Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era

BOW AND ARROWKenshi Yonezu

TV anime “Medalist” non-credit opening video | Kenshi Yonezu “BOW AND ARROW”

“BOW AND ARROW” is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist.

Its striking sound blends passion with delicacy, echoing the story’s focus on figure skating.

The lyrics, which celebrate challenge, growth, and the importance of supporting one another, resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a track not only for athletes devoted to their sport, but for anyone striving toward their dreams.

Cry BabyOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

A song that celebrates the strength to face adversity, the bonds with comrades, and the desire to try again debuted in May 2021 as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.

Created by Official HIGE DANDism, it features an innovative sound with ten key changes, expressing the protagonist’s indomitable spirit.

It peaked at No.

4 on Billboard JAPAN’s Japan Hot 100 and won the Composition Award at the Reiwa 3rd Anisong Taisho.

From August 2022, it was also used in DyDo Drinco’s DyDo Blend commercial.

Imbued with a strong will to keep moving forward despite repeated setbacks, it’s a perfect song to belt out at karaoke.

HEROESTakanori Nishikawa

HEROES

Takanori Nishikawa has released a full-fledged rock tune that fuses a high-velocity band sound with an emotional melody.

The song was composed by Sojiro Oki and arranged by seasoned producer Seiji Kameda.

With a powerful message, it’s a track brimming with courage and hope.

Released in May 2025 as his seventh solo single, it was written as the opening theme for the TV anime “A Middle-Aged Man from the Countryside Becomes a Sword Saint.” The single comes in two editions: a regular edition and a limited-time production edition.

The regular edition includes one of eight random trading cards, while the limited-time production edition features a Blu-ray and a digipak with newly drawn artwork.

It’s an ambitious release recommended not only for anime fans but also for music listeners who love band-driven sounds.

OtonokeCreepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

A captivating track that weaves a mysterious world of sound and the supernatural.

Its striking, innovative expression links the way music sinks deep into the human heart with the occult and paranormal.

Released in October 2024 as the opening theme for the TV anime Dandadan, it brilliantly captures the show’s atmosphere.

While rooted in Creepy Nuts’ signature hip-hop, the track’s eerie, lingering sound leaves a strong impression.

Earning high acclaim—including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100—it has garnered support from anime fans and listeners overseas alike.

With its driving beat and singular worldview, it’s a perfect fit for music fans seeking a mysterious experience.

UN-APEXTK from Ling tosite sigure

TK from Ling tosite sigure “UN-APEX” Music Video (Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- Ending Theme)

This track fuses the piercing intensity of razor-sharp sonic edges with delicate emotional expression.

Its distinctive guitar sound and complex rhythmic structure deftly portray a psyche that grows colder even as it heats up.

Showcasing the experimental approach unique to TK’s solo project, this piece was selected as the ending theme for Solo Leveling Season 2 – Arise from the Shadow.

It’s a song I recommend when you want to confront the emotions hidden deep within your heart, or when you feel ready to push past your limits and grow.

Plan ADISH//

DISH// – Plan A [Official Video] | TV Anime “The Elusive Samurai” Opening Theme

This is an anime tie-in track that stands out with a rock sound infused with traditional Japanese flavors.

It powerfully conveys the message that “sometimes you need to run from fate,” aligning closely with the protagonist’s inner turmoil and way of life set in the Kamakura period.

It’s an innovative song where DISH//’s dynamic band sound fuses with festival-like rhythms and the timbres of traditional Japanese instruments.

Released as a single in September 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime The Elusive Samurai.

All members took part in composing, and the lyrics were written by vocalist Takumi Kitamura, making it an ambitious work.

It’s a recommended track not only for fans of anime and manga, but also for music listeners interested in Japanese-style rock.

SailingBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Sailing -Lyric Video- (「ONE PIECE LOG: FISH-MAN ISLAND SAGA」Ending Theme “Sailing”)

This is an ambitious work from BE:FIRST overflowing with upbeat messages and youthful passion.

Its powerful, hope-filled beat, melodies that sing of bonds with friends, and lyrics that convey determination for the future come together beautifully.

Showcasing the distinctive vocals of every member, this piece is sure to be a reassuring anthem for anyone striving toward their dreams.

Starting in November 2024, it was selected as the ending theme for the Fish-Man Island arc of the TV anime ONE PIECE, and in February 2025 it was included on the double A-side single “Spacecraft / Sailing.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those chasing dreams with their friends or about to take a new step forward.

If you’re looking for a motivational song that gives you courage and hope, be sure to check it out.