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
[Asadora Theme Songs] Opening Themes from NHK’s Morning Drama Series (11–20)
Atelier of LightMr.Children
“Hikari no Atelier” is Mr.Children’s 36th single, released in 2017.
It was selected as the theme song for that year’s NHK morning drama series “Beppin-san” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s said that a comment made by Kazutoshi Sakurai at the time of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes became the core of the song’s lyrics.
The music video features a unique world incorporating puppetry, so if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check it out!
That gentle girlsupittsu
The song chosen as the theme for the milestone 100th Asadora, starring Suzu Hirose, is Spitz’s “Yasashii Ano Ko.” It’s their 42nd single and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Since the drama is set in postwar Hokkaido, the lyrics of “Yasashii Ano Ko” also incorporate Ainu words.
It’s an upbeat track with a bouncy rhythm that lifts your spirits, so be sure to give it a listen!
Dear sunshine—my precious youHirahara Ayaka
Ayaka Hirahara’s vocals, which gently embrace the heart with sun-like warmth, are especially memorable.
In this piece, screenwriter Yoshikazu Okada penned the lyrics himself, creating a song overflowing with maternal affection for someone dear.
Its gentle melody seems to convey the happiness found in everyday moments and the preciousness of thinking of someone.
The track served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Ohisama,” starring Mao Inoue.
Initially it aired as an instrumental, but a sung version was later produced in response to strong viewer demand—a lovely anecdote in itself.
Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN
The 2020 morning drama Yell is based on the life of composer Yuji Koseki, telling a story centered on the composer who created music that supported people’s hearts throughout the Showa era, including during the war, and his wife.
The theme song of the drama is GReeeeN’s Hoshikage no Yell (A Cheer from Starlight).
It’s a perfect match for the drama’s worldview: the joy of meeting one’s beloved wife and the many masterpieces born from that bond, which still serve as cheers that gently accompany people’s hearts today.
Even if you haven’t seen the drama, the lyrics will resonate with you—give it a listen!
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
Hanataba wo Kimi ni (A Bouquet for You) by Hikaru Utada was written as the theme song for the 2016 NHK morning drama series Toto Nee-chan.
Included on her comeback album Fantôme after she had been on hiatus since 2010, the song dominated the Oricon and Billboard charts, and the album won Best Album at the 58th Japan Record Awards.
It’s a bright medium-tempo ballad centered on piano and strings, and Utada’s warm vocals make it a truly memorable piece.
The Wheat SongNakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima’s song “Mugi no Uta” (“The Wheat Song”) was used as the theme for the NHK Osaka-produced morning drama Massan, which aired in 2014.
It reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart, and with this song Nakajima made her first appearance in 12 years on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Fitting the story of a couple passionate about making Japanese whisky, the song opens with an unforgettable intro featuring the bagpipes, a traditional instrument from Scotland, the birthplace of Scotch whisky.
It’s an anthem that cheers on tenacious Japanese listeners, and hearing it fills you with strength—truly a classic.
[Asadora Theme Songs] Historical Main Themes of NHK’s Morning Drama Series (21–30)
brilliant; radiant; glittering; bright (sunlight)Miura Daichi
A heartfelt ballad delivered by Daichi Miura, who captivates audiences with his exceptional vocals and world-class dance.
Released in 2022 as his 29th single, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Chimudondon.
The song was reportedly crafted with the feeling of writing a letter to his late grandmother, expressing the warm love from family as a light that illuminates one’s back.
Its universal theme resonated with many, earning the Drama Song Award at the 113th The Television Drama Academy Awards.
It’s a song that can set a calm and positive tone when listened to at the start of your day.