[Drama Soundtrack Collection] Timeless soundtrack masterpieces that revive the emotion: BGM and main theme
Known by the abbreviation “soundtrack,” or “OST,” these albums are famous for main themes and background music that play an essential role in TV dramas.
They evoke a show’s image—whether it’s music that heightens tense scenes or pieces that deliver powerful emotion.
Wonderful music that stands beside countless classic dramas.
This is a curated list introducing such drama soundtracks!
Focusing on staple drama soundtracks, we’ve also included a few talked-about Korean drama OSTs.
We hope it helps you revisit memories or find tracks you’ve been curious about—and we’re sure it will bring those drama scenes vividly back to life.
Please use this as your companion in searching for soundtracks.
- A catchy tune that sounds familiar
- Theme and insert songs from the long-running Monday 9 p.m. dramas: classic hits from popular series and recommended fan favorites
- Songs that play during moving scenes. A collection of classic tracks that evoke deep emotion.
- [Drama Theme Songs] Over 800 Million Plays! A Curated Selection of Unforgettable Classics
- An exhilarating song
- [2000–2009] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas!
- [Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces
- Theme Songs of NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Allure of Music That Colors Historical Stories
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- Theme and insert songs from dramas and films that color the story
- [Theme Song & BGM] Popular Anime Soundtrack Special
- Songs That Bring Back the Shows: Beloved Drama Theme Songs
- [2010–2019] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas
[Drama Soundtrack Compilation] Masterpieces from soundtracks that rekindle the emotion. BGM and Main Themes (1–10)
CRISIS: Public Security Mobile Investigation Unit Special Investigation TeamSawanohiroyuki, KOHTA YAMAMOTO
Did you watch CRISIS: Special Security Squad? This action-suspense drama features Shun Oguri as a member of a special task force that confronts terrorists.
The music was every bit as impactful as Oguri’s presence on screen—truly outstanding.
It was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and KOHTA YAMAMOTO.
The two are well known for their collaborative work on the anime Attack on Titan.
Since the musical styles are similar, I highly recommend this soundtrack to anyone who enjoys the music from Attack on Titan.
Running away is shameful but useful.Suehiro Kenichirō, MAYUKO
The romantic comedy We Married as a Job (literally: “Running Away is Shameful but Useful”), which centers on a contract marriage, won numerous awards and became a social phenomenon.
Many will also remember the massive hit of its theme song, Koi, but there are surely plenty of people who love the music used within the show as well.
The score was composed by Kenichiro Suehiro and singer-songwriter MAYUKO.
The tracks they created are mostly upbeat, feel-good pop tunes.
If you’re looking to lift your spirits, why not take this opportunity to listen to the show’s soundtrack?
Promise Cinderellayamada yutaka
Many people might cite Fumi Nikaido’s standout work as Promise Cinderella.
This comedy depicts the romance between Hayame Imai—who has recently divorced her husband—and high school student Issei Kataoka.
If you watched it, you may recall that piano pieces were interspersed throughout.
Those piano pieces were composed by composer Yutaka Yamada.
By the way, the original soundtrack for the series also includes an insert song performed by YVY, so you can enjoy that as well.
[Drama Soundtrack Collection] Iconic soundtrack pieces that revive the emotion: BGM and main themes (11–20)
Kirin ComesJon Guramu
The 2021 NHK Taiga drama “Kirin ga Kuru” portrays the life of Akechi Mitsuhide.
Even those who haven’t seen the show might recognize it if I mention that Hiroki Hasegawa starred in it.
The main theme, which brilliantly embodied the show’s intense, suspenseful storyline, was composed by the American composer John Graham.
He reportedly set out to create a theme that avoided being overly traditional Japanese while still conveying a grand, expansive feel.
It’s surprising, isn’t it, that a foreign composer handled the music for a Taiga drama?
SPEC: Keishicho Public Security Bureau, Public Security Division 5 — Unidentified Cases Special Measures Unit Case FilesShibuya Keiichiro, Gabriel Roberto
The drama SPEC: Keishicho Kouanbu Kouan Dai-go-ka Mishou Jiken Tokubetsu Taisakugakari Jikenbo still enjoys steadfast popularity today.
This suspense series depicts battles between criminals with special abilities and the detectives who pursue them.
Many viewers surely watched each week with bated breath.
The tense atmosphere of the show was enhanced by music composed by several renowned composers.
Notably Keiichiro Shibuya, known as the creator behind VOCALOID and operas, and Gabriele Roberto, an Italian composer prolific in film music.
When you rewatch the drama, be sure to pay attention to the pieces they created as well.
Ryōma-denSatō Naoki
Sakamoto Ryoma is often named as a historical figure many people admire.
The NHK Taiga drama that portrays Ryoma’s tumultuous life is Ryomaden.
It’s still fresh in our memories how well Masaharu Fukuyama, the lead actor, fit the role.
Another thing that comes to mind when we think of Ryomaden is its unconventional music for a period drama.
The most notable example is the opera-style main theme.
The composer of this main theme was Naoki Sato, and the vocal parts were performed by Australia’s Lisa Gerrard.
There were also many other tracks with a rare flavor for a jidaigeki, such as Zanen, a guitar-driven piece.
If you’re curious, be sure to check it out.
Ossan’s LoveKōno Shin
Ossan’s Love is a popular work that comically and humorously portrays romance between men.
In particular, the exchanges between lead actors Kei Tanaka and Kotaro Yoshida made many female fans’ hearts flutter.
While the series has comedic parts, it also features serious moments.
Elevating the bittersweet emotions of those serious scenes is the main theme composed by Shin Kono.
Its beautiful, piano-centered melody is a must-listen even for those who aren’t drama fans! The show is also available on Netflix, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.