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!

Playlist

Theme songs from morning dramas: The historical main themes of NHK’s Morning Drama Series
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Laughing and falling downHanbaato Hanbaato		The theme song of “Bakebake,” music for a warm day.
2	Flower of loveaimyon		Aimyon’s ‘Ranman’ theme song resonates with the heart.
3	giftRADWIMPS		Theme song for “Anpan” by RADWIMPS
4	I love youback number		Soar! Theme Song: Deep Love and Everyday Warmth
5	seven colorsBUMP OF CHICKEN		The theme song of the NHK morning drama series “Okaeri Mone.”
6	Thank youikimonogakari		The moving impact of the NHK drama theme song “Arigatou”
7	IdeaHoshino Gen		The theme song “Idea” of the NHK morning drama “Half, Blue.”
8	Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu		Yuzu’s “Ame nochi Hareruya” chosen as a drama theme song
9	IlluminationB’z		A gentle song filled with feelings for someone precious
10	carnationShiina Ringo		A drama depicting a mother's love and strength and Sheena Ringo's classic song
11	rainbow-coloredayaka		The theme song of “Hanako to Anne,” Ayaka’s “Nijiiro.”
12	365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48		AKB48’s graduation songs: popular classics
13	AldebaranAI		A theme song where an AI singing voice conveys hope and love
14	You and Turattatta♪DREAMS COME TRUE		Theme song of NHK’s “Manpuku,” depicting Fukuko
15	Atelier of LightMr.Children		Mr.Children’s moving earthquake disaster relief song
16	That gentle girlsupittsu		The morning drama’s theme song “Yasashii Ano Ko,” a masterpiece by Spitz
17	Dear sunshine—my precious youHirahara Ayaka		Family love and everyday happiness conveyed through Ayaka Hirahara’s singing voice
18	Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN		Love and Hope of a Showa-Era Musician Couple
19	A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada makes a comeback with the theme song for a morning drama
20	The Wheat SongNakajima Miyuki		“The Song of Wheat” selected for the NHK drama theme song and performed at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
21	brilliant; radiant; glittering; bright (sunlight)Miura Daichi		A touching ballad by Daichi Miura that expresses family love
22	See you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s morning drama theme song expresses hope and strength.
23	Closest to meHY		A moving theme song by HY, a masterpiece that portrays bonds and love
24	Happy☆Boogiesakaiyuu		The rhythm of boogie-woogie, a vibrant and energetic theme song
25	Season of LoveAnjura Aki		A hopeful song depicting the renewal of seasons and love
26	DaijoubuOda Kazumasa		Kazumasa Oda’s heartwarming theme song, courage to face adversity
27	diamond dustMoriyama Naotaro		Naotaro Moriyama’s Heartfelt Winter Ballad
28	Don’t cry.Fukuyama Masaharu		A song of renewal and healing that stays close to grieving hearts
29	A bittersweet episodeHata Motohiro		Motohiro Hata’s ‘Ochoyan’ theme song brings a positive spirit
30	Threads of FateTakeuchi Mariya		A heartwarming classic that sings of the bonds between people
31	flareSuperfly		Flare by Superfly, the theme song for an NHK morning drama series
32	Nizon—Rare Sky—gasshou		The theme song of a story set on the Noto Peninsula about pursuing dreams.
33	Ama-chan Opening ThemeŌtomo Yoshihide		Non’s “Amachan” a big hit
34	Upside-Down SkySMAP		A disaster recovery support song, the theme song for an NHK morning drama
35	Where from tomorrowMatsu Takako		'Where Does Tomorrow Begin?' is a song of hope.
36	Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi		A life drama about a female screenwriter overcoming trials
37	Young PlazaKuwata Keisuke		Keisuke Kuwata’s masterpiece “Wakai Hiroba,” a classic brimming with Showa-era vibes.