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

Toyotomi brothers!Kimura Hideaki

Toyotomi brothers!

This is the main theme of NHK’s Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!”, which began airing in 2026.

Taiga Nakano stars, with the story focusing on Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s younger brother, Hidenaga, depicting the tumultuous days of the brothers as they charge toward the grand dream of unifying the realm.

The music is by Hideaki Kimura, known for scoring dramas such as “Grand Maison Tokyo.” In addition to the weighty orchestral sound performed by the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Yuji Toriyama’s guitar adds a sense of speed, vividly capturing the fervor of the young brothers racing through the Sengoku period.

Released for streaming in January 2026, this is a track brimming with forward-driving energy that we hope those aiming for a big goal will listen to.

Last Samurai StandingŌmama Kō

Last Samurai Standing

This is a grand number produced as part of the score for the Netflix series Ikusagami, which began streaming in November 2025.

Composed by Ko Oomama—renowned for his work in screen music, including winning the Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music for the film Shoutai—the piece features contributions from the taiko performing arts ensemble Kodo.

The fusion of visceral, body-shaking Japanese taiko and a cinematic orchestra is nothing short of breathtaking.

With its immense sonic depth, it brilliantly conveys the world of a brutal battle royale among samurai fighting for survival.

Opening the album Ikusagami (Soundtrack from the Netflix Series), this track’s taut tension is sure to set listeners’ hearts racing.

It’s the perfect song to hear before a showdown, for anyone who wants to steel themselves and fire up their resolve.

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)

A renowned song that became deeply ingrained in households as the theme for the hugely popular period drama “Tōyama no Kin-san.” Released as a single in 1976, it enjoyed a long-running hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 147 weeks.

Sung by the show’s star, Ryōtarō Sugi, the piece tenderly expresses the loneliness and warmth of the human heart, in contrast to the drama’s exhilarating storyline.

With lyrics by Ide Haku and music by Minoru Endo, its beautiful melody and earnest yearning for love are truly moving.

Sugi’s sweet, resonant low voice especially resonates with adults who have tasted the bittersweetness of life.

It’s a song to listen to slowly when you want to soothe those sudden moments of loneliness.

Beloved DaysHoriuchi Takao

Beloved Days

Featuring a star-studded cast led by Kotaro Satomi, the drama Byakkotai was broadcast as a year-end historical special on the Nippon TV network and became a social phenomenon.

The song used as its theme, performed by Takao Horiuchi, was released as a single in October 1986 with lyrics by Kei Ogura.

Powerfully expressing the fleeting yet beautiful passage of time, the track became a major hit in tandem with the drama’s moving scenes and won the Composition Award at the 29th Japan Record Awards.

Its timeless, resonant melody has long been beloved as a karaoke staple.

It’s a song we hope even those who haven’t seen the drama’s original broadcast will take the time to listen to closely.

Lone Wolf and CubHashi to Wakakusa Jidou Gasshoudan

Lone Wolf and Cub

Just hearing that distinctive opening phrase that evokes raindrops vividly brings to mind the striking image of a father pushing a baby carriage.

Yukio Hashi’s wistful vocals and the pure chorus by the Wakakusa Children’s Choir create a superb contrast, dramatically portraying the bond between parent and child as they face a harsh fate.

Originally released in December 1971 as a single serving as an image song for a graphic novel, it was later used as the theme song for Part 3 of a TV period drama starring Kin’nosuke Yorozuya, becoming such a major hit that it won the Popularity Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards in 1972.

This piece is perfect for when you want to immerse yourself in the rich world of period dramas.

As a masterpiece representing the Showa era, it’s something we’d love to see passed down across generations.

Someday, the day of loveMitsui Yumiko

The Day of Love Will Come Eventually — Yumiko Mitsui

Yumiko Mitsui, a skilled singer known as the top disciple of Masaaki Hirao.

Released in April 1973, this work is a wistful song chosen as the ending theme for the TV period drama Hissatsu Shiokinin.

In the second installment of the series—famous for the first appearance of the popular character Mondō Nakamura—her vocals deepened the afterglow of the story and captured the hearts of many viewers.

The melody, which conveys a sense of helplessness that cannot be resolved by simple good-versus-evil and depicts a quietly burning passion, is deeply moving.

It sold over 120,000 copies at the time and was also well received on cable radio.

When you want to immerse yourself in the unique chiaroscuro of period dramas or spend a night with a song that touches the heart, why not savor it slowly?

Flower in the mirror, moon on the waterThe SHIGOTONIN

Kyoka Suigetsu, Hissatsu Shigotonin

Hissatsu Shigotonin 2009 was a drama that drew attention with Noriyuki Higashiyama in the lead role, co-starring Masahiro Matsuoka and Tadayoshi Okura.

Makoto Fujita also appeared as Mondo Nakamura, and the series gained popularity for its world where new and old “Shigotonin” intersect.

The theme song for the drama was Kyōka Suigetsu, a single released in February 2009 by The SHIGOTONIN, a limited-time unit formed by the three cast members.

Its lyrics, depicting fleeting love and unrequited feelings, and its wistful melody reminiscent of Showa-era kayōkyoku matched the ruthless story perfectly.

It was a hit, reaching the upper ranks of the Oricon charts, and was loved by a wide range of listeners beyond just fans of the drama.

It’s also a great track for quietly savoring the afterglow of the show at night.