Masterpieces of poignant anime songs. Recommended popular tracks.
I think it’s quite common that listening to songs tied in with anime makes you recall the work they’re from.
If the story was a sad one, hearing the song can leave you feeling wistful.
Here, I’ve picked out some Japanese pop songs—melancholic anime tracks—that evoke that feeling.
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Masterpieces of bittersweet anime songs: Recommended popular tracks (51–60)
Goodbye, your voiceAki Misato
This song honestly makes me cry uncontrollably.
Among Aki Misato’s tracks, I’d say it’s easily in her top three.
The vocals and the way it builds into the chorus are outstanding.
It’s a song I absolutely want you to listen to when you’ve had your heart broken.
It will surely pierce your heart.
Ash and PrayerGEMS COMPANY
A moving song where the transience of life and the glimmer of hope intersect.
Chosen as the ending theme for cour 2 of the anime NieR:Automata Ver1.
1a, it draws you into a world crafted by Taro Yoko’s lyrics and Keiichi Okabe’s music.
The imagery of ash and prayer leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics depicting human sin and redemption pierce the heart.
Released in July 2024, this track resonates all the more the more you know the story of NieR.
Listening to this work, where profound sorrow and hope intertwine, may give you courage when you stand at a crossroads in life or when you have lost someone dear.
TOUGH BOYTOM☆CAT
TOM☆CAT’s song “TOUGH BOY” is also famous as the opening theme for the popular action anime “Fist of the North Star 2,” which took the Showa era by storm.
It’s also noteworthy that Tsuyoshi Ujiki participated as a producer.
Cutie HoneyYoko Maekawa
Yoko Maekawa’s “Cutie Honey” is just irresistibly cute.
The song’s charming blend of grown-up innocence has long been loved, leading to several cover versions over the years, but the original is in a league of its own.
It’s an anime song that exudes a mysterious allure.
Masterpieces of heart-wrenching anime songs: Recommended popular tracks (61–70)
GeGeGe no KitaroIkuzo Yoshi
Ikuzo Yoshi is now a leading enka singer.
His song “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” as the title suggests, is known as the ending theme for the anime GeGeGe no Kitaro.
It’s a classic, with Yoshi’s gentle vocals resonating in the heart.
If you haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen.
Ninja Hattori-kunJunko Hori
Junko Hori’s “Ninja Hattori-kun” is the theme song of a popular anime.
For anyone who watched Ninja Hattori-kun in real time, it’s a song that evokes deep nostalgia and a bittersweet ache for childhood memories.
In the past, it was common for anime theme songs to be titled after the main character.
Aim for the Ace!Kumiko Osugi
Kumiko Osugi’s “Aim for the Ace” is the theme song of the well-known youth sports drama anime Aim for the Ace.
It’s incredibly nostalgic.
Listening to it makes me feel like I’m transported back to those Showa-era days.
The lyrics are amazing, the melody is amazing.
It brings me to tears when I listen to it.