Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits

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”

It’s the opening theme of Evangelion, and among them this song is a masterpiece.

I often sing it at karaoke.

I love the lyrics and have memorized all of them.

I remember having watched the entire anime back then.

I also remember liking Rei and collecting her merchandise.

Wonder ThreeFuyumi Shiraishi, Shinsuke Chikaishi, Yasuo Kojima

W3 Opening

Brought to you by Mushi Production, Wonder Three is one of the more science-oriented works among modern anime.

The story follows members of the Galactic Patrol who transform into animals to conduct investigations, with the premise that they protect Earth.

I watched it in motion, and although the subject matter is somewhat grand in scale, it occurred to me that it might be touching on global warming.

It made me admire how incredible Tezuka-sensei was in his ability to anticipate the future.

Cyborg 009Tokyo Meistersinger

Cyborg 009 OP ED [HD] (Monochrome)

There’s a piece of music that awakens the melodies of those long-ago programs, slumbering deep in our memories.

Performed by the Tokyo Meister Singers, this work has been loved across generations, cherished as a special remembrance by those who knew the era and offering refined musicality to new fans.

The messages woven into the lyrics have not faded with time; even now, they inspire the courage to live.

Released in January 1968, the song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Cyborg 009, a testament to its popularity.

In the moments where past and present intersect, this melody resonates in the hearts of people of all ages.

Go for it! Akado SuzunosukeTokyo Johoku Children’s Choir

Akadō Suzunosuke

It’s a classic story about a protagonist centered on kendo who trains and grows as a swordsman.

Various techniques appear, and of course most of them are impossible to pull off in real life—but haven’t you ever felt tempted to try them anyway?

Space Battleship YamatoIsao Sasaki

Space Battleship Yamato (1) / Isao Sasaki + The Royal Knights

Isn’t this a song everyone has heard before? The theme song of Space Battleship Yamato is one of the classic anime songs known across generations, young and old! It’s also used as a cheer song in high school baseball.

Its gallant melody stirs the fighting spirit!

Lupin the Third

Lupin the Third Theme ’78 – Yuji Ohno

The manga Lupin the Third, originally created by Monkey Punch, began serialization in Weekly Manga Action in 1967, and the TV anime aired on the Nippon TV network starting in 1971.

Since the work was originally serialized in a seinen (young adult) manga magazine, the TV anime also gained support from college students at the time.

The Song of DevilmanKeizo Toda

Devilman Song - Keizo Tohda - Key Station Version / Local Station Version Non-Telop OP Devilman

The opening theme of a popular anime powerfully portrays a protagonist who, despite wielding demonic powers, fights for justice, brought to life by Keizo Toda’s husky vocals.

The chorus repeats the hero’s signature finishing moves, which became the envy of children and a hit on playgrounds.

With lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Go Misawa, the song was created as the opening theme for an anime that began airing in July 1972.

Re-released in September 2004, it has grown into a classic beloved across generations.

Its weighty orchestral sound and memorable melodic lines deliver stirring impact and exhilaration.

Highly recommended for fans of justice-driven heroes and those who want to revisit nostalgic Showa-era anime songs.