[2010–2019] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas
As smartphones began to spread in the 2010s, people started saying things like “the age of television is over”…
However, TV dramas never lost their appeal; many standout series that became social phenomena were born, captivating audiences.
The theme songs of these popular shows also racked up streams on subscription services, reaching countless listeners.
In this article, we’ll introduce the theme songs from dramas aired between 2010 and 2019 all at once.
From nostalgic tracks to songs that helped propel today’s buzzworthy artists to fame, enjoy the classic tunes that colored these beloved works!
- [2000–2009] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas!
- [Drama Theme Songs] Over 800 Million Plays! A Curated Selection of Unforgettable Classics
- Theme and insert songs from the long-running Monday 9 p.m. dramas: classic hits from popular series and recommended fan favorites
- Songs That Bring Back the Shows: Beloved Drama Theme Songs
- Popular love song themes from Monday 9 p.m. dramas. Including the theme song from that smash-hit drama.
- [Drama Soundtrack Collection] Timeless soundtrack masterpieces that revive the emotion: BGM and main theme
- Nostalgic even though it’s recent? Iconic 2010s songs that went viral on TikTok
- [Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces
- A catchy tune that sounds familiar
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
- [Hit Songs of 2010] A Roundup of Nostalgic Japanese Tracks!
- A comprehensive look at all the theme songs from Mezamashi TV and Mezamashi Doyoubi throughout the years!
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
[2010–2019] A Comprehensive Showcase of Popular Drama Theme Songs (21–30)
Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children
Nobunaga Concerto is a TV drama adapted from Ayumi Ishii’s original manga, starring Shun Oguri.
It tells an exciting story about a modern-day high school student who time-slips to the Sengoku period and aims to unify the country as Oda Nobunaga—many viewers probably watched it every week without fail.
The theme song chosen was Mr.Children’s “Ashioto ~Be Strong.” Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals and uplifting message are truly moving, and the refreshing, easy-on-the-ears guitar sound is a perfect fit for the drama’s ending.
Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN)MISIA
MISIA’s dignified voice warmly and gently envelops everyone in this song, which also became famous as the theme for the drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues” (Stepmother and Daughter’s Blues).
The show charmingly portrays the protagonist—a career-focused woman played by Haruka Ayase—becoming a stepmother and, despite some bewilderment, nurturing a bond of parental love with her stepdaughter, played by Moka Kamishiraishi.
MISIA’s rich vocals are a perfect match for the affection that blossoms beyond blood ties and the warmth of human relationships.
Despite the chaos of everyday life, this is a song that makes you feel life is precious and truly wonderful.
broad daylightKing Gnu
This song was written as the theme for the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer,” starring Kentaro Sakaguchi as a lawyer who works tirelessly to save people who have been wrongly charged despite their innocence.
In addition to meaning the sun or daytime, “Hakujitsu” can also signify one’s innocence, which makes its worldview a perfect match for the drama.
Everyone makes mistakes.
We can’t erase the past, of course, but rather than dwelling on it forever, the song delivers a poignant, dramatic message urging us to live fully in the present.
Spot the differenceSuda Masaki
A song written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu for his close friend Masaki Suda, it served as the theme for the TV drama “Perfect World.” The drama, which portrays the love story between the wheelchair-using protagonist played by Tori Matsuzaka and the heroine played by Mizuki Yamamoto, intricately weaves in issues such as caregiving and friendship.
Its strong, thought-provoking message resonated widely across ages and genders, becoming a hot topic.
It’s a song that suggests that, even while everyone carries various insecurities and inner conflicts, we can live with resilience—and that very stance feels precious and heartwarming.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Lemon was written as the theme song for the TV drama Unnatural.
Since its 2018 release, it has become one of Kenshi Yonezu’s signature songs, recording a historically long-running hit.
It brilliantly captures the world where the drama’s thrills, beauty, poignancy, and fear coexist.
Facing death is facing life—that’s the kind of message I feel it conveys alongside the drama.
It’s a song imbued with a bittersweetness that lets you experience both the darkness everyone harbors deep inside and the noble capacity to love others.
The summer you gave meieiri reo
The theme song for the drama Koinaka, which aired in the prime Monday 9 p.m.
slot in 2015.
It starred Sota Fukushi, with Tsubasa Honda as the heroine, and it was a classic love story that surely had many fans.
A fated reunion with a first love—an irresistibly heart-fluttering plot—where a childhood crush evolves into an adult romance, tangled with friendship in complex ways; it had us excited every episode.
Leo Ieiri’s clear, pure vocals flowing through the scenes were poignant and searing.
It’s a song that, in any era, cheers on young people who struggle, devote themselves to love, and grow.
Like this tonightaimyon
The theme song for the drama “We Cannot Become Beasts,” starring Yui Aragaki and Ryuhei Matsuda, is “Konya Konomama” by the hugely popular singer-songwriter Aimyon.
The story centers on a certain bar where characters burdened with problems at work and in their personal lives gather, and it depicts each of their human dramas.
Many viewers probably found themselves nodding along at various points thinking, “I feel that!” Starting with the title “Konya Konomama,” there are parts of the lyrics that evoke the drama’s storyline, so it might be interesting to listen again while looking at the lyrics.