From Reiwa’s “Shikanoko” to the 00s’ “Motteke! Seeraa Fuku”! Some say they are “important songs in anime history”!? [Favorite Denpa Song & Moe Song Anison? (2025 Edition)]

June 1st is “Radio Wave Day” in Japan.

It was established to commemorate the same day in 1950 when the “Three Radio Laws” – the Radio Act, the Broadcast Act, and the Radio Regulatory Commission Establishment Act – were enforced, making the use of radio waves available to the public.

Among anime songs, there’s a genre known as “denpa songs.” These are characterized by catchy melodies that stick in your head, high-tension lyrics often filled with wordplay, and adorable singing voices that make you can’t help but feel “moe” for the characters. Many of these songs are incredibly addictive after just one listen. The definition of what constitutes a “denpa song” is quite varied, and how people perceive them differs, which is also part of their charm.

With that in mind, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “What are your favorite denpa songs or moe songs from anime?” The survey ran from May 23rd to May 26th, and received 87 responses.
The gender split was about 60% male and 40% female, leaning slightly male. Regarding age groups, approximately 30% were under 19, about 25% were in their 20s, and about 30% were in their 30s.

Table of Contents

■From the 1990s to the 2020s: Addictive Anime Songs Gather!

In this survey, votes were cast for a wide range of anime songs across different generations, with a particular focus on titles from the 2020s.

Among titles aired in 2024, the most popular was the OP theme for Shikanoko Nokono Kokoshitantan, “Shikairo Days” by Shikabu (Deer Club). Readers commented, “After hearing the opening, it just wouldn’t leave my head. The dance is cute, the lyrics are energetic, and I love how funny it is,” and “I think this was the most talked-about theme song last year. The intro that just repeats the title has such energy!” Many fans said they became interested in the series after hearing the theme song.

Several other 2024 titles also ranked high. For example, regarding the OP theme for Lv2 kara Cheat datta Moto Yuusha Kouho no Mattari Isekai Life, “Danna-sama to no Love-Love Love Song” sung by Fenrys (CV: Kugimiya Rie), one response said, “I was captivated by its cuteness. Starting with four consecutive ‘Danna-sama’s,’ it’s just pure charm.”

For the OP theme for Ramen Aka Neko, “Aka Neko” by Suiyoubi no Campanella, a reader shared, “The straightforward lyrics about ramen are addictive. When I think about it late at night, I crave shoyu ramen like crazy!”

About the ED theme for Goukon ni Ittara Onna ga Inakatta Hanashi, “Ou-sama Da~re Da~” by ASOBI Doumei, a commenter noted, “The atmosphere capturing the conversation at a goukon (joint party) is memorable. The tempo of the chorus is catchy, and I worked hard to learn the dance.”

Even the OP theme for Mashle: Kami Kakusha Kouho Senbatsu Shiken Hen, “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts, which sparked a global phenomenon, received votes, with one person saying, “When I hear this song, I want to dance like Mash!”

Songs from the 2020s that highlight character charm were particularly well-received. For the OP theme for Oniichan wa Oshimai!, “Iden Tei Tei Meltdown” by Enako feat. P Maru-sama., a fan wrote, “It’s a super high-tension and incredibly cute song! The part before the chorus where they make a heart shape and the ‘Yare yare’ pose are adorable.”

Regarding the OP theme for Tokyo Mew Mew New Season 2, “Megamorphose” by Smewthie, a reader commented, “The first season’s song was good too, but the second season’s theme song really upped the character-likeness, it’s amazing. I love that the MV also recreated scenes like auditions and pajama parties.”

Next, let’s look at titles from the 00s and 10s. Songs from the 2000s, when denpa songs gained significant attention, were particularly prominent. For instance, regarding the OP theme for Lucky Star, “Motteke! Sailor Fuku”, aired in 2007, one response noted, “I think it’s a really important song in anime history. The lyrics and dance, which you can’t forget once you hear them, are memorable,” reflecting the impact it had upon its broadcast.

For the OP theme for Zan: Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, “Ringo Mogire Beam!” by Ootsuki Kenji to Zetsubou Shoujotachi, aired in 2009, a fan said, “It’s not exactly meaningless lyrics, more like a string of words, but it’s somehow comfortable. The OP animation is also nonsensical and avant-garde!”

About the OP theme for the 2005 OVA Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan, “Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan” sung by Dokuro-chan (CV: Chiba Saeko), a reader commented, “When you talk about denpa songs in anime, this is it! The lyrics are just too scary…”

And for the OP theme for Gabriel DropOut, “Gabriel Dropout Kick”, aired in 2017, a vote was cast with the comment, “It’s a chaotic song by eccentric angels and devils, each with their own quirks. Honestly, I still don’t know where the lyrics end and the skit begins.” This shows that titles from the 2010s also received votes.

Among classic works, the OP theme for Ojamajo Doremi, “Ojamajo Carnival!!” by MAHO Dou, aired in 1999, also ranked. A reader commented, “The theme song is so fast-paced, singing it makes my mouth cramp (lol),” showing that some people even challenge themselves with it at karaoke.

“What are your favorite denpa songs or moe songs from anime?” In this survey, a diverse range of anime songs from various generations received votes. This outcome reaffirmed that anime theme songs, each possessing a unique personality and impact depending on the era, continue to resonate in the hearts of viewers.

※This survey is part of a consciousness study regarding readers’ “current interest and attention towards anime works and characters.” The results are not intended to determine superiority or inferiority among any characters or works. We hope this article serves as an opportunity for readers to discover new works or characters, or to deepen their understanding and interest.

《Takahashi Katsunori》