[2026] A roundup of popular theme and opening songs from TV period dramas

Gaman HillKitajima Saburō

Gaman Hill – Saburo Kitajima

This is the ending theme song for Abarenbo Shogun III and IV, sung by Saburo Kitajima.

The lyrics and composition are credited to Joji Hara, which is Saburo Kitajima’s pen name when he writes and composes.

Both the lyrics—like “If I don’t do it, who will?”—and Kitajima’s vocals convey Yoshimune’s spirited resolve.

madder-red cloudskawada tomoko

Akane Clouds by Tomoko Kawada

This is the song used as the theme for “New Hissatsu Shioinin” and the special “Hissatsu Special: Autumn! The Professionals vs.

the Entire Edo Police.” Many incidental music tracks based on this song also exist.

The singer of this song, Tomoko Kawada, made her debut with the single “Akane-gumo,” and its B-side, “Tsumugi Uta,” was also used as an insert song in New Hissatsu Shioinin.

Footsteps ~Be StrongMr.Children

Mr.Children “Footsteps ~Be Strong” MUSIC VIDEO

Released in November 2014, this song appeared as Mr.Children’s 35th single and was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama and Toho-distributed film Nobunaga Concerto.

It carries an uplifting message and powerful energy, expressing hope that the dreamed-of future is drawing near and encouraging the courage to take the first step.

Kazutoshi Sakurai’s vocals and the band’s performance are beautifully in harmony, resulting in a track that truly resonates with listeners.

It was Mr.Children’s first self-produced work and is positioned as a song that symbolizes a “new Mr.Children.” Enjoy the exquisite combination of a period drama and Misuchiru—a pairing that might seem unlikely at first glance!

A pair of two travelersAmachi Shigeru

A Pair Traveling Together — Song: Shigeru Amachi

This is the theme song of the period drama “Fang of Edo,” which aired from October 2, 1979, to March 25, 1980.

The story follows four members of the Honjo office—derided within the magistrate’s organization as the “gutter cleaners” and the “sump”—who are in fact part of a special investigative unit called “Fang of Edo,” cutting down the evils that plague the city.

So it seems the ‘they were actually ○○ all along’ twist has been around for decades.

Wandering SongOzawa Miyuki

Miyuki Ozawa: Song of the Wanderer

It’s the ending theme song of the period drama “Hissatsu Hichū Shigotoya Kagyo.” The story features Hanbē, a soba shop owner who loves gambling, as the protagonist.

It’s a melancholic song filled with longing, singing of missing a loved one, but it’s said that Miyuki Ozawa, who performs it, was only 15 years old at the time.

Ozawa’s song “Yozora no Bojō” is also a popular track used in Hissatsu Hichū Shigotoya Kagyo.

Set it up, kill, and the sun goes down.Hirao Masaaki

[Period Drama: Hissatsu Series / Electronic Drums Version] Tried drumming the OP theme “Set the Trap, Kill, and the Sun Sets” from Hissatsu Shigotonin (Composer: Masaaki Hirao) — Performance, Drum Cover, “One tie, two ties, three ties...”

This is the opening theme of Hissatsu Shigotonin, composed by Masaaki Hirao, who returned to scoring for TV dramas after a long hiatus at the time.

When you think of Hissatsu Shigotonin, you might recall the trumpet line that goes “chara-chā chatchatchatcha rararara rara chara-chā,” but that’s a different piece.

A woman is like the sea.Izumi Ayukawa

[Hissatsu Shigotonin (Gekitō Edition)] Woman Is the Sea / Izumi Ayukawa

This is the opening theme song of “Hissatsu Shigotonin V: Gekitō-hen,” which aired from November 15, 1985 to July 25, 1986.

Although it is a continuation of Hissatsu Shigotonin V, it was not titled VI; instead, it is one of three spin-off series created as derivatives.

It is a profound song that likens a woman’s heart—waiting anxiously for her man—and the tears she sheds to the sea.