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Jun 24, 2026 Major3
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"Cruel Angel's Thesis" Tops Professional Musicians' Best 100 Japanese Anime Songs Ranking Amid Viewer Skepticism
On June 22, 2026, TBS's "Professional Ranking" revealed that 166 international music professionals voted "Cruel Angel's Thesis" from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" as Japan's strongest anime song, topping the BEST 100 list. The song's continued dominance sparked online criticism from viewers who called the result a "predetermined outcome" and expressed frustration with its repeated victories in similar competitions.
Quick Facts
Who
166 music professionals (singers, musicians, producers, composers)
What
Professional Ranking broadcast and ranking announcement
When
June 22, 2026 (broadcast date)
Where
41 countries and regions (voting professionals' origin)
- Professional Ranking broadcast and ranking announcement
- 166 music professionals voted on best 100 Japanese anime songs
- 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' ranked first
- Viewers criticized result as predetermined and repetitive on social media
- 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' achieved 1,000-week consecutive ranking on Oricon Karaoke Chart
On June 22, 2026, TBS broadcast "Professional Ranking," a competition show featuring expert voting from 166 music professionals across 41 countries and regions. The broadcast unveiled the results of "Japan's Strongest Anime Songs BEST 100," with "Cruel Angel's Thesis" (残酷な天使のテーゼ) from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" claiming the top spot. The ranking included other notable anime theme songs: "Blue Bird" from "Naruto -Shippuden-" finished second, followed by "CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA" from "Dragon Ball Z" in third place.
"Cruel Angel's Thesis," performed by Takahashi Yoko and first broadcast in 1995, has become one of the most enduring anime songs in history. The track achieved an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 consecutive weeks on the Oricon Weekly Karaoke Ranking—only the fourth song in Oricon history to reach this feat. The song's cultural penetration is so profound that even viewers unfamiliar with the original anime know its chorus.
However, the ranking decision generated significant backlash on social media. Viewers criticized the result as a "predetermined outcome" and expressed fatigue with the song's repeated dominance in similar competitions. Some noted that "Cruel Angel's Thesis" has consistently claimed first place in previous anime song rankings, including the 2020 "National 130,000 People Genuine Vote Anime Song Grand Elections" and the 2024 "Foreigners' Genuine Vote World Anime Song Grand Elections," both broadcast by TV Asahi.
Critics raised specific concerns about the ranking methodology. While the broadcast described the song as receiving "overwhelming votes," the actual vote count and margin of victory over the second-place finisher were not disclosed. Additionally, questions emerged about whether the ranking, dominated by international voters, truly represents the consensus of Japanese anime fans as a whole, given its title emphasizing "Japan's Strongest."
Commentators suggested that different generations might naturally gravitate toward different iconic anime themes—older viewers toward "Astro Boy," "Kinnikuman Go Fight!," or "Sailor Moon's Moonlight Legend," while younger fans championed contemporary hits. The recurring pattern of "Cruel Angel's Thesis" winning has led some to propose that the song should be inducted into a hall of fame and excluded from future competitions, transforming these ranking shows into events that merely confirm "Evangelion's victory" rather than genuine competitions.
Why This Matters
This ranking reveals the enduring cultural impact of 1990s anime in global pop culture, while simultaneously exposing viewer fatigue with predetermined competition outcomes. The controversy around methodology—such as non-disclosure of vote margins and dominance by international voters in a "Japan's Strongest" competition—raises questions about how credibility and authenticity are maintained in fan-voting systems. For content creators, networks, and the anime industry, this incident highlights the need for transparent ranking criteria and consideration of excluding perennial winners to sustain genuine competition and viewer engagement.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1995
WireNeon Genesis Evangelion broadcasts; 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' debuts as theme song
Feb 19, 2007
Wire'Cruel Angel's Thesis' first appears on Oricon Weekly Karaoke Ranking
Jun 22, 2026
WireTBS broadcasts 'Professional Ranking'; announces 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' as #1 in Japan's Strongest Anime Songs BEST 100
Jun 24, 2026
WireNews outlets publish coverage of ranking announcement and viewer reactions