[Latest & Greatest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for Teens

MONTAGEKento Nakajima

Kento Nakajima “MONTAGE” Music Video [TV Anime “The After-Dinner Mysteries” Opening Theme]

I’m drawn to its grand sense of scale and refined sound.

“MONTAGE” was released in May 2025 and was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “The After-Dinner Mysteries.” The composition is by Hiroyuki Sawano, known for works like “Attack on Titan” and “Mobile Suit Gundam.” The fusion of a mysterious atmosphere with a danceable rhythm is striking, and Kento Nakajima’s expressively rich vocals are another highlight.

The thrilling melody that echoes the anime’s story is superb as well.

Be sure to listen closely and immerse yourself in its world.

idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

The music duo YOASOBI, who have produced many hit songs such as Yoru ni Kakeru released in 2019 and Kaibutsu released in 2021, wrote Idol in 2023 as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko.

The song features an innovative development that truly makes it a masterpiece of the Reiwa era.

In particular, its distinctly YOASOBI-like contrasts between bright and dark sections and its intricate key changes create clever effects, offering a thrilling sensation you won’t find in their previous songs.

reverse dreamKing Gnu

King Gnu – Sakayume

This is a beautiful ballad that begins with delicate piano melodies and builds into a grand string arrangement.

Written as the ending theme for the anime film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it explores the themes of love and curses between two people, portraying profound human emotions and inner conflict.

Iguchi’s warm falsetto delivers an evocative vocal performance that conveys both sorrow and hope.

Created by King Gnu and released in December 2021, the song beautifully adorns the film’s climax and ending.

It’s a track that resonates deeply not only with movie fans, but also with those who love bittersweet love songs or feel like reminiscing about cherished memories with someone special.

For karaoke, it’s recommended for singers with a gentle, nuanced expressive style.

But no loveRainy。

Rainy. “But No Love” MV

Rainy.

delivers a powerful dance number that captures the feelings of a sixteen-year-old in their entirety.

Beneath its pop, up-tempo sound, the song weaves in age-specific worries and inner conflicts, as well as the push-and-pull of young love, vividly expressing emotions that feel true to life for today’s youth.

The wavering heart at the boundary between childhood and adulthood resonates deeply alongside a light, deftly crafted sound that blends the essences of Heisei and Reiwa-era J-pop.

Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Detective Conan airing from January 2025, this marks the third tie-in with the series.

Now in the third year since debut, Rainy.

’s increasingly mature vocals and dance performance are not to be missed, and are sure to strike a chord with anyone in the thick of their youth.

Glass LineTele

Tele | Glass Line – Music Video

A song by Tele, the solo project of Kitaro Taniguchi, written as the ending theme for the anime “Guilty Children (Takopi’s Original Sin).” It is a grand and beautiful number that gently accompanies the painful feelings of characters who want to save others but cannot.

This work deeply embraces the themes of the original and is imbued with a strong wish to deliver music that lets you breathe calmly.

Why not listen to it on nights when you wish for someone’s happiness yet are tormented by your own powerlessness?

Queen’s illusionAnipani (Rinu feat. Vaw & Chigusa-kun)

[MV] Queen’s Illusion / Anipani (Rinu feat. Vau & Chigusa-kun)

A thrilling and glamorous track released in May 2025 as the theme song for the theatrical anime Phantom Thief Queen’s Elegant Vacation! It’s a song by the music unit Anipani, centered around Rinu from Strawberry Prince, with Vau and Chigusa-kun participating.

The bright, jazz-inspired arrangement is striking, evoking the excitement and heart-pounding adventure aboard a luxury cruise ship.

The vocal work, showcasing the individuality of all three, is also captivating—the powerful voice of Rinu, Vau’s resonant low tones, and Chigusa-kun’s soaring high notes blend together exquisitely.

It’s a number I recommend when you want to immerse yourself in an extraordinary world.

IllusionMY FIRST STORY × HYDE

MY FIRST STORY × HYDE – “MUGEN” (from Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”) Official Music Video

Released in June 2024 as the opening theme for the Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc anime, this track marks the first collaboration between MY FIRST STORY and HYDE.

While embracing profound themes such as eternity, life, and fate, it deftly portrays the protagonist’s inner turmoil at the boundary between dreams and reality.

Driven by a rock-based, fast-paced melody, the powerful vocals of MY FIRST STORY’s Hiro and HYDE blend seamlessly, resulting in a work rich in emotional expression.

Its strong affinity with the visuals creates a thrilling synergy with the anime’s world that stirs the heart.

It’s a perfect song to sing with full emotion at karaoke—highly recommended not just for rock fans, but for anime fans as well.