[Drama Theme Songs] Over 800 Million Plays! A Curated Selection of Unforgettable Classics
Which drama theme song is etched most deeply in your memory?
In this article, we’ve picked popular songs that not only became massive hits alongside their dramas but have also racked up astonishing view counts on platforms like YouTube.
With lyrics that link to the story, sounds that color emotional scenes, and a variety of unique charms, these theme songs transcend time and are loved by audiences across generations.
If you watched the dramas in real time, listen while recalling the iconic scenes; if you haven’t seen them, try listening as you check out the story.
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[Drama Theme Songs] Over 800 Million Plays! A Curated Selection of Unforgettable Classics (41–50)
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number
A poignant ballad that expresses the protagonist’s feelings as they wait all night on their birthday for a single word from the one they love, rendered through delicate emotional nuance and the gentle timbre of the piano.
Released in February 2019, the song drew attention as the theme for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” starring Kyoko Fukada.
The awkward feelings of cherishing someone irreplaceable and the aching sorrow of being unable to confess are conveyed with a tender, comforting melody that strikes the heart.
Though simple, the carefully woven lyrics tell a story of unrequited love that almost everyone has experienced, leaving a deep imprint on the listener’s memory.
[Drama Theme Songs] Over 800 million plays too! A curated selection of unforgettable classics (51–60)
unfinishedieiri reo
Singer-songwriter Leo Ieiri captivates fans with songs that evoke the duality of “light and shadow” and a voice that pierces the heart.
Her 16th single Mikansei (Incomplete), written as the theme song for the TV drama Absolute Zero: Uninvestigated Incidents, features a chorus melody that’s catchy for its striking leaps in pitch.
The lyrics convey contradictions that make you unsure of what you truly want—something many people have surely felt at least once.
It’s a sentimental number whose wistful ensemble tightens the chest.
Around The WorldMONKEY MAJIK
It was the theme song for a 2006 TV drama starring Shingo Katori.
It’s also one of MONKEY MAJIK’s signature songs, with English and Japanese lyrics skillfully intertwined.
Like the drama’s worldview, the music video and direction are comical and a highlight.
The song inspires you to broaden your horizons and set out to travel the world—making you want to hit the road.
SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA
It was the theme song for a TV drama starring Atsuko Asano and Tetsuya Takeda in 1991.
As one of CHAGE and ASKA’s signature songs, it was played many times within the drama, and the famous scenes from the show are still striking even today.
I think the memorable intro matches this song perfectly.
Kiss meKOH+
It was the theme song for a TV drama starring Masaharu Fukuyama in 2007.
I think it’s rare for the lead actor to also sing the theme song, but the lyrics interwoven with facets different from the character in the drama are impressive, making it a richly varied piece.
The world calls it love.Sambomasutā
It was the theme song for the 2005 TV drama starring Atsushi Ito and Misaki Ito.
It’s one of Sambomaster’s signature songs and a straightforward love song.
The contrast between the gently sung A and B sections and the powerful build-up into the chorus makes it an intense and passionate track.
Believe In Future ~Midnight Cinderella~Kahara Tomomi
This is a highly message-driven number with lyrics written by Tomomi Kahala herself.
It portrays a protagonist who, while feeling lonely in the stillness of midnight, keeps faith in the future and waits for the sunrise.
The Cinderella-themed motif seems to teach the importance of not losing hope even in difficult situations.
Released in February 2000 as her 16th single, the song drew attention as the ending theme for the drama “Cinderella wa Nemuranai” (Cinderella Doesn’t Sleep).
Its dramatic sound and her clear, translucent vocals highlight the strong will that resides within the sadness.
You can also hear it on the best-of album “Natural Breeze ~KAHALA BEST 1998-2002~.” Listening to it on a night when your heart feels a little tired might give you the courage to step forward into tomorrow.