A Limited Feature on 'Ending Songs' from Old TV Anime

ENDING THEME

There are often programs like anime song general elections, but naturally, the main focus is on the opening theme songs, and ending songs are rarely featured.

The ending themes of the anime I watched when I was a child (which I called 'ending songs' back then) were different from the bright and energetic opening themes; many of them were a bit melancholic. For me, I loved those 'ending songs' just as much.

'Love Squall' sung by Sandra Horn
('Lupin the Third' 1977)

The ending for Lupin the Third had a mature feel to it.

This time, I'm doing a feature on 'ending songs,' but I intend to introduce only those from anime I watched during my childhood that I still remember well enough to sing today.

For example, there are anime I watched through reruns, like 'Tiger Mask' and 'Tomorrow's Joe,' but this time I am limiting it to things I watched in real-time.
As a result, it has become limited to things from around 1974–1978 (from before I entered elementary school to my middle elementary school years), so please understand!

By the way, the years provided are the years the broadcasts began.

+ + + + + +

◎ 'Ending songs' that had a gap with the content

There are some where the content is gag-oriented and silly, but the 'ending song' is strangely serious and poignant; these two songs were particularly impressive because of that gap.

'Ballad of Their Footsteps' sung by Hajime Chino
('Hajime Ningen Giatrus' 1974)

I think this 'Ballad of Their Footsteps' is relatively popular among the 'ending songs' of old anime. It is a song by Monsieur, Hiroshi Kamayatsu, so it is often covered.

'Ganso Tensai Bakabon no Haru' sung by Koorogi '73, Columbia Yurikago-kai
('Ganso Tensai Bakabon' 1975)

This Bakabon 'ending song' also starts off kind of lonely.
It modulates in the middle and becomes like a march, but even now, it's a song that makes me think, 'Wow, Bakabon's dad is 41 years old.'

◎ 'Ending songs' from girls' anime that I can sing for some reason

　Girls' anime that I should have been embarrassed to be watching at the time.
　But, taking advantage of the privilege of having a younger sister, I watched enough of them to be able to sing the 'ending songs'—yes, I watched them.

'Hitoribotchi no Meg' (Lonely Meg) sung by Yoko Maekawa
('Majokko Megu-chan' 1974)

'Ashita ga Suki' (I Like Tomorrow) sung by Mitsuko Horie
('Candy Candy' 1976)

　Yoko Maekawa and Mitsuko Horie's songs are definitely must-haves!
　Just like the lyrics 'Kodomo da nante omottara~' from 'Majokko Megu-chan' or 'Sobakasu nante~' from 'Candy Candy', the opening theme songs for both works are memorable, but the ending themes are quite something too.

　In particular, 'Ashita ga Suki' is appearing in my articles for the second time, so that's how much I love it!

◎ 'Ending songs' from 1978 anime

　For some reason, my favorite anime were concentrated in 1978.
　All of them were anime based on foreign literature, so it was fun to read the original works after becoming an adult, but the 'ending songs' for all of them were profound and memorable.

'Shiawase no Yokan' (Premonition of Happiness) sung by Naozumi Kamata, Yuko Yamaji
('Future Boy Conan' 1978)

　It is famous for being the first anime produced by NHK, based on Alexander Key's 'The Incredible Tide' and directed by a young Hayao Miyazaki.
　It is a sci-fi story depicting a devastated future, but the protagonist Conan's activities hinted at a new era, and it was the perfect ending theme for that.

'Chiisana Funanori' (Little Sailor) sung by Yoshito Machida
('Treasure Island' 1978)

　It is an anime based on Stevenson's 'Treasure Island', and for me, this anime is ranked quite high.
　John Silver in the story felt like a man among men, and I admired him!
　The opening theme is also a masterpiece, but this ending also makes you feel deeply.

'Poplar-dori no Ie' (The House on Poplar Street) sung by Peek-a-Boo
('Captain Future' 1978)

　It was an anime adaptation of Hamilton's classic space opera 'Captain Future' series.
　Since it was the second anime produced by NHK, it might have been understated as the successor to 'Future Boy Conan', but because the original work was solid, it was quite an exciting piece.
　However, the 'ending song' had almost nothing to do with the content, which was strange, but it is also quite a good song.
　Still, among my friends, only two people remembered this song💦

◎ Isao Sasaki's 'ending songs' that suit space

　When I think of 'ending songs', I have a strong image of Isao Sasaki.
　Isao Sasaki really has a great voice. And for some reason, the ballads that resonate with that voice suit space.

'Hoshizora no Gaiking' (Starry Sky Gaiking) sung by Isao Sasaki
('Dino Mech Gaiking' 1976)

It might be a giant robot anime that few people remember, but the 'ending song' is strangely cool... Doesn't it give you chills? (Wait, is it just me! lol)

"Blue Earth" sung by Isao Sasaki
("Galaxy Express 999" 1978)

Speaking of "Galaxy Express 999," the movie version's theme song sung by Godiego is famous, but the TV series theme song is also a wonderful track.
And for those who want to remember Maetel, this ending theme is a must!

"Crimson Scarf" sung by Isao Sasaki
("Space Battleship Yamato" 1974)

And finally, the one I'd like to introduce is the ending for "Space Battleship Yamato,""Crimson Scarf."
I think it's one of the greatest masterpieces among all 'ending songs,' but what do you think...
If you're going to sing about a man's romance, this is the song to do it with. Seriously, it gives me chills!

+ + + + + +

I know it seems out of order to do an ending theme feature before even doing an opening theme feature, but 'ending songs' don't really get much of a spotlight, do they?

So, this is kind of a personal collection page.

I apologize for a feature that only a specific generation will understand, but I'd be happy if people just knew that such wonderful songs were quietly playing.

(Additional Songs)

Alright, just when I thought I had made a satisfying 'collection page,' thanks to everyone's suggestions, I realized I had forgotten an important 'ending song.'
I will add it here now.

"Dear Mother" sung by Toshiko Fujita
("Ikkyu-san" 1975)

Kako-san, Ikkyu-san, Miyu-san, thank you!

＊