TBS Television just dropped its "Professional Ranking" variety show on the 22nd, revealing the ultimate "Japan's Strongest Anime Songs BEST 100"—a list curated by music pros from across the globe.
We're talking 166 music heavyweights—singers, musicians, producers, and composers—from 41 countries and regions worldwide, all casting their votes to crown the most iconic Japanese anime tracks.
It's no secret that Japanese anime songs are a global phenomenon. They effortlessly leap over language barriers, captivating fans everywhere. For international listeners, the pure power of melody and rhythm speaks volumes, even if you don't catch every Japanese lyric.
So, TBS's "Professional Ranking" brought in these global music gurus to pick their ultimate anime anthems. Ready to see how the chips fell?
We're just diving into the top ten here, but don't worry, the full list will be presented as a complete ranking.
▼ 10th Place: "Always With Me" (いつも何度でも) from Spirited Away by Yumi Kimura
If you've seen "Spirited Away," you know this track. With the film's record-breaking box office success in Japan and its massive global reach, "Always With Me" became an instant classic, easily hummable even for international fans. Its lullaby-like melody paired with heartfelt lyrics definitely earned its spot on this list.
▼ 9th Place: "We Are!" from One Piece by Hiroshi Kitadani
"We Are!" is *the* original opening theme for the "One Piece" anime, though it's seen plenty of remakes and re-recordings over the years. The 1999 version, sung by Hiroshi Kitadani, kicked off episodes 1 through 47. Combined with the iconic visuals and sheer nostalgia, this track has become practically synonymous with the "One Piece" anime for decades.
▼ 8th Place: "Zenzenzense" (前前前世) from Your Name. by RADWIMPS
Makoto Shinkai's biggest blockbuster and most famous work, "Your Name.", had its entire soundtrack crafted by the popular band RADWIMPS. Among their contributions, "Zenzenzense" stands out as the most iconic. Its upbeat tempo and story-driven lyrics dominated Japanese karaoke charts back in the day.
▼ 7th Place: "Astro Boy" (原子小金剛) from Astro Boy by Kamitakada Shounen Gasshoudan
As Japan's first long-running TV anime series, "Astro Boy" laid the groundwork for the thriving anime culture we know today. Penned by Shuntaro Tanikawa and arranged by Tatsuo Takai, the eponymous theme song "Astro Boy" is arguably the genesis of anime theme songs themselves, making its inclusion on this list a nod to its immense historical significance.
▼ No. 6: "Tetsujin 28-go" by Nishirokugo Boys' Choir - "Tetsujin 28-go"
Another pioneering black-and-white anime from Japan's Showa era, "Tetsujin 28-go" features a theme song penned by the "Father of Japanese Commercial Songs," Jiro Miki. Its powerful, majestic vocals amplify the charm of this classic mecha anime.
▼ No. 5: "Sailor Moon" by DALI (Seasons 1 & 2) & Moon Lips (Seasons 3 & 4) - "Moonlight Densetsu"
This iconic track, with lyrics by Kanako Oda and music by Tetsuya Komoro, isn't just a shared childhood memory for '90s kids; its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics are deeply ingrained in fans' minds. What makes it truly special is its longevity, spanning multiple "Sailor Moon" anime series and even serving as the theme for the recent "Sailor Moon Cosmos" movie. It's clear this song holds immense significance!
▼ No. 4: "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" by LiSA - "Gurenge"
As one of the most iconic and popular anime of the last decade, it's no surprise that "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Season 1 OP, "Gurenge," landed at No. 4. LiSA's powerful vocals and the song's poignant lyrics have made it a modern national anthem. It's also the only song from the 2020s to make the top ten!
▼ No. 3: "Dragon Ball Z" by Hironobu Kageyama - "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA"
With nearly 40 years of "Dragon Ball" anime history, this track is arguably its most iconic, catchy enough for even non-Japanese speakers to sing along. Paired with Hironobu Kageyama's legendary passionate vocals and those unforgettable opening visuals, it perfectly encapsulates the enduring charm of "Dragon Ball."
▼ No. 2: "Naruto Shippuden" by Ikimonogakari - "Blue Bird"
Performed by the band Ikimonogakari, this opening theme for "Naruto Shippuden" boasts moving lyrics and the band's signature upbeat tempo. It's another one of those universally beloved, sing-along anthems. Given "Naruto's" massive popularity in Western anime circles, it's no surprise it's a huge hit with international fans.
▼ No. 1: "Neon Genesis Evangelion" by Yoko Takahashi - "A Cruel Angel's Thesis"
No surprises here! This track has dominated Japanese karaoke charts for years. Its incredible catchiness, unforgettable lyrics, and iconic arrangement make it the definitive theme for "Neon Genesis Evangelion," even as the series celebrates its 30th anniversary. It's not just fans; musicians worldwide consistently praise this masterpiece.
What do you think of this list? Since it was voted on by music creators from around the globe, various factors might make older works seem to have an advantage. Below is the full top 100 ranking. See which other tracks made the cut!
Japan's Strongest Anime Songs BEST 100 Ranking
Top 10:
1. "Neon Genesis Evangelion" - "A Cruel Angel's Thesis"
2. "Blue Bird" from "Naruto Shippuden"
3. "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA" from "Dragon Ball Z"
4. "Gurenge" from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
5. "Moonlight Densetsu" from "Sailor Moon"
6. "Tetsujin 28-go" from "Tetsujin 28-go"
7. "Astro Boy" from "Astro Boy"
8. "Zenzenzense" from "Your Name."
9. "We Are!" from "One Piece"
10. "Always With Me" from "Spirited Away"
11-20
11. "IDOL" from "Oshi no Ko"
12. "Guren no Yumiya" from "Attack on Titan"
13. "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" from "Mashle: Magic and Muscles"
14. "GeGeGe no Kitaro" from "GeGeGe no Kitaro"
15. "Obake no Q-taro" from "Obake no Q-taro"
16. "KICK BACK" from "Chainsaw Man"
17. "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" from "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"
18. "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" from "Ponyo"
19. "Mahoutsukai Sally no Uta" from "Sally the Witch"
20. "Sanpo" from "My Neighbor Totoro"
21-30
21. "Lupin III Theme" from "Lupin the 3rd"
22. "Otonoke" from "Dandadan"
23. "Bokura no Perman" from "Perman"
24. "Anpanman no March" from "Anpanman"
25. "Niji" from "Doraemon"
26. "Mezase Pokémon Master" from "Pokémon"
27. "Himitsu no Akko-chan" from "Himitsu no Akko-chan"
28. "Space Battleship Yamato" from "Space Battleship Yamato"
29. "Peace Sign" from "My Hero Academia"
30. "Zankyosanka" from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc"
31-40
31. "Sazae-san Ikka" from "Sazae-san"
32. "Ike Ike Hyūma" from "Star of the Giants"
33. "Boku Doraemon" from "Doraemon"
34. "Mixed Nuts" from "SPY x FAMILY"
35. "Kimi wo Nosete" from "Castle in the Sky"
36. "Sobakasu" from "Rurouni Kenshin"
37. "Princess Mononoke" from "Princess Mononoke"
38. "Makafushigi Adventure!" from "Dragon Ball"
39. "Mazinger Z" from "Mazinger Z"
40. "Nee! Moomin" from "Moomin"
41-50
41. "Homura" from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train"
42. "Ao no Sumika" from "Jujutsu Kaisen"
43. "Attack No. 1" from "Attack No. 1"
44. "CAT'S EYE" from "Cat's Eye"
45. "Himawari no Yakusoku" from "Stand by Me Doraemon"
46. "Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara" from "Kiki's Delivery Service"
47. "Galaxy Express 999" from "Galaxy Express 999"
48. "Rouge no Dengon" from "Kiki's Delivery Service"
49. "Case Closed" ("Detective Conan") – "Nazo" (Mystery)
50. "Fire Force" – "Inferno"
51-60
51. "BEASTARS" – "Kaibutsu" (Monster)
52. "Japanese Folk Tales" – "Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales)
53. "Mobile Suit Gundam" – "Fly! Gundam"
54. "Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine" – "Beautiful Fin"
55. "Candy Candy" – "Candy Candy"
56. "The Rose of Versailles" – "Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru" (The Roses Bloom Beautifully)
57. "Ashita no Joe" – "Ashita no Joe"
58. "Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death(true)² / Rebirth" – "Tamashii no Rufuran" (Soul's Refrain)
59. "The Apothecary Diaries" – "Hana ni Natte" (Becoming a Flower)
60. "Oblivion Battery" – "Lilac"
61-70
61. "Fist of the North Star" – "Ai wo Torimodose!!" (Restore Love!!)
62. "Touch" – "Touch"
63. "Whisper of the Heart" – "Country Road"
64. "Cutie Honey" – "Cutie Honey"
65. "Aim for the Ace!" – "Aim for the Ace!"
66. "Captain Tsubasa" – "Moero Hero" (Burn, Hero!)
67. "Haikyuu!!" – "Orange"
68. "The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee" – "Konchu Monogatari Minashigo Hutch" (The Story of a Lonely Bee Hutch)
69. "One Piece Film: Red" – "New Genesis"
70. "Gatchaman" – "Gatchaman no Uta" (Song of Gatchaman)
71-80
71. "City Hunter" – "Get Wild"
72. "Slam Dunk" – "Sekai ga Owaru Made wa..." (Until the End of the World...)
73. "Chibi Maruko-chan" – "Odoru Ponpokorin" (Dancing Pompoko-rin)
74. "Chainsaw Man" – "Chuu, Tayousei." (Kiss, Diversity.)
75. "Naruto Shippuden" – "Silhouette"
76. "Tokyo Revengers" – "Cry Baby"
77. "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" – "God knows..."
78. "Dragon Ball Super" – "Genkai Toppa × Survivor" (Limit-Break × Survivor)
79. "Kiteretsu Daihyakka" – "Hatsukoi" (First Love)
80. "Kinnikuman" – "Kinnikuman Go Fight!"
81-90
81. "Perman" – "Kite yo Perman" (Come, Perman)
82. "Attack on Titan" – "Shinzou wo Sasageyo!" (Dedicate Your Hearts!)
83. "Ninja Hattori-kun" – "Ninja Hattori-kun"
84. "Naruto" – "GO!!!"
85. "Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-class Gourmet Survival!!" – "RPG"
86. "Cowboy Bebop" – "Tank!"
87. "Slam Dunk" – "Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai" (I Want to Shout "I Love You")
88. "Fireworks" – "Uchiage Hanabi" (Fireworks)
89. "Death Note" – "the WORLD"
90. "Miyuki" – "Omoide ga Ippai" (Full of Memories)
91-100
91. "K-On!" – "Fuwa Fuwa Time" (Fluffy Time)
92. "Princess Mononoke" – "Ashitaka Sekki" (The Legend of Ashitaka)
93. "The Heike Story" – "Hikaru Toki" (When the Light Shines)
94. "Higurashi When They Cry" – "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" (When the Cicadas Cry)
95. "Fist of the North Star" – "Yuria... Forever"
96. "Fullmetal Alchemist" – "LET IT OUT"
97. "Yu Yu Hakusho" – "Smile Bomb"
98. "Dororo" – "Dororo's Song"
99. "FAIRY TAIL" – "ft."
100. "Dragon Ball GT" – "DAN DAN Kokoro Hikarete 'ku"