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