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!
IdeaHoshino Gen
Idea is a song written by Gen Hoshino as the theme for the 2018 NHK morning drama series Half Blue.
It made headlines by recording the highest sales ever on the Oricon Daily Digital Singles ranking and reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Singles chart.
Opening with marimba—an instrument synonymous with Hoshino—Idea is an up-tempo dance number that fuses genres like pop and hip-hop.
The song also won Best Drama Song at the 98th Drama Academy Awards.
Be sure to give Idea a listen!
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.
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.
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.
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.
[Asadora Theme Songs] Historical Main Themes of NHK’s Morning Drama Series (21–30)
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!