A roundup of Japanese TV dramas with a “music” theme
In this article, I’d like to introduce TV and online dramas that revolve around music.
That said, even when the theme is “music,” what truly matters in a drama are the story and the human relationships.
I’ve put together a selection across a wide range of genres—romance, coming-of-age, tokusatsu, and more—so you can enjoy those extra flavors alongside the music.
Each title has a distinct personality, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste!
If a drama makes you think “This is it,” try searching for it on a subscription streaming site.
Be sure to read to the end!
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Japanese TV dramas themed around “music” (11–20)
Queen of Enka
Enka no Joou (The Queen of Enka), which drew attention for Yuki Amami’s portrayal of an enka singer.
The story’s protagonist is Himawari Okochi, who juggles being an enka singer and a part-time job.
She’s incredibly unlucky and is constantly beset by one problem after another.
While it’s basically a comedy, the way she keeps striving with single-minded effort is genuinely moving.
Incidentally, this work reunites the staff from the drama The Queen’s Classroom, so it’s also recommended for fans of that series.
We Look Up to You with Respect
“Aogeba Totoshi” is a coming-of-age drama based on a true story.
Keiichi Higuma is assigned as the advisor to the brass band at a high school filled with delinquent students.
Through music, he and the students gradually connect, and before long, those delinquents set their sights on winning a music competition.
The protagonist, Keiichi, is played by Akira Terao, one of Japan’s leading singers, which lends the story real credibility.
If you watch this work, be sure to also check out performances by Kanagawa Prefectural Noba High School, the model for the story.
A Love Song Full of Scars
If you’re looking for a heartwarming human drama, I recommend A Love Song Scarred.
Kousuke Yoshimura, a music producer who once churned out hit after hit, has been keeping his distance from the music industry since a certain incident.
One day, he happens to meet a delinquent girl named Mirai Shimazaki and feels an unprecedented sense of potential in her singing voice—this is the story.
Kousuke Yoshimura is played by Katsunori Takahashi, and Mirai Shimazaki is played by Mika Nakashima.
The song released within the story is the single “STARS,” which is also Mika Nakashima’s real-life debut single.
That’s the answer!
“That’s the Answer” is a human drama that portrays the glory, setbacks, and rebirth of life.
Nozomi Naruse, a world-renowned conductor, is talented but difficult, and ends up getting fired from his orchestra.
Saddled with debt, he reluctantly takes a job advising a middle school band to pay it back.
Though he clashes with the students at first, the way they gradually come to understand each other is sure to resonate with many.
Incidentally, this work also marks Tatsuya Fujiwara’s debut.
Exhilarating! Rock ’n’ Roll Street
Rock ’n’ Roll Street, which aired in 1988 and became a big hit.
The lead is Yasuko Sawaguchi, known for Woman of the Forensics (Kasōken no Onna).
At 23 at the time, she gives a passionate performance as Midori Iwashita, a single mother aiming to become a rock ’n’ roller.
The story portrays the romance and quirky cohabitation between Midori Iwashita and a music instructor.
It’s a classic blend of laughter and tears that remains as captivating today.
Each episode features popular songs of the era, making it a must-see for music lovers!
Song of the Sun
Song of the Sun is a romance drama centered on street musician Kaoru Amane.
Many people may be familiar with the 2006 film version starring YUI and its theme song, Good-bye days.
In the drama version, Erika Sawajiri plays Kaoru Amane, with Takayuki Yamada as her male counterpart.
The drama also prompted Erika Sawajiri to release a song with the same title as the work.
Please watch while paying attention to the differences from the film.
In conclusion
Some of you might have rediscovered a nostalgic drama you used to watch.
In any case, I think it was a very diverse lineup.
Works featuring music are sure to increase in the future, so I’ll keep updating this article each time.
Please stop by again whenever you have a moment!