When it comes to anime songs, in the Showa era there were many child-oriented tracks made specifically for each anime, while in the Heisei era there were many tie-in songs that often had little to do with the anime’s storyline.
In contrast, these days there are more and more songs written for anime that have also become signature hits for the artists themselves.
This may well be because Japanese anime has gained popularity overseas.
So this time, we’ll be introducing songs that serve as theme songs for some of Japan’s most iconic anime works!
- [Popular] A compilation of anime songs that were hits in 2020
- Masterpieces of the Reiwa Era: Hit Songs That Define the Times
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- Anime songs that drew attention in 2022. [Popular Songs / Hit Songs]
- Recommended anime theme songs for children: timeless anime song classics you should listen to at least once.
- [Classic] Hit Songs! Hype Anime Theme Song Special [Latest]
- Today's Anime Songs: Carefully selected anison masterpieces that will fill you with courage when you listen!
- From rock numbers to dance tunes! Cool songs of the Reiwa era
- [Latest & Greatest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for Teens
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Popular Anime Songs on TikTok: From Classics to the Newest Hits!
- Anime songs popular among elementary school students. Theme songs and insert songs from trending anime.
- Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
All-Star Artists Only! Anime Songs That Energize the Reiwa Era (1–10)
KusushikiNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
This song was chosen as the opening theme for the second cour of season 2 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries.
Just as medicine can be both poison and remedy, the lyrics convey a profound message that words and love also have two sides of the same coin.
Layering conflicting feelings onto the stars in the sky, it paints a bittersweet yet beautiful worldview that resonates deeply.
It’s perfect for when you’re carrying complex emotions you can’t put into words.
It will surely help you transcend them.
Wanna beNEW!TeddyLoid feat. Shigeru Matsuzaki & TOPHAMHAT-KYO
A high-energy dance tune that shocks with its unexpected collaboration! Produced by TeddyLoid and released in October 2025, “Wanna be” serves as the opening theme for the anime ‘Tōjima Tanzaburō Wants to Be Kamen Rider.
’ From the intro, its full-throttle electro beat intertwines with the overwhelming vocals of Shigeru Matsuzaki—legend of the Showa-era pop scene—and the tricky rap of TOPHAMHAT-KYO.
Chaotic yet insanely cool! The lyrics deliver a fiery message about chasing an ideal hero, pushing forward through inner conflict, which really hits home.
A must-listen track when you need to fire yourself up!
Watch me!NEW!YOASOBI
A poppy, comical world bursts to life in this anison that naturally brings a smile just by listening.
It’s YOASOBI’s 16th digital single.
The song serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “WITCH WATCH,” and was created based on the short story “Kokoro Kororon” written by the original author, Kenta Shinohara.
Lyrics that portray the protagonist’s sunny, carefree personality and their pure childhood-friend romance, combined with ikura’s clear and charming vocals, fully enhance the story’s appeal.
It’s the perfect track to kick-start a morning when you need an energy boost.
Choose!!!NEW!Cider Girl
Cider Girl is a three-piece rock band known for their exhilarating, fizzy pop-rock sound.
Their latest track makes a striking impression with a structure that jumps from game-like sound effects straight into full band energy.
The lyrics carry a powerful message: rather than sticking to a predetermined role, choose the path you believe in—something that gives listeners real courage.
Released as a digital single in January 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Reincarnated Villainess Uncle.” It’s a highly recommended number for anyone feeling frustrated by the unfairness of everyday life!
Kaikai KitanEVE
A digital download-only single released in December 2020 by Eve, an artist active mainly online as a singer and Vocaloid producer.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen, the track vividly captures a fighting spirit that battles through a chaotic world.
Its ensemble builds momentum from the first verse, and the thrilling yet catchy arrangement evokes the sound of a new era.
With over 300 million streams, it has become a popular song embraced by a wide audience, from children to adults.
KICK BACKKenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter who’s taken the J-pop scene by storm with his modern musicality.
His 13th single, written as the theme song for the TV anime Chainsaw Man, was born from a collaboration with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu.
Released in October 2022, the track fuses energetic rock with elements of drum’n’bass, featuring a fast tempo and a structure that makes frequent use of key changes.
Its gritty vocals and hysteric arrangement align with the anime’s worldview and really amp up the excitement.
It’s also a surefire crowd-pleaser for year-end and New Year party entertainment.
idolYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s music, which continues to shake up the music industry, has once again been chosen as an anime opening theme.
This track, created based on a newly written novel by the original author, incorporates hip-hop elements while delivering a pop song with a gothic rock flair.
Released in June 2023, it sparked major buzz both in Japan and abroad, becoming the first Japanese song to top the Billboard Global Excl.
U.
S.
chart.
It might be difficult to sing at karaoke, but it’s a highly recommended track for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of its lyrics.