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)
Laughing and falling downHanbaato Hanbaato
It’s a very warm work that makes the small happenings of everyday life feel precious.
It’s the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Bakebake,” starting on September 29, 2025.
The song was created by Humbert Humbert, a popular husband-and-wife duo known for their folk-based music.
In producing it, they reportedly read deeply into the autobiography of the person who inspired the story and wrote the song by fully inhabiting the protagonist’s perspective.
It’s the kind of tune you’ll find yourself humming at the start of an ordinary day or on a night when your heart feels a little tired—one that will surely add color to people’s mornings.
Flower of loveaimyon
A singer-songwriter with a nostalgic acoustic sound beloved by a wide audience, Aimyon.
Written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Ranman,” this work was released in June 2023 as her 14th single.
Its pop melody and lilting triple meter feel so pleasant.
The lyrics, which accompany the story of a botanist and view tears as new seeds that will bloom in the future, mirror the protagonist’s journey through adversity.
It’s an emotional pop tune that gently nudges your heart—perfect when you’re thinking of someone dear or ready to take a new step forward.
giftRADWIMPS
This is the theme song for NHK’s 2025 April-broadcast morning drama series “Anpan,” created by RADWIMPS.
The song’s appeal lies in its musical richness that goes beyond the bounds of rock.
It blends the breeziness of city pop with jazz and funk grooves, topped with grand choral parts, giving you the sensation of listening to a single suite.
The lyrics are also striking, depicting the strength to keep moving forward—believing in tomorrow despite harsh realities—in a way that overlaps both the story’s protagonist and those of us living today.
It’s a warm track that gently gives you a push, perfect for mornings when you’re starting something new or on days when you’re feeling a bit low.
I love youback number
This heartwarming number was written as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama “Soar!” starring Haruka Fukuhara.
Through everyday scenes—like fallen leaves in the park and the bakery by the station—it portrays a clumsy yet profound love for someone dear, drawing listeners into its gentle world.
Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song was released in October 2022 and was later included on the album “Humor.” It’s a warm, moving track that makes the ordinary days feel precious.
seven colorsBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Nanairo” was chosen as the theme song for the 2021 NHK morning drama series Okaeri Mone.
Released as their 16th digital-only single, it reached No.
2 on Billboard’s Download Songs chart.
The lyrics of “Nanairo” are sprinkled with weather-related words, evoking the image of the drama’s protagonist, who aspires to become a weather forecaster.
With BUMP OF CHICKEN’s signature refreshing and emotional sound, it’s a perfect fit for a morning drama!
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s “Arigatou” was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo, which became such a hot topic that “Gegege no” won the 2010 Buzzword of the Year Award.
The single reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.
Nao Matsushita, who starred in the drama and is also a pianist, included a piano version of “Arigatou” on her album Scene25 ~Best of Nao Matsushita, so be sure to give it a listen!
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!