Hello and welcome to Project Nitsuj. We’re continuing our final look at 2018 this by counting down the top 11 anime openings of 2018. Why top 11? Because just like someone else, I too like to go one step beyond. Once again this was a tough list to make as there were so many good openings last year. It’s like every anime that comes out is trying to top the opening of the previous anime and expanding my music playlist like no tomorrow. Well let’s get started, these are the top 11 anime openings of 2018.
#11. “Switch” from Highschol DxD S4
(Full) https://youtu.be/LhDxoRqQJok
While the first opening still remains to be the best in my opinion, this opening in my opinion is the second best in the series. The opening gets you hyped with it’s catchy upbeat but still captures the feelings and emotions of our two main leads and their feelings for each other. You find yourself cheering for them and hoping for the best. A good opening to a series that’s really starting to build up it’s fanbase and show people there’s more to this anime than just plot. There’s also plot.
#10. “Yokubari Dreamer” from Last Period
(Full) https://youtu.be/uUr2D7GYWTA
This was anime I didn’t find myself enjoying all that much, but damn it was this opening good. Once again we have a very upbeat and catchy opening that’s just addicting to listen to. The singers of this song are voice actors from the actual show and they do a great job here as they work off each other wonderfully. From my understanding this was the first time the two voice actors sung with each other but just from hearing the song you wouldn’t know it, you would think they’ve sung with each other a number of times. The anime may not have left an impact on me, but this opening sure did.
#9. “Winding Road” from Golden Kamuy
(Music video) https://youtu.be/b-Ma_fd1aXg
Man With A Mission, that’s all you need to have a great opening. Golden Kamuy was blessed to have two good openings and while the second one is good, the first one is just unbelievably great. The atmosphere this song creates is astounding and combined with the animation that flows perfectly with song, you have a masterpiece. It’s also one of the few songs that I can actually sing along with as half the song is song an engrish. A cool opening and I’m always glad to hear this band in anime.
#8. “Make Debut” from Uma Musume: Pretty Derby
(Full) https://youtu.be/iqmJfAPN-bI
If you were to tell me I’d enjoy an anime about horse girls and running, I’d slap you in the head and take what your smoking. But lo and behold, I enjoyed this anime and it had a really good opening. This whole song is just inspirational. Seriously, if you’re a runner or enjoy running definitely listen to this song and look up the lyrics. Despite the song having that idol-like feel to it, the accompaniment of fanfare adds a unique twist to the song and something I never thought possible. Good opening and good anime worth checking out if you enjoy running or horseracing in general.
#7. “Fire Ground” from Hinomaru Sumo
(Music video) https://youtu.be/sem3UU-EQJs
Definitely an overlooked anime from 2018 because of its subject matter, but worth checking out, especially with this great opening. The whole opening just makes you feel like a badass. You could be walking down the street while listening to this on your phone and feel like you can do anything. The song easily pumps you up and encourages you to say screw your limits, I’m gonna go the distance and defy the odds today. Honestly speaking, this opening could probably fit in an anime from the 90s too, the music just sounds so 90s. Hinomaru Sumo is a series that doesn’t seem to be getting the attention it deserves and I hope that by talking about this opening I can at least get one person interested in the anime.
#6. “Break In To Break Out” from Persona 5 the Animation
(Full) https://youtu.be/CWRInaCtYeY
The Persona series has always had great music and while the anime may not have done the game justice, the openings were pretty cool. It was tough to choose which opening was the best but I concluded that the first one matched up with the series the best. This is another opening you can find yourself singing along with as it’s sung in English and by Lyn herself who delivers like always. The style and flare of the opening does it’s best to capture the feel of the game and the lyrics are perfect for our thieves and their targets. While the anime may have failed (more on that at a later date), this opening sure as hell succeeded in getting us hyped for an anime about Persona 5.
#5. “Rightfully” from Goblin Slayer
(Music video) https://youtu.be/Q6Ik94T99Ag
Given the subject and story of the series I was expecting something fast-pace for the opening but no, the opening is quite slow-paced, peaceful, but at the same time intense. Yet, surprisingly it all works. I don’t know how, it just works. The singer has you in the palm of her hands, you find yourself listening to every word she sings as if your life depended on it, she has complete control over you. I also like how it starts to pick up near the end only to end on a soft note as if nothing truly happened but it did and we witnessed all of it. A beautiful opening to a dark fantasy series.
#4. “Union” from SSSS.Gridman
(Full) https://youtu.be/UFErksQZPe4
This anime has a Saturday morning cartoon feel to it. So, what better way to make it feel like a Saturday morning cartoon feel than by giving it a Saturday morning cartoon opening. While the opening may not be no baby dan dan, this opening was a great fit for the series and really gets you excited for the show which is what any opening should do. Especially, one that comes on Saturday mornings.
#3. “Bitter Sweet Harmony” from Sunoharasou no Kanrinin-san
(Full) https://youtu.be/fencUnHzYK0
This song is very addicting and easily became one my favorite openings from 2018. The song just really warms you up with its catchy melody, warm lyrics, and welcoming vibe. You honestly feel happy after listening to the song and want to share that joy with others. The anime itself may not be big on action or drama but that’s not what it’s about. It’s one of those animes that you watch to enjoy, relax, and take a break from what you regularly watch. Here’s hoping for a second season.
#2. “Pop Team Epic” from Pop Team Epic
(Full) https://youtu.be/yMv6smzRNqs
Can we make a meme an anime? Yes. This opening perfectly encapsulates everything that is Pop Team Epic and everything that isn’t Pop Team Epic (I just blew your mind didn’t I). The song matches perfectly with the opening animation and is creative from beginning to end. For a series like this that goes out of it’s way to be strange and make you say what I think this opening fits perfectly with the anime and is a blast to listen to. Thanks for being whatever it is you are Pop Team Epic.
And number one. . .
#1. “Tomoshibi no Manimani” from Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi
(Music video) https://youtu.be/tXsqImRzm80
This opening is beautiful. That’s the first word that came to my mind when I heard this song. It’s the perfect blending of traditional Japanese music with current rock music which perfectly describes the anime, it’s blending of two worlds where the spirits of old meet the humans of the present. The opening just sounds amazing from beginning to end. The color, the lighting, various characters they show throughout the opening are beautiful and each flow perfectly with each other. I really can’t get over how good they blended these two styles of music together. The second opening tried to mimic this opening with a more intense beat and while that was good, this song in my opinion was addicting and beautiful to listen to.
And that’s list, I hoped you enjoyed. Thanks for reading and tune in next week for the top 11 anime endings from 2018. I’ll see you next time on Project Nitsuj.
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