILLIN really stood out.
Their signature song “Romance” is such a nostalgic track.
The lyrics—about “carefully nurturing a love that has only just begun”—were distinctive too.
HAKUEI’s sharp moves as the vocalist were so passionate! It was the opening theme for the anime Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.
Love is thrill, shock, and suspenseRina Aiuchi
Rina Aiuchi’s fourth single, released in 2000, is “Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense.” It was used as the opening theme for the hugely popular anime Detective Conan and reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The impactful opening—featuring the anime’s protagonist, Conan Edogawa, expressionlessly performing the para para dance to the song—became a hot topic.
With its fast-paced Eurobeat style, the track really gets you pumped up as you listen.
In 2020, to celebrate her 20th anniversary, Aiuchi performed “Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense” on her official YouTube channel, showcasing the same soaring vocals as back in the day.
GO!!!FLOW
“GO!!!” is the fourth single by FLOW, released in 2004.
It was selected as the fourth opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “NARUTO” and reached No.
6 on the Oricon singles chart.
The fast-paced sound makes it a quintessential youth punk track.
The lyrics, which align with the anime’s story about boys aiming to become ninjas, are also distinctive.
In 2017, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of their debut, the mini-album “Fighting Dreamers” was released, featuring “GO!!! ~15th Anniversary ver.
~,” with the anime’s voice actors participating as chorus singers.
1/2Makoto Kawamoto
This is a major hit by Makoto Kawamoto, which was also used as the opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.
It was released in 1997 as her third single.
The sight of the petite Kawamoto passionately strumming a big guitar as she sang was always striking.
The lyrics, inspired by the pure idea that “half the person you love and half yourself together make one,” are a wonderful approach.
For those who watched the swordsmen’s fiery battles with bated breath back then, it’s sure to strike a nostalgic chord.
Grip!Every Little Thing
Every Little Thing’s “Grip!” is a bright, happy song that lifts your spirits.
Released as a single in 2003 and used as the opening theme for the anime Inuyasha, it reached No.
7 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics, which encourage us to “look firmly toward the future and live in the present,” really hit home.
Kaori Mochida’s clear, fresh vocals also leave you feeling refreshed as you listen.