Watching anime when it’s raining outside is always a good idea, especially if it has a soothing theme to warm you up even on the coldest nights.
Anime deserves more credit for producing some of the best bangers since the 1980s. Who could forget Pokémon’s iconic opener? Or even Joe Hisaishi’s masterpieces for Studio Ghibli? Whether it’s from a series or a movie, anime themes are some of the very best of Japanese music and J-pop!
Some gems are particularly comforting when it’s cold and rainy outside. Listening to them envelops you in such a calming warmth, you’d sooner forget the bad weather around you. From Monkey Majik’s heartwarming hits to Natsume Yūjin-chō’s soothing EDs, these amazing themes are a warm cup of cocoa on a cold, stormy night.
1. Sunshine by Monkey Majik
Many might not remember the highly underrated shounen series Nurarihyon no Mago (Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan), which aired in 2011. Its second opening theme, however, remains unforgettable. Monkey Majik delivered one of the anime’s most memorable songs with “Sunshine.” The upbeat track perfectly captures the series’ lighthearted charm while matching its energetic pace, making it an opening theme that still stands out years later.
The theme drowns you in its titular sunshine from beginning to end, especially with its fun beat and pop/rock melodies. Not only will it give you a pick-me-up. It’s also a great song to play on a summer getaway, perhaps during a fun day at the beach with your friends.
Even if you’re stuck in the rain yourself, listening to the song will give you that summery vibe!
2. Eden by Monkey Majik
The three-season 2019 Fruits Basket remake gave the anime industry some of the best themes in recent memory. The second ending theme for season 2, Monkey Majik’s “Eden,” stands head and shoulders above the rest of them. This Canadian-Japanese pop/rock band definitely knows how to open and close a great anime show, and this song is the best proof possible.
“Eden” harkens back to the acoustic, indie sensibilities of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its sound is reminiscent of artists like John Mayer and Stephen Speaks. The moment the lyrics open with “Sayonara,” you know something emotional is coming. Then the soft guitar melodies kick in, setting the stage for a mellow yet heartfelt ride.
3. Kimi ni Todoke by Tomofumi Tanizawa
As the quintessential shoujo high school romance anime, Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You) would require a light and gentle opening theme to set the tone of the show. Fortunately, Tomofumi Tanizawa delivered with his pop/rock track of the same name. The correct vibes were all there: tingly beats, cute melodies, and Tomofumi’s pretty vocals.
It’s easy to feel good listening to this song, conjuring images of a cherry blossom-filled spring day. In fact, the original song is so good that beloved Korean indie-pop singer, 10cm, released his own version a few years later. Later down the line, K-pop idols like SEVENTEEN’s DK and Day6’s Wonpil covered his version, too.
4. Nameless Days Aoi Kubo
A piano-laden ballad is always a great idea to end a very emotional family comedy-drama, especially if it’s an anime series. Aoi Kubo’s “Nameless Days” for The Four Brothers of the Yuzuki Household is a great example. The show is an emotional whirlwind, telling the story of four young brothers navigating the world after the untimely death of their parents.
As comedic as most of the episodes were, the show was also rife with tinges of tragedy that truly reflected lives after loss. And Kubo’s soothing tones and heartwarming melodies provide the perfect antidote to all that heavy drama. It’s a warm hug to every little child inside.
5. Natsuyuusora by Kousuke Atari
If there’s one show that never fails to produce soothing opening and ending themes, it’s Natsume Yūjin-chō (Natsume’s Book of Friends). All of its seven seasons feature some of the most comforting Japanese ballads and J-pop tracks, especially the very first one. Season one features one of the most iconic EDs in anime history: “Natsuyuusora” by Kousuke Atari.
With Atari’s velvety vocals and gentle guitar, the song feels like a lullaby, perfect for winding down after a rainy day. It’s every bit as emotional as the anime itself. The series follows Takashi Natsume, a lonely teenage boy who can see and hear yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. His unusual ability leaves him isolated from those around him, making his story both poignant and deeply moving.
6. Komariwarai by Toshiki Kondo
The seventh season of Natsume Yūjin-chō featured another comforting ending theme for the books. “Komariwarai” by Toshiki Kondo upholds the show’s signature soothing sentimentality. Even if you’re not watching the anime’s ending credits, you just know that this song accompanies painterly images of those beloved characters.
Even in the stormiest weather, this track whisks you away to the Japanese countryside on a hot summer’s day. You can smell the dew on the grassy fields, listen to the streams flowing nearby, and feel the sun shine down on you as you relax on the deck.
7. Ding-dong by Mao Abe
Anime also doesn’t get enough credit for dipping its toes in various genres. It’s not just all J-pop hits and pop/rock indie vibes here. Many shows are not afraid to go beyond what’s known, and in the case of The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife, it’s Cajun music. Mao Abe’s adorable ending theme, “Ding-dong,” sounds more like a country western from Louisiana than music for a fantasy, slice-of-life series about an invisible man and his romance with his blind secretary.
But then again, this is anime’s unique charm. They can pair the wildest storylines with the most unexpected music genres, and somehow, everything gels well together.
The upcoming rainy season is the perfect time to watch comforting anime shows. Luckily, many of them feature soothing songs that will help you forget all about the stormy weather outside.
Sources: Monkey Majik Official YouTube Channel, VAP Official YouTube Channel, Aoi Kubo Official YouTube Channel, Kousuke Atari YouTube Channel, Toshiki Kondo Official YouTube Channel, Mao Abe Official YouTube Channel, IMDb
