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 Massive Selection of Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s (41–50)

God knows…Haruhi Suzumiya (Aya Hirano)

God knows… “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” [Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu] Kadokawa-licensed MAD [Bass Performance]

God knows… Haruhi Suzumiya (Aya Hirano)

Even people who aren’t into anime have probably heard the name The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya at least once.

This is a song performed within the show.

It features a powerful band sound—especially the guitar, which is incredibly cool.

Transcending the label of an anime song, it’s loved by many for the appeal of the track itself.

Raise the rankinglower

cloudy skyDOES

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

Overcast DOES

Gintama is a quintessential gag anime representing Shonen Jump.

It features a variety of iconic theme songs, and the first one I recommend is “Donten” by DOES.

From the very start, its energetic sound conveys the feeling that the story is kicking off.

The lyrics have a dark worldview that matches the melody.

Although the song gives the impression of a battle anime, Gintama is a gag anime—perhaps that contrast is one of the reasons for its popularity.

Raise the rankinglower

The Story You Don't Knowsupercell

Bakemonogatari ED – The Story You Don’t Know

The Story You Don’t Know — supercell

It’s a heartrending breakup song that brings back memories of a summer day when I couldn’t confess my feelings.

The track is by supercell, a unit formed by popular creators including Vocaloid producer ryo, and it was released in 2009 as their debut single.

It was featured as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari and became a hot topic.

Although the song has a driving tempo, the lyrics are so moving that it can easily make you cry.

It’s an anime song that leaves your chest in turmoil and your heart aching.

Incidentally, it’s also a very popular choice for karaoke.

Raise the rankinglower

Sky-Blue DaysShoko Nakagawa

Shoko Nakagawa “Sorairo Days” music video

Sorairo Days Shoko Nakagawa

The theme song of Gurren Lagann, “Sorairo Days.” Sung by Shoko Nakagawa, the track features exhilarating guitar sounds and striking high-note vocals.

As you’d expect from a singer who loves anime, you can really feel the affection for the medium.

Recommended for guitar lovers, too.

Raise the rankinglower

only my railgunfripSide

only my railgun

only my railgunfripSide

The opening theme for A Certain Scientific Railgun is fripSide’s “only my railgun.” A limited first edition was also released, and it drew attention because Shinji Maggie appeared in the music video.

On the Oricon singles chart, it reached No.

3 for the week.

With its catchy melody, many people have likely heard it somewhere before.

The combination of the cute vocal tone and the cool musical style creates a song with a distinctive world of its own.

Raise the rankinglower

* ~Asterisk~ORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – *~Asterisk~/Love Parade/GOD69 | Live

Asterisk by ORANGE RANGE

A smash hit by ORANGE RANGE, the popular band from Okinawa.

It was the first opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime BLEACH.

The song embodies ORANGE RANGE’s distinctive worldview and continues to be loved to this day.

If you’re in your late twenties, chances are you’ve sung it at karaoke at least once.

It’s the kind of song that takes you back to the fun days of your childhood when you hear it.

Raise the rankinglower

Shine in a commonplace waycable tie

[Lyric Video] Kessoku Band “Shine in an Ordinary Way” / “Bocchi the Rock! Re:” Compilation Film – Opening Theme

Shine in an ordinary way, Kessoku Band

Kessoku Band’s “Shallowly Shine” was used as the opening theme for the first part of the theatrical feature Bocchi the Rock! Re:, and was released in June 2024.

Its lyrics, which depict a lonely girl confronting herself and discovering hope for the future, leave a strong impression.

The energetic rock sound, powerful melody, and vocals are a perfect match.

It’s recommended not only for anime fans but also for anyone who longs to relive their youth.

It’s a song that gives you courage every time you listen.

Raise the rankinglower