Lovely anime song

[Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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 those born in the Showa and Heisei eras (11–20)

I'm only gazing at you.Maki Ohguro

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

Staring only at you – Maki Ohguro

The song chosen as the first ending theme for the landmark basketball anime SLAM DUNK is Maki Ohguro’s “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru” (Only You I’m Looking At).

Released in 1993 as her sixth single, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon singles chart and became her second million-seller after “La La La.” The lyrics, which wryly portray a woman molding herself to her boyfriend’s tastes, carry a certain persuasiveness when delivered through Ohguro’s powerful vocals.

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Pegasus FantasyMAKE-UP

[R.I.P. NoB] At YOYOKA’s Birthday Live, Mr. Nobuo Yamada himself will sing Pegasus Fantasy ☆ MAKE-UP ☆ Saint Seiya ☆ Li-Sa-X vs SATSUMA3042 twin guitars

Pegasus Fantasy MAKE-UP

Released in 1986 as the fourth single by the rock band MAKE-UP, Pegasus Fantasy was specially written as the opening and ending theme for the TV anime adaptation of Saint Seiya, a manga inspired by Greek mythology that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump the same year.

Its powerful hard rock and metal sound alone is enough to get you excited.

The lyrics, which sing about the ideal image and mission of the Saints—the story’s protagonists—are also striking.

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Smile BombMasako Mawatari

Smile Bomb

Smile Bomb by Matsuko Mawatari

The only opening theme chosen for the hugely popular anime Yu Yu Hakusho—which recorded an average viewership rating of 17.

6%—was Matsuko Mawatari’s “Smile Bomb.” For those who watched Yu Yu Hakusho at the time, it’s likely a nostalgic song.

Its lyrics about the process of growing up and its catchy sound leave a strong impression.

In 2010, Shoko Nakagawa, a self-professed big fan of the anime, covered “Smile Bomb” on her album Shokotan Cover 3 ~Anime Songs Connect Humanity~.

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Blue waterMiho Morikawa

Blue Water (21st century ver.)

Blue Water Morikawa Miho

“Blue Water” was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, which was produced based on a science fiction novel by the French writer Jules Verne.

It was released in 1990 as singer Miho Morikawa’s 12th single, and in 2019 it won the Arrangement Award in Sony Music Entertainment’s “Heisei Anison Grand Prize” campaign.

Its liberating sound and courage-inspiring lyrics make it a truly moving classic.

In 2007, a re-recorded “Blue Water (21st century ver.

)” was released.

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Boy's HeartHOME MADE Family

HOME MADE Kazoku 'Shonen Heart'

Boy's Heart HOME MADE Kazoku

HOME MADE Kazoku is a hip-hop group that delivers heartfelt songs themed around life and love.

Among their tracks, the anime song that brings you back to childhood is 2005’s “Shōnen Heart.” It was used as the second opening theme for the sci-fi robot anime Eureka Seven.

The heroic lyrics, which match the boy-meets-girl story, strike a chord.

Set to a lively rhythm, their refreshing flow resonates throughout the song.

Take in its passionate message that helps you reclaim a straightforward, earnest heart.

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Take back the love!!Crystal King

Take back the love!!

Take Back the Love!! - Crystal King

When it comes to the opening theme of the anime Fist of the North Star, which gained popularity for its intense depictions and heart-stirring story, it has to be Crystal King’s “Ai o Torimodose!!,” released in 1984.

Although it ranked only 53rd on the Oricon charts, it’s widely known and stands alongside “Daitokai” as one of Crystal King’s signature songs.

Remarkably, it even achieved million-seller status in 2009, 25 years after its release.

Masayuki Tanaka’s piercing high tones are also a major draw—you can’t help but be captivated.

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[Nostalgic Songs] A collection of nostalgic anime songs that resonate with those born in the Showa and Heisei eras (21–30)

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Yoko Takahashi

The song everyone knows as the opening theme of the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion is A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.

It’s singer Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single, released on October 25, 1995.

Hugely popular as an anime song, it’s also a staple at karaoke.

Its philosophical lyrics, which capture Evangelion’s worldview, and Takahashi’s clear, powerful vocals make for a moving number.

If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a listen.

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