Lovely anime song

[Nostalgic & Latest] A Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Anime, a cornerstone of Japanese culture, is beloved not only by children but also by adults, and it’s highly regarded overseas too! Along with anime itself, the theme songs that play during openings and endings—known as anison—are appreciated not just in Japan but around the world.

So this time, we’ve gathered a wide selection of anison, from nostalgic tracks recommended for people in their 20s to the latest hits! You’ll find memorable songs you listened to as a child as well as popular new tracks, so be sure to read to the end! You might even find one of your favorite songs or a tune that brings back memories.

Now, let’s get started!

[Nostalgic & New] A Major Anime Song Feature Recommended for People in Their 20s (91–100)

grayscale dorminatorOxT

OxT「grayscale dominator」Music Video Full Size

grayscale dorminatorOxT

OxT, the digital rock unit formed by anisong singer Masayoshi Oishi—who’s been expanding his range of activities—and creator Tom-H@ck, also known as a composer for K-ON!, released this track in October 2023.

It was selected as the opening theme for the anime The Eminence in Shadow 2nd season, depicting mind games that evoke a chess-like worldview.

The ensemble, where band sounds intertwine nicely with piano, really lifts your spirits! The piano and guitar in the interlude are also incredibly cool and a must-hear.

As the song progresses, the growing sense of speed makes it an ultra-cool, fiery rock tune!

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Angel's RestMasami Okui

(For Work) Angel's Rest ~ Masami Okui (Subscribe)

Angel's Rest Masami Okui

Yohko Yamamoto, Full Ahead! is a science fiction novel by Taku Shōji, which was adapted into an OVA and a TV anime.

The TV anime’s opening theme is Tenshi no Kyūsoku, sung by Masami Okui, which reached No.

20 on the Oricon charts.

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[Nostalgic & New] A Huge Anime Song Special for People in Their 20s (101–110)

reverse dreamKing Gnu

King Gnu – Sakayume

Reverse Dream - King Gnu

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.

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ultramarineYoh Kamiyama

Yoh Kamiyama – Gunjō [Music Video] / Yoh Kamiyama – Ultramarine

Ultramarine Divine Goat

This is Yoh Kamiyama’s major-label debut single, which serves as the opening theme for the TV anime Drifting Dragons.

It’s a track distinguished by a driving band sound paired with a relaxed vocal vibe.

True to the titles Ultramarine and Drifting Dragons, the lyrics evoke the blue sky and a spirit of adventure that feels like heading beyond the horizon, filling our hearts with excitement.

It’s a wonderful song that brings fun and energy to our ordinary everyday lives.

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REACH OUTAkiko Wada

REACH OUT Akiko Wada

Akiko Wada - REACH OUT

Tetsuya: The Man Called the Mahjong Saint is a mahjong manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine.

It was adapted into an anime under the title Legendary Gambler Tetsuya and aired on TV Asahi.

The opening theme, REACH OUT, is sung by Akiko Wada.

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PrismBAISER

Gokudou-kun OP Full Prism

Prism BAISER

Many anime fans probably read the iconic 90s light novel series Gokudo-kun Manyuuki.

It’s also a representative work by Usagi Nakamura, who was primarily active as a light novel author at the time.

It was adapted into an anime in 1999, and it’s nostalgic to remember that the protagonist, Gokudo, was voiced by Akira Ishida.

Alongside the anime, what also comes to mind is BAISER’s classic theme song Prism.

With lyrics by the famed Yukinojo Mori and composition by vocalist Purple, it’s a wonderfully melodic, pop-leaning visual-kei number that feels quintessentially late-90s.

As BAISER’s first major-label release, following their charismatic indie-era popularity, I personally feel it could have sold even better…

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Small Daysflumpool

Non-credit opening video of the TV anime “Kakushigoto”

Small Days flumpool

It’s a refreshing, upbeat rock number.

The song is by the rock band flumpool and is included on their fifth album, “Real,” released in 2020.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Kakushigoto and drew attention.

The warm, full band sound is striking and pairs well with vocalist Ryuta Yamamura’s clear, expansive singing.

The lyrics say, “I’m always thinking of you.” It’s very encouraging, so it might be good to listen to when you’re feeling down or anxious.

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