Anime opening songs that are just as famous as their anime
Most famous anime leave their mark in history with brilliant storylines, out-of-this-world animation, lovable characters, fighting scenes, and many more. However, every so often, it’s the opening song of an anime that leaves a mark in every otaku.
Once in a while, anime opening songs become so popular that hearing it reminds you of the anime itself. We compiled a list of opening songs throughout the years that are just as famous as their anime. Sit back and relax as we reminisce every opening song that once dominated the anime scene!
Anime opening songs that are just as famous as their anime
Hohoemi no Bakudan – Ghost Fighter
The Ghost Fighter opening song sure takes us back to the past. Hohoemi no Bakudan by Matsuko Mawatari was so popular back in the day. Who could ever forget about the lines— ‘Mecha mecha’ or ‘Arigatou gozaimasu’? Almost every 90’s kids have this song memorized and my cousins can attest to this as they sing this as a karaoke song. This song has a certain trot-like appeal with its repetitive lively beat.
Kimi Ga Suki Da To Sakebitai – Slam Dunk
Another nostalgic 90’s anime opening is Slam Dunk’s ‘Kimi Ga Suki Da To Saketibai.’ This track skyrocketed Baad, the Japanese rock band behind this legendary opening song, to fame as it became their biggest hit. Whenever this song plays, 90’s kids reminisce about the good old days where they would watch this show after school. Just by hearing the song, old memories of Hanamichi ‘gunggong’ Sakuragi’s stubbornness come flashing back.
We Are! – One Piece
Who could ever forget the very song that took us to the vast oceans of the Grand Line? ‘We Are!’ by Hiroshi Kitadani is another track that brings us good old memories of the 90’s anime, One Piece. Just by hearing this track takes us back to the beginning of a 26-year and running journey of Luffy.
This song is so legendary that the remake made every nakama, One Piece fans, enthused over it. The ‘We Are’ remake made every One Piece fans emotional as it shows its up-to-date animation, showing the story’s development.
Blue Bird – Naruto
Blue Bird is only one of many legendary opening songs in the anime, Naruto. Released in 2006, ‘Blue Bird’ became the third opening song in the Naruto Shippuden series which ran from episodes 54 to 77. Blue Bird by Ikimonogakari tells the story of a bird that’s struggling to fly. This soulful song brings back many memories for Naruto fans who began watching the show from the very start.
Hotaru no Hikari – Naruto
Speaking of legendary Naruto opening songs, Hotaru no Hikari also brings nostalgic memories. Hotaru no Hikari, the Light of the Firefly in English, captures the experience, essence, and beauty of life. In this song, Ikimonogakari touches the universal desire and longing for something more meaningful. The lyrics of Hotaru no Hikari portray self-growth and discovery, where the firefly represents the fleeting nature of life. It also talks about how each of our hearts have a flame that’s softly burning.
Departure! – Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter’s opening song in the 2011 adaptation ‘Departure!’ is easily recognized by the show’s fans. ‘Departure!’ consist of loud and exciting instrumental which thrills the audience for the adventure that awaits in every episode. Although it’s a song for the remake, ‘Departure!’ by Masatoshi Ono brings just as much nostalgia as the show’s first opening song, Ohayou.
Unravel – Tokyo Ghoul
As we move forward to new generations of opening anime songs, the song ‘Unravel’ makes the list. ‘Unravel’ is an opening song to the 2014 anime, Tokyo Ghoul. Derived from its title ‘Unravel’, the song depicts a journey of finding oneself in the midst of unveiling parts of yourself that are hidden. The protagonist struggles between trying hard to find himself and not forgetting about who he is.
Imagination – Haikyuu!!
What is this list without a song—or two—from ‘Haikyuu!!’? In this new generation of anime opening songs, Haikyuu’s ‘Imagination’ by SPYAIR undoubtedly deserves a spot in this list. It’s one of the things about Haikyuu that you wish you could see or hear for the first time again. The song ‘Imagination’ brings back so many good memories from this feel-good sports anime.
Fly High!! – Haikyuu!!
Speaking of a song or two from Haikyuu, the anime made a back to back hit opening song with ‘Fly High!!’. The song ‘Fly High!!’ by Burnout Syndrome is the opening song for the show’s second season. Just hearing this song takes you back to the thrilling journey of Karasuno’s redemption to the Nationals.
Shinzou wo Sasageyo – Attack on Titan
At some point, ‘Shinizou wo Sasageyo’ by Linked Horizon was every otaku’s anthem. Attack on Titan’s opening song is just as brilliant and legendary as the anime. The symphonic elements of this song made it very distinguishable among other opening songs. Hearing the instrumentals of this song makes you intrinsically put your fist on your chest and sing.
Gurenge – Demon Slayer
Finishing off this list strong is Demon Slayer’s first season opening song, ‘Gurenge.’ This song by LiSA rose to the ranks of every music chart and ended as Japan’s year-end chart-topper. LiSA showed her powerful vocals and versatility in this song. To be honest, getting this song out of my head when I first heard it was impossible. It’s safe to say that this song is just as brilliant as its show.
