It rings true for many Filipinos that their earliest memories of anime were the ones shown on local television. These were the Tagalog-dubbed shows released in the late 1990s to early 2000s, which mostly aired in the morning or late afternoon. Back then, some people even treated watching such Japanese series as something akin to a religious experience. That is the reason why mere anime songs could already offer a decent shot of nostalgia nowadays.
So, if ever you want to take a quick trip down memory lane, these tracks are the way to go. Before you know it, you would be skidding back in time, reliving a spate of special moments in your life.
Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai (Slam Dunk)
Indelible was the mark left by Slam Dunk on Filipinos, whose love for basketball is pretty much unparalleled. Some testaments to that are PBA great Marc Pingris’ “Pinoy Sakuragi” monicker and Shohoku-themed jeepney designs, among many others. So, it goes without saying that this timeless classic has a special place in the hearts of many.
Aside from its realistic narrative and relatable characters, though, countless people remember this masterpiece for its first opening track. From the band Baad, Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai is a confession brimming with passion for one’s first love. On the surface, it is a beautiful, melodic dedication to a special someone. But as you delve into its message, it could also depict your emotions for something you are really passionate about. Still, whether you understood its meaning or not, it can hit you right in the feels all the same.
As a theme song for such an awe-inspiring series, it became an anthem for many young aspirants. So, if ever you dreamt of making it big after watching Slam Dunk in the past, this will surely remind you of those humble beginnings.
Cha-La Head-Cha-La (Dragon Ball Z)
Ever tried to scream at the top of your lungs in hopes of unleashing the Super Saiyan in you? If yes, there is no reason to be embarassed because you are not the only one feeling guilty about it. Many Filipinos have surely done it as well, considering that Dragon Ball Z is an all-time favorite among locals. It is even considered as one of the best series in all of anime, too.
With that said, the popularity of Son Goku and the Dragon Ball Gang is undeniable. So, it never came as a surprise that Cha-La Head-Cha-La became a song to remember.
For starters, the legendary Z series had it as its theme song, serving as the opening track for 199 episodes. It drew strength from the distinct sound of Hironobu Kageyama to give the action-packed series a hype-inducing intro. The lyrics, which were penned by Yukinojo Mori, set the tone of the story as well. Not to mention that it is also very catchy and pretty much easy to sing along with.
If you happen to rewatch this anime for the fun of it, do yourself a favor — never skip the opening. It will definitely transport you to the 90s as effective as the famed time machine of Capsule Corporation.
Hohoemi no Bakudan (Ghost Fighter)
Widely known as Ghost Fighter in the Philippines, Yu Yu Hakusho is among the newest additions to Netflix’s anime selection. This series is remembered the most for having arguably the best tournament arc in the vast landscape of anime. It also parades an iconic set of heroes and villains in a plot filled with epic fight scenes.
Now in case you’re looking to binge-watch it anytime soon, make sure not to skip the intro. Take that word of advice, or else you’d be missing out on a classic anime opening in Hohoemi no Bakudan. Much like its English title, it detonates a ‘Smile Bomb’ of nostalgia for a time when the club-natured, post-disco music of dance pop had started to bubble up into the mainstream back in the 80s and 90s. It’s an endlessly danceable tune concocted with synthesized sounds, instrumental trappings of rock, and a powerful vocal from Mawatari Matsuko.
Just to give a heads-up: this one will give you a serious case of Last Song Syndrome. Still, having an earworm stuck for weeks end is better than skipping a good part of the Ghost Fighter experience.
Seishun Kyousoukyoku (Naruto)
Naruto was one of the few anime that consistently delivered one memorable track after another during its golden run. Billed as a treasure trove of absolute bangers, a separate list could even be made off of this series alone. But while each opening song is a throwback classic on its own, Sambomaster’s Seishun Kyousoukyoku just seems to hit different.
Well, who could ever forget it when it served as a prelude for every Sasuke Retrieval Mission arc episode. The nail-biting arc where Naruto spearheaded the five-man, emergency-response team to stop Sasuke from defecting to Orochimaru. And the same rip-roaring stretch where Chōji, Neji, Kiba, Shikamaru, Rock Lee and Gaara pushed themselves to the limit, setting up the stage for the fated battle between Naruto and Sasuke in the Valley of the End. This saga was a monumental piece in the grand scheme of the narrative, and the soundtrack was nothing but fitting.
If this rasengan of nostalgia does not put you in a sentimental vibe, then nothing will.
Gotta Catch ‘Em All (Pokémon)
Catching monsters has been the name of the game for the Pokémon franchise ever since the beginning. As it turned out, though, virtual creatures aren’t the only ones it caught, but also the attention of the masses. Make no mistake: no Pokéballs were used. All it took was one track from the 90s, which proved to be as potent as the vaunted Master Ball.
Enter Gotta Catch ‘Em All. This game-changing theme song took the world by storm, drawing awareness from billions of children and kids at heart. It has an ultra-catchy melody with a snappy hook that can make a singing Jigglypuff out of everyone. And hey, the lyrics to it are in English, which were performed by American artist Jason Paige. So, it is relatively easy to sing-along for Filipinos, making it the perfect karaoke song from the anime section.
No one knows how many people are getting caught up with this pure sweet spot nostalgia nowadays. All we know is that it intends to “catch ’em all!”
Borutesu Faibu no Uta (Voltes V)
Want to get a glimpse of pure nostalgia heaven? Then let’s volt in!
Voltes V was at the forefront of anime’s meteoric rise in the Philippines. Despite getting banned during the Martial Law era, it only fueled the prominence of this mecha anime series. It re-aired in the late 90s, inciting a spike in patronage for Japanese animated shows in the country.
As colossal as it was back in the day, this renowned robot is remembered the most for its theme song. Sung by famed Horie Mitsuko, Borutesu Faibu no Uta is a hymn that defined childhoods of people from different generations. It is loved and easily recognized by many for the emphatic intro. An intro that rattles off a beat so resonant and intense that it draws the attention of the masses, as if playing the notes out of a ripped out musical score from Pied Piper. Then once the opening scheme comes to an end, Mitsuko’s voice chimes in with a passionate performance that transcended time.
Whether you’re a Generation X baby or a Millennial one, this classic will surely put you in a nostalgic mood.
Yuuzora No Kamihikouki (Knock Out)
Knock Out, better known around the world as Hajime no Ippo, landed in the Philippines like a perfectly executed uppercut. At the time the boxing anime series was released in 2003, the Pacquiao Wave was hitting its crescendo. In turn, Ippo Makunouchi easily punched his way through the country’s pop culture, much to the delight of Filipinos.
Much like Pacquiao, Makunouchi’s steep path towards a championship belt was well-documented. Of course, it showed his lowest of lows, something that the Filipino masses could relate to. So, whenever Mori Naoya’s Yuuzora No Kamihikouki capped off a heart-rending episode, an overwhelming amount of emotions rushes in. Ironic as it sounds, it’s a slow track that swiftly gets at the heart of feelings of loneliness and uncertainty.
Fair warning: listening to this melodious melancholy will knock you out with a Dempsey Roll of nostalgia.
Doraemon no Uta (Doraemon)
Here in the Philippines, there is no shortage of love for the plumped-faced, blue robotic cat, Doraemon. Speak of his name to any 90s and 2000s kids and see for yourself how their faces would glow up. Needless to say, Filipinos embraced the popular Japanese series to the point that its titular character became unforgettable.
Well, what’s not to love about it? Every aspect of this comedy show is all but guaranteed to put a smile whenever it gets screen time. Yes, the theme song included. Doraemon no Uta is a simple-yet-fun tune that wraps around your head like a securely attached Bamboo copter. It was pretty much inescapable during Doraemon’s prime, to the point that it would lure children towards the television screen.
If you chance upon this head-bopping melody on one of these days, brace yourself for one nostalgic trip. It would surely transport you to a time when watching your beloved television shows was all that mattered. Oh how we miss our childhood!
Whether you once memorized or heard it in passing, many anime songs have already been ingrained in your mind. Some might have even become earworms in slumber that could trigger longing for the past, if listened to again. So, whenever you feel like reliving the old times, the songs on this list might just do the trick. Now what are you waiting for? Go grab your earphones and enjoy your melodious reminiscence!