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 Special Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s (1–10)

DOGLANDNEW!PEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1 “DOGLAND” （Official Video）

DOGLANDNEW!PEOPLE 1

Released in December 2022, this track mixes a slightly eerie atmosphere with poetic lyrics.

It drew attention as the ending theme for episode 10 of the anime Chainsaw Man, arriving at a milestone moment as PEOPLE 1’s first anime theme song.

The structure is striking: rap-like verses give way to a chorus where the band ensemble brings a catchy lift, and the lyrics—linking physicality with inner emotion—hit straight to the heart.

Later included on the album “Hoshimeguri, Kimi ni Kinsei,” the song shines with lyrics and composition by Deu and arrangement by Hajime Taguchi.

Its cool world, balancing ambiguity and intensity, is perfect for listeners seeking refined music in everyday life or those moved by the synchronicity of animation and music.

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Revolutionary Journey – On the WayNEW!Aina the End

Aina the End / On the Road of Revolution – On The Way [Official Music Video] (TV anime “Dandadan” Season 2 Opening Theme)

Revolution Journey - On the Way NEW! Aina the End

This song, created as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Dandadan, was written and composed by Aina the End.

It will be released digitally in July 2025, followed by physical releases in two formats—CD and Blu-ray—in September.

Its exhilarating sound layers with a mysterious melody, conveying the protagonists’ determination to fight to protect what’s precious to them in a straightforward way.

As Aina herself says, she “reduced the distortion in her voice and sang straightforwardly,” resulting in a clear and powerful vocal performance.

It perfectly matches the anime’s worldview, where the occult and youth intersect.

It’s a track we recommend when you want to keep moving forward or need a push on your back.

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Unprecedented; unparalleled; one-of-a-kind (Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go)Takayoshi Tanimoto

Unprecedented; unparalleled; one-of-a-kind (Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go)

Sky-Precedent-Absolutely-Unprecedented Kuu-Zen-Zetsu-Go Takayoshi Tanimoto

The passionate lyrics and energetic tempo resonate deeply.

Released in June 2014, this song was used as the opening theme for the Majin Buu arc of the anime Dragon Ball Kai.

Takayoshi Tanimoto’s powerful vocals further amplify the world of Dragon Ball.

The song carries soul-stirring messages about battling oneself and finding the courage to push past limits.

For those who keep challenging themselves or striving toward their dreams, it’s sure to ignite even greater passion.

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[Nostalgic & New] A Major Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s (11–20)

to clear up (weather)Yorushika

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Non-Credit Opening (Cour 2) / Opening Theme: Yorushika — Haru

Haru Yorushika

The song by Yorushika chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a piece that deftly weaves together the beauty of nature with human emotion.

Its lyrics evoke the arrival of spring and strikingly depict hope through shifting scenes of sunshine and rain.

Released in January 2024, the track has drawn wide attention, including use in a Suntory web commercial.

It’s perfect not only for anime fans but also for anyone seeking comfort and a positive outlook in everyday life.

With Yorushika’s signature moving melody, it delivers a message that resonates with the heart.

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Zankyo SankaNEW!Aimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

Zankyosanka NEW! Aimer

Released in January 2022 as Aimer’s 20th single, this song was selected as the opening theme for the popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.

It topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, surpassed 200 million streams, and received a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Masahiro Tobinai’s bold arrangement features resplendent brass and strings that brilliantly capture both the opulence of the red-light district and the tension of battle.

The lyrics, imbued with a powerful resolve to overcome past pain and resound into the future, embody the very determination of characters who confront their fate.

Performed even in cheering scenes at Koshien, it’s a song cherished not only by anime fans but also by many listeners running through their youth.

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OtonokeNEW!Creepy Nuts

Creepy Nuts – Otonoke [Official MV] [Dandadan Opening]

Otonoke NEW! Creepy Nuts

Centered on Gen Z, the TV anime Dandadan became a social phenomenon, and its opening theme can be described as a new frontier in hip-hop woven by R-Shitei and DJ Matsunaga.

Its title is a coined word meaning “sound apparition,” expressing how music itself slips into people’s hearts like something supernatural.

The lyrics are sprinkled with references to horror icons like Sadako and Kayako, as well as phrases that evoke other Jump works, sublimating the daring theme of fusing the occult with hip-hop.

The breakneck beat, relentless flow, and intricately calculated rhymes have the power to pull listeners straight into the story’s world.

Released in October 2024, the track topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and earned high praise both at home and abroad.

It’s an anime song recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the anime’s worldview or experience a new form of hip-hop.

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BlessingNEW!YOASOBI

YOASOBI 'The Blessing' Official Music Video (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Opening Theme)

Blessing NEW! YOASOBI

Released in October 2022, this song drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.

Based on Ichiro Okouchi’s original novella cradle planet, the lyrics reflect the bond between the protagonist Suletta and the Gundam Aerial.

Infused with determination for the future and a wish for coexistence, the lyrics convey a strength that says we can support each other no matter which path we choose.

The dramatic development woven by the driving sound and ikura’s clear, translucent vocals is sure to set your heart ablaze.

Featured on the album THE BOOK 3, the track peaked at No.

2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s an energetic number we highly recommend to fans of the Gundam series and anyone seeking a powerful, message-driven song.

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