Theme songs from morning dramas: The historical main themes of NHK’s Morning Drama Series
NHK’s morning drama series—nicknamed “Asadora”—is an essential part of mornings in Japan.
People of all ages watch it, and it always becomes a major talking point.
The theme songs that open each episode and color the drama draw attention alongside the story itself.
In this article, we’ll introduce the history of Asadora theme songs, from past works to the latest series.
You might even find the song that used to be your morning BGM.
Take a look back at the history of Asadora through its music!
- [2000–2009] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas!
- Theme Songs of NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Allure of Music That Colors Historical Stories
- Complete List of Ending Themes from “Okaasan to Issho” (All-Time)
- A comprehensive look at all the theme songs from Mezamashi TV and Mezamashi Doyoubi throughout the years!
- Popular love song themes from Monday 9 p.m. dramas. Including the theme song from that smash-hit drama.
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music.
- [Fiery Classics] Super Sentai Theme Songs: All-Time Opening & Ending Themes
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Theme and insert songs from the long-running Monday 9 p.m. dramas: classic hits from popular series and recommended fan favorites
- A big hit with kids! A collection of songs that gets everyone pumped for childcare and recreation
- [2010–2019] A roundup of theme songs from popular dramas
- Songs That Bring Back the Shows: Beloved Drama Theme Songs
Theme Songs from Morning Dramas: Historical Opening Themes of NHK’s Morning Serial TV Novel (1–10)
Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu
Yuzu’s “Ame nochi Hareruya” was chosen as the theme song for the 2013 NHK morning drama series Gochisousan, which portrays the food cultures of Kanto and Kansai and the love within a family.
Released as a double A-side single with “Mamotte Agetai,” it reached No.
3 on the Oricon singles chart and won the Excellence Award at the 56th Japan Record Awards.
Its lyrics about love resonate with the drama’s story, and listening to it gives you a warm feeling.
In the middle of the song, the melody of “Tōki Yama ni Hi wa Ochite” is quoted, adding a touch of poignancy to this masterpiece.
IlluminationB’z
It’s a heartwarming song that feels like weaving memories with someone dear.
Written specifically as the theme for an NHK morning drama series, this piece brings out a new side of B’z.
The gentle melody and lyrics convey a spirit that cherishes the small joys of everyday life.
Released digitally in October 2024, it has become a companion to many hearts—a perfect track for morning programs that inspires a positive, forward-looking mood.
carnationShiina Ringo
The drama Carnation depicts the struggles of its heroine as a woman, a wife, and a mother.
The theme song of the same title is by Ringo Sheena.
Carnations carry the flower language of a mother’s love—perfectly matching the life of a mother who raises three daughters on her own.
Sheena’s vocals, which convey a dignified strength, synergistically elevate the drama; just listening to the song brings the scenes vividly to mind.
Please enjoy both the drama, which prompts reflection on a woman’s way of life, and the accompanying music.
[Asadora Theme Songs] Opening Themes from NHK’s Morning Drama Series (11–20)
rainbow-coloredayaka
Ayaka’s “Nijiiro” was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Hanako and Anne, in which Yuriko Yoshitaka played Hanako Muraoka, the translator of Anne of Green Gables.
Released in 2014 as her 13th single, it reached No.
8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
With its irresistibly singable pop melody and sound, and lyrics that evoke a warm feeling and a sense of a bright future, it’s a true classic.
It’s a perfect song to start your morning and kick off the day!
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
“365 Nichi no Kamihikōki” (365-Day Paper Airplane) is a song by AKB48 released in 2015, included as a B-side on their 42nd single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby.” It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Asa ga Kita,” starring Haru.
The song even surpassed the title track “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby” in download numbers.
With its acoustic, simple sound, it’s also known as a graduation song and is popular at graduation ceremonies and weddings.
AldebaranAI
Sung by AI and selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Come Come Everybody, this piece also drew attention for being written by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.
Embracing the story that weaves together the lives of three generations of heroines, it sings of strong love and hope that encourage us to overcome any sorrow with a smile.
The song was released in November 2021 and was later included on the album DREAM.
If you listen to it on a night that makes you sigh, its sweeping strings and AI’s warm voice will gently cradle your emotions.
You and Turattatta♪DREAMS COME TRUE
“Anata to Turattatta♪” is the 53rd single by DREAMS COME TRUE, released in 2018.
The song was written specifically as the theme for that year’s NHK morning drama series “Manpuku,” and it reached No.
9 on the Oricon singles chart.
Its blend of marching-band sounds with DREAMS COME TRUE’s distinctive aesthetic is particularly striking.
The playful lyrics—full of tears and laughter—also evoke “Fukuko,” the heroine portrayed by Sakura Ando in the drama.