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 Big Feature on Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s (51–60)

Moonlight FlowerJanne Da Arc

Gekkouka by Janne Da Arc

Gekkouka Janne Da Arc

This is Janne Da Arc’s biggest hit song, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Black Jack.

With a profound musical backdrop, it weaves a bittersweet reflection on a past to which one can no longer return.

Though the theme is painful and distressing, the weighty music and powerful vocals convey the strength to overcome and move forward.

It’s a song widely known and loved even beyond Janne Da Arc’s fanbase.

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voiceCLOUD

Yu-Gi-Oh 1st OP – Voice by Cloud FULL

voiceCLOUD

A straightforward band sound and catchy vocals—quintessential rock band fare—resonate throughout.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, the lyrics, true to Yu-Gi-Oh!, evoke a sense of gaming and a heart under pressure.

Among the many songs in the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, this track remains a perennial favorite.

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INNOCENT SORROWabingdon boys school

abingdon boys school　『INNOCENT SORROW』

INNOCENT SORROWabingdon boys school

It’s the opening theme of the anime D.

Gray-man.

Released in 2006 as the debut single of the rock band abingdon boys school, led by vocalist Takanori Nishikawa.

It’s an insanely cool rock track with an irresistible blend of loud sound and scorching, electrifying vocals.

The heavy, distorted guitar tone leaves a strong impression.

The lyrics, which think of a precious “you,” are sweet with a touch of bittersweetness.

Still, it’s a masterpiece that makes you want to introduce it with, “As expected of abingdon boys school,” because it sends your energy soaring.

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Zankyo SankaAimer

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

Zankyo Sanka by 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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[Nostalgic & New] A Huge Anime Song Special for People in Their 20s (61–70)

KICKBACKKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

KICK BACK Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu, who draws attention for his genre-blurring musicality from electronica to folk, released his 13th single in November 2022 as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man—a track that sonically paints protagonist Denji’s desires and inner turmoil.

Its lyrics, where a thirst for happiness collides with the emptiness of reality, resonate with the mindset of young people trying to claw their way up from rock bottom.

The fierce drum’n’bass-infused beat and dizzying key changes are an emotional roller coaster in themselves.

With dance videos spreading across social media, it also meshes perfectly with the digitally native Gen Z audience.

It’s an impulsive rock tune for anyone craving a jolt in their everyday life.

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The Biggest DreamerKoji Wada

[With Lyrics] The Biggest Dreamer / Koji Wada [Digimon Tamers OP]

The Biggest Dreamer by Kouji Wada

Digimon Tamers is the third installment of the Digimon TV anime series and introduces new elements such as humans merging with Digimon.

The opening theme is The Biggest Dreamer, sung by Kouji Wada, which reached 59th on the Oricon charts.

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My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense [original ver.] [Official Music Video]

Zenzenzense RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS’s “Zenzenzense,” which achieved explosive popularity as the theme song for the anime film Your Name, is a bright, up-tempo track that lifts your spirits when you listen to it.

Its chorus melody is easy to remember, and the song has been loved for a long time.

It’s also a karaoke staple, so be sure to give it a try.

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