In Japan, anime and music are an inseparable duo. Unlike Western animation, Japanese artists have a long history of actively contributing to the anime industry. This collaboration has resulted in countless iconic themes and high-quality soundtracks. With such a rich musical landscape within anime, so it's no surprise that fans flock to karaoke to belt out their favorite tunes.
So, whether you will be singing in a karaoke room, a bar stage, or performing as a Vtuber on stream, here are 12 iconic anime karaoke songs to try out.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion – Zankoku na Tench no Te-ze
- Opening 1
- Artist: Yoko Takahashi
Zankoku na Tench no Te-ze - The Cruel Angel's Thesis in English - is a truly iconic anime opening that has maintained its iconic status since the shows debut in 1995. It has been one of the most covered anime openings, with even a gospel version of the song, making it an obvious choice for anime karaoke.
Sing Zankoku na Tench no Te-ze here.
2. Attack on Titan – Jiyuu no Tsubasa
- Opening 2
- Artist: Linked Horizon
An epic mixture of German and Japanese. Jiyuu no Tsubasa acts as a national anthem for Attack on Titan fans around the world. Switching between a traditional hymn and metal, it makes for a show stopping karaoke act.
Sing Jiyuu no Tsubasa karaoke here.
3. Death Note – the WORLD
- Opening 1
- Artist: Nightmare
Nightmare are a visual kei rock band from Japan, who are credited with both the opening and ending songs of the first season of Death Note. Their gothic rock inspired music perfectly suites the themes of the show, and make for a powerful, moody karaoke performance.
4. One Piece – We Are
- Opening 1
- Artist: Hiroshi Kitadani
You wanna be my friend? The One Piece anime has had over 25 opening themes, and of course none can compare to the OP with its epic saxophone riffs and funky synth beats that perfectly introduced the world to one of the most iconic animes of all time.
5. Demon Slayer – Gurenge
- Opening 1
- Artist: LiSA
An epic, female rock ballad that is sure the give the audience goosebumps. Rock out while being in your own feels with this anime karaoke crowd pleaser.
6. Tokyo Ghoul – Unravel
- Opening 1
- Artist: TK from Ling Tosite Sigure
This opening hits hard, and even harder after you finish once you hit the fight scene with Jason. If your singing with Tokyo Ghoul fans, everyone will need a moment to recover after this song.
Sing Unravel karaoke here.
7. Pokemon – Pokemon Theme
- Opening 1
- Artist: Jason Paige
Bring on the millenial nostalgia. It's not just a good anime song, it is a classic karaoke song. This song will be a hit for anime lovers and non-anime lover alike. If you are feeling extra confident you can even try to Poké-rap.
Sing Pokemon Theme karaoke here.
8. Sailor Moon – Moonlight Densetsu
- Opening 1
- Artist: Dali
The opening bell chimes hit like a wave of nostalgia, and who can forget the iconic guitar riff. Whether you are singing the English or the Japanese version, you can truly bring out your inner magical girl.
Sing Moonlight Densetsu karaoke here.
9. Dragon Ball Z – Cha-La Head-Cha-La
- Opening 1
- Artist: Hironobu Kageyama
Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Bal, passed away on March 4th, 2024. His show truly inspired an entire generation and played a huge role in the explosion of anime in the west. The Dragon Ball Z opening is a hopeful pop-rock song that perfectly captures the themes of the anime and the positive message Toriyama left with the world.
Sing Cha-La Head-Cha-La karaoke here.
10. Chainsaw Man – Kick Back
- Opening 1
- Artist: Kenshi Yonezu
The bass line in the song is giving everything. Kick Back cresceandos from an alternative funk-rock song into a beautiful ballad and back, making it the perfect song for showing off your vocal prowress.
Sing Kick Back karaoke here.
11. Oshi No Ko – Idol
- Opening 1
- Artist: Yoasobi
If you haven't seen the anime, you have at least heard the song. Idol not only exists as an incredible anime openeing that perfectly captures the themes of Oshi No Ko, but as a song itself. It not only swept the best theme song categories across numerous anime award shows, but even won the Song of the Year at the 2024 Japan Golden Disk Awards. The song charted across the world, and achieved international acclaim.
Sing Idol karaoke here.
12. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End – Yuusha
- Opening 1
- Artist: Yoasobi
Yoasobi was on a roll these year, providing incredible openings for multiple animes that truly captured the spirit of their respective animes. Yuusha is sang from Frieren’s POV, and gives you the perfect glimpse into her journey. Not to mention it is just an amazing song to sing.
Looking to belt out some iconic anime themes? Explore Singa's extensive Japanese karaoke catalogue, featuring all your favorite anime anthems!
