[Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
Do you have any anime you used to watch all the time? I think many people had anime close to their daily lives—like tossing down your school bag the moment you got home and waiting in front of the TV, or getting excited talking about shows with friends.
Just those 30 minutes could whisk us away to a world of dreams.
As adults, we sometimes suddenly remember, “Oh yeah, I used to watch that back then,” or find ourselves humming the theme song without thinking—there are many ways we look back.
In this article, we’ll introduce a collection of nostalgic works for people in their 30s, focusing mainly on anime songs from the 1990s to the 2010s.
Be sure to read to the end!
- [Anime Songs] Anime tracks recommended for men in their 30s to sing at karaoke
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- [Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- [Top 20] Anime Song Sales Ranking of the Heisei 30 Years!
- A Special Feature on Easy-to-Sing Anime Songs for Karaoke [100+ Songs]
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
[Nostalgic] Recommended Anime Song Masterpieces and Popular Tracks for People in Their 30s (41–50)
Loosey-goosey DE-O!Shinnosuke Nohara
It’s such a fun, upbeat rap-style track sung by Shin-chan, isn’t it? The theme is Shin-chan’s carefree, laid-back everyday life, and just listening to it lifts your spirits and naturally brings a smile to your face.
With the director himself writing the lyrics, the song is packed with Shin-chan’s unhurried, slightly precocious charm.
It was released as a single in January 2005, and it served as the opening theme for the TV anime for about five years starting in October 2004.
It’s also included on the album “Crayon Shin-chan Theme Song CD: Kikanakya Son, Song, Song for You.” It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you need a boost.
[Nostalgic] Recommended Anisong Masterpieces and Popular Tracks for People in Their 30s (51–60)
scabHidenori Chiwata
The opening theme of the anime Zatch Bell! For many people, this is the first song that comes to mind when they think of Zatch.
Its simple, energetic band sound and Hidenori Chi-wata’s clear, resonant vocals are major draws.
The lyrics, which depict human growth, are also memorable, and you can feel a strength that seems to give courage to listeners.
It’s a piece that teaches us that failure is necessary and that we become adults by overcoming hardship.
secret of my heartMai Kuraki
This was Mai Kuraki’s third single, and it sold over a million copies.
It was used as an ending theme for Detective Conan.
Some of you may remember the animation where the heroine, Ran Mouri, sings along to the song.
The poignant vocals and lyrics are heart-wrenching.
Unwavering WishNaomi Tamura
This song was used as the opening theme for the anime Magic Knight Rayearth and became a big hit.
It’s sung by singer-songwriter Naomi Tamura from Aichi Prefecture and was released in 1994 as her fourth single.
As the title suggests, the lyrics express a determination to move forward into the future, and you can feel a stirring heat in your chest as you listen.
Her powerful vocals are also wonderful.
Although time has passed since its release, it remains a hugely popular karaoke choice and is truly a classic among anime songs.
MöbiusJanne Da Arc
This song portrays the emotions of a protagonist lost in an endless labyrinth of love.
The cosmic sweep of the synthesizer tones blends with Yasu’s heartrending vocals to vividly depict a love you can’t escape—like a Möbius strip.
The structure, which dramatically shifts from digital sound in the verse to a weighty band ensemble in the chorus, is sure to seize listeners’ hearts.
Released in May 2006, the track was also used as the opening theme for the anime Yo-kai Ninpōchō: Yōgyakumon (Ninpū Kamui Gaiden).
On nights when your heart is thrown into turmoil by feelings you can’t possibly sever, immerse yourself deeply in this work’s world.
Parched CryFIELD OF VIEW
Kawaita Scream is a stirring number from FIELD OF VIEW that evokes the brilliance of youth and the heat of days spent in battle.
In 1998, it played as the opening theme for the anime Yu-Gi-Oh!, captivating many fans.
Showcasing Miho Komatsu’s songwriting prowess, the lyrics—about unwavering resolve and friendship—link perfectly with the anime’s worldview.
Its overwhelming sound and powerful vocals brought courage and hope to those who remember that era.
Every time I listen to this song, even now in my thirties, I can’t help but feel the intensity of youth—such a strong, beautiful message is woven into it.
PlatinumMaaya Sakamoto
Maaya Sakamoto’s song “Platinum” was used in 1999 as the opening theme for Cardcaptor Sakura.
Starting abruptly from the chorus, the track is quite powerful and instantly boosts your excitement.
Its mysterious arrangement ties into the anime’s worldview, making it a song that adds a flourish to Sakura and her friends’ story.
Once it starts playing, you can’t help but picture the anime’s characters coming to life in your mind!