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

Daichan Counting SongYoshimi Yoshida

"From 'Inakappe Taisho': Daichan Counting Song"

Known as an anime song with the flavor of enka, this piece was released in 1970.

It was put out under the name Yoshimi Yoshida by Yoshimi Tendo, who was a junior high school student at the time.

Beloved as the opening theme for the anime Inakappe Taisho, it features counting-song style lyrics.

The powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s growth, dreams, and earnest—if slightly clumsy—spirit.

The melody shaped by the rhythm of Japanese taiko drums and lyrics in the traditional 7-5 meter is striking, and it continues to be loved across generations, having been featured on NHK’s Shin BS Nihon no Uta in April 2023.

It’s a song that gives courage and energy to anyone setting out on a new step in life.

8 ManShigeru Katsumi

[Official] EIGHTMAN Episode 1: "The Appearance of Eightman" <Limited Time>

A humanoid-hero type anime.

The fact that the protagonist’s name is Hachiro—just like Eightman—really cracks me up.

It’s a story about a detective who transforms and solves tough cases.

The classic hero-anime storyline is great, too.

In many ways, it might be a foundational anime.

Tetsujin 28-goDuke Aces

Glico Theater Tetsujin 28-go Opening

This was the pioneering anime of the piloted-robot genre.

Back then, robots represented hope for the future and were something everyone admired.

The idea of a boy piloting one became a hot topic and gained great popularity.

After that, the robot-anime boom began, and I clearly remember how the works became increasingly sophisticated.

Sally the WitchThe Three Graces, Kenichi Sonoda and the Dixie Kings

Mahōtsukai Sally 1966_op

This is the opening theme of the anime Sally the Witch, which depicts the adventures of Princess Sally from the Land of Magic.

The anime was produced twice, in 1966 and 1989, and both versions used this song with different arrangements, making it a strong symbol of the series.

It’s said to have been influenced by the American TV show Bewitched, and you can sense its admiration for the West and a glamorous atmosphere in the jazz-infused sound.

The lyrics are simple, describing Sally’s character, but the magical words lightly sung at the beginning immediately draw you into the world of the song and the series.

Jungle EmperorTadahiko Hirano

Jungle Emperor (1965)

This is a masterful work by Osamu Tezuka, featuring Leo the white lion as the protagonist, who grows through various events in the jungle.

Leo’s character later became the official mascot of the Seibu Lions, appearing on uniforms and merchandise and generating a lot of buzz.

Our PermanKatsue Miwa, Susumu Ishikawa

super dinamo

Based on the original work by Fujiko F.

Fujio, Perman aired as an anime twice, in 1967 and 1983.

This is the opening theme from the first series broadcast in 1967.

As the story progresses, other Permans besides the protagonist make their appearances, but the fact that only Perman No.

2 appears in the song conveys that this is where the story begins.

It’s also worth noting the lively march sound, which captures Perman’s powerful presence and the series’ comical atmosphere.

Song of Hakushon DaimaoYuri Shimazaki

Yuri Shimazaki – Hakushon Daimaō no Uta (1999)

This is the opening theme of Hakushon Daimao, a work that depicts the commotion caused by the Great Genie who is summoned from a jar with a sneeze.

The song clearly portrays what kind of character Hakushon Daimao is, describing not only that he can be summoned by a mere sneeze but also what he’s not good at.

The powerful band sound and Yuri Shimazaki’s vocals, which carry elements of enka, leave a strong impression and evoke the grand, boisterous magic of Hakushon Daimao.

With lyrics that offer only a simple explanation, it’s a lively track that heightens the excitement and anticipation for what kind of story will unfold.