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Male Singer-Songwriter Anime Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2025]
You know how you sometimes think, “I’ve heard this song somewhere,” and it turns out it was an anime theme song? And often you only know the chorus.
Here’s a roundup of popular anime songs performed by male singer-songwriters.
Male Singer-Songwriter Anime Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2025] (1–10)
peace signKenshi Yonezu1rank/position
The single released by Kenshi Yonezu in 2017 is the opening theme for the first cour of season 2 of the anime My Hero Academia.
The song captures the protagonist’s determination to grow stronger in order to protect those he cares about, even while facing his own weakness.
Its exhilarating guitar-rock sound and powerful message of charging toward the future are truly stirring.
It’s the perfect track for times when you want to keep moving forward despite setbacks, or when you feel like doing your best for someone else.
There’s also an anecdote that Yonezu created it with the Digimon Adventure theme song in mind—perhaps another reason it’s loved across generations.
The music video surpassed 300 million views on YouTube in October 2024 and continues to inspire courage in many people.
One More Time,One More ChanceMasayoshi Yamazaki2rank/position
This is a gem of a ballad that passionately sings of loss and a deep longing for reunion.
Feelings of wistfulness and regret seep into the heart through Masayoshi Yamazaki’s clear vocals and the timbre of his acoustic guitar.
Since its release in January 1997, it has remained a beloved classic as the theme song of the film “Moon and Cabbage.” In 2007, it was also chosen as the theme for Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “5 Centimeters per Second,” capturing the hearts of a new generation.
The lyrics, which trace the lingering image of a cherished person glimpsed within everyday scenes, and the simple yet richly expressive melody gently embrace the bittersweet love that everyone has experienced.
It is a song that quietly stays by the side of those who continue to think of someone dear, and those who hold memories of a precious person close to their hearts.
It seems like it has to be you.Masayoshi Oishi3rank/position
This is the song that marked Masayoshi Oishi’s beginning as an anisong singer.
Drawing on his many years of experience as Masayoshi Oishi of Sound Schedule, the track features a technical guitar tone and a bright, soaring vocal that leave a strong impression.
It was also used as the opening theme for the anime Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, and the music conveys a strong sense of fun and exhilaration.
With a light rhythm that evokes a marching feel and a structure that seems to invite audience calls, it also feels imbued with a wish to create a joyful space that brings everyone along.
Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata4rank/position
It’s the theme song for the 3DCG animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” and one of Motohiro Hata’s signature tracks.
The song portrays the strong, heartwarming bonds between the characters, expressing that even when they are apart, their hearts remain connected, and its tenderness can easily bring you to tears.
Perfectly harmonizing with the film’s moving story, it captured the hearts of many.
Released in August 2014, it became a major hit, spending a total of seven weeks at No.
1 on Billboard Japan’s Hot Animation chart.
It is also included on the album “Ao no Kokei” (Blue Scenery).
It’s a wonderful song that gently stays by your side when you want to reaffirm the bonds with someone you cherish.
KICK BACKKenshi Yonezu5rank/position
This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu released in November 2022 as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man.
It portrays the protagonist Denji’s ruinous desires and inner conflict through a roller-coaster-like progression of pounding beats and repeated key changes.
The lyrics blend a thirst for happiness with a sense of emptiness when it can’t be attained, depicting impulses that run out of control like the recoil of a chainsaw.
Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, this track is recommended for fans of dark worlds and for those who want to create an eerie Halloween atmosphere with music.
Katsushika RhapsodyKohei Dojima6rank/position
Kohei Dojima’s song, released in May 1997, was chosen as the third opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo.” Its lyrics gently portray everyday life in Katsushika, leaving a deep impression on the heart.
Combined with a nostalgic melody, it’s a track that stirs listeners’ sense of longing.
This work was Dojima’s first tie-in song and became a turning point that led to writing for other artists.
In 2022, he recorded a self-cover version that was featured in a Suntory commercial.
Performed as entertainment, it’s sure to captivate the audience instantly and ignite a lively atmosphere.
Perfect for sing-alongs, it’s a song that beautifully enlivens any celebration!
DoraemonGen Hoshino7rank/position
Known as a pure and heartwarming pop song, this piece was released in February 2018 as the theme song for a beloved national anime.
Written by Gen Hoshino for the film version, it was later adopted as the opening theme for the TV anime series as well.
The lyrics, which include an homage to Fujiko F.
Fujio and weave in the work’s worldview, have a popular appeal that resonates across generations.
The chorus practically begs for a sing-along, so at social events it’s recommended that everyone joins in together.
Hoshino’s warm vocals and message full of hope are sure to touch people’s hearts across age groups.
It’s a song that men and women alike can enjoy, making it useful in a variety of situations.