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] Historical Main Themes of NHK’s Morning Drama Series (21–30)
See you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi
A track that’s made waves as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Tora ni Tsubasa.” Its heartfelt lyrics and distinctive melody leave a strong impression.
Centered on parting and reunion, it powerfully expresses life’s changes and hope.
Released in April 2024, it’s a song by Kenshi Yonezu, and reportedly his first time providing a morning drama theme.
The piece conveys the strength to overcome suffering and pain and move forward toward the future.
It’s a perfect song to listen to while watching the morning drama and reflecting on your own life.
Closest to meHY
This is the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Jun to Ai, created by HY, a band from Okinawa.
Its lyrics, which depict bonds deepened by belief and the preciousness of the love right beside us, resonate with the heroine’s pure determination as she faces hardships, making the story all the more moving.
Included on the album Route 29 released in December 2012, the song is a classic—there’s even an anecdote that the executive producer praised it as “the number one theme song in the history of morning dramas.” Lead actress Nana also commented that she “couldn’t stop getting goosebumps,” speaking to the song’s powerful impact.
Happy☆Boogiesakaiyuu
An irresistible, feel-good boogie with a rhythm that makes your body start moving all on its own.
It served as the theme song for the latter half of 2023’s NHK morning drama series “Boogie Woogie,” brightening up the show’s opening.
Composer Takayuki Hattori wrote this piece as a “Reiwa-era boogie,” inspired by the music of his grandfather, Ryoichi Hattori.
The empowering lyrics, together with the soulful vocals of Yoshie Nakano, Yu Sakai, and lead actress Shuri, blend beautifully.
It’s the perfect track to play on mornings when you want to lift your mood or anytime you need a boost!
Season of LoveAnjura Aki
A hopeful love ballad that portrays the rebirth of love alongside the changing seasons.
Angela Aki’s warm yet powerful vocals gently envelop the listener’s heart.
The beautiful melody of the piano not only evokes the thrill of the season of new encounters, but also reminds us of the preciousness of love that never changes, no matter the time.
Released in September 2009 as her ninth single, this song was used as the theme for the NHK morning drama Tsubasa and was later included on the album LIFE.
It’s the perfect number for those who want to reaffirm their bond with someone special or find the courage to take a new step forward.
DaijoubuOda Kazumasa
This work is a single released by Kazumasa Oda in April 2007, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Don to Hare.” Its gentle, warm melodic line and Oda’s clear, soaring high-tone voice resonate pleasantly.
The lyrics affirm the strength to never yield to hardship and gently give listeners a push forward, deeply mirroring the drama’s story.
Included on the album “Jiko Best-2,” the song was later adopted as the departure melody on the Shinkansen platform at JR Morioka Station, and remains a beloved classic to this day.
It’s a heartwarming track that’s perfect to listen to on a morning when you’re starting a new day.
diamond dustMoriyama Naotaro
A delicate yet grand medium-tempo ballad, its clear falsetto by Naotaro Moriyama resonates deeply in the heart.
Released in November 2005 as his ninth single, the song was chosen as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Haruka of the Wind (Kaze no Haruka).
The lyrics depict a fleeting scene of snow on distant mountains dancing in the wind, mirroring the heroine’s pursuit of her dreams and perfectly aligning with the drama’s world.
The track was later included on the album Kazemachi Kousaten and was also performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a song that quietly instills courage on a winter morning when you’re taking a new step forward.
Don’t cry.Fukuyama Masaharu
It’s a ballad that gently stays close to a heart sunk in sorrow and kindles a warm light.
Released in December 2004 as Masaharu Fukuyama’s 19th single, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Wakaba.
It expresses the drama’s theme of “rebirth,” portraying a kindness that doesn’t force those who have endured painful experiences to cheer up, but instead simply remains quietly by their side.
The tone of the acoustic guitar—so complete that it astonished the arranger—further enhances that warmth.
Its melody, which seems to affirm you just as you are, will surely give you a small courage to start walking forward again.