The All-Time Favorite Winner in Karaoke
Surprisingly, the number one anime song that excites karaoke in the 2026 reader survey is, for the seventh consecutive year, the opening theme of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' "A Cruel Angel's Thesis." Since its release in 1995, this song has continued to captivate many fans with Yoko Takahashi's powerful vocals. It has become such a standard in karaoke that even those who haven't watched the anime can sing it, and its high level of recognition and empathy are well-supported.
Attention-Grabbing Songs Ranked in the Top 3
Ranked second is "Lilac," the opening theme of 'Forgetful Battery.' The song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE has drawn considerable attention, having won the Grand Prize at the 66th Japan Record Awards in 2024. The way the song's content perfectly synchronizes with the youth theme of the work is one of the reasons it resonates with fans.
Next, in third place is "IRIS OUT," the theme song of 'Chainsaw Man: The Reze Arc' released in 2025. Written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, this song won the Best Anime Song Award at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026. This song, perfectly fitting the story of 'Chainsaw Man,' greatly moves the fans' emotions.
Other Notable Anime Songs
The ranking this time features anime songs from a wide range of eras, from the Showa to the Reiwa period. Titles like "Baban to Suisan! Burnbraveburn" from 'Yuki Bakuhatsu Burnbraveburn' and "Go Go Heaven" from 'City Hunter' are recognized as staple tracks with passionate fans. Meanwhile, new hits like "Little Goodbye" from 'Zegapain' captivate singers with their unique lyrics.
As seen from the survey results, songs that allow for a deep understanding of the anime world or become a common topic across various generations enjoy popularity in karaoke. This outcome offers a glimpse into why anime songs from different eras are still sung and cherished today.
