Theme Songs of NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Allure of Music That Colors Historical Stories
NHK’s Taiga dramas have continued to color Japan’s grand history.
Have you watched any, such as Ryomaden or Atsuhime? The opening themes of Taiga dramas are a treasure trove of masterpieces that remain etched in our hearts across generations.
Just by listening, they whisk you away to that era in an instant—like a time machine.
In this article, we’ve compiled the theme songs from past Taiga dramas! We’ll introduce a variety of exhilarating music that invites us on a journey through history.
Please stay with us to the end!
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Theme Songs of NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Charm of Music Coloring Historical Stories (1–10)
Hideyoshi Main ThemeShōroku Reijirō
This is the theme song for Hideyoshi, composed by Reijiro Koroku.
Hideyoshi is the 35th Taiga drama, broadcast from January 7 to December 22, 1996.
It was the second time that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the protagonist, the first since Taikoki 31 years earlier.
The opening theme evokes an image of Hideyoshi powerfully and gallantly charging across the battlefield.
Hana Moyu Main ThemeKawai Kenji
This is the theme song for “Hana Moyu,” composed by Kenji Kawai.
“Hana Moyu” is the 54th Taiga drama, broadcast from January 4 to December 13, 2015.
Mao Inoue made her Taiga drama debut playing Fumi Sugi, the youngest sister of the main figure, Shoin Yoshida.
The opening theme conveys the strength of Fumi Sugi as she lives through the tumultuous final years of the Edo period.
Gunshi Kanbee Main ThemeKanno Yugo
This is the theme song for “Strategist Kanbei,” composed by Yugo Kanno.
“Strategist Kanbei” is the 53rd Taiga drama, broadcast from January 5 to December 21, 2014.
The genius strategist—said to be the man without whom Hideyoshi would never have unified the realm—was portrayed by Junichi Okada of V6.
Theme Songs from NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Allure of Music that Colors Historical Stories (11–20)
Reach for the clear blue skySatō Naoki
A grand, beautiful melody that evokes hope for Japan’s future resonates in the heart.
Composed by Naoki Sato, this piece is the theme music for the 2021 NHK Taiga drama “Reach Beyond the Blue Sky” and is included in the album “Taiga Drama ‘Reach Beyond the Blue Sky’ Original Soundtrack I.” The woodwinds depict birdsong, while the strings express the wind and the flow of a brook, and the meticulous sound design is truly moving.
The expansive orchestral sound unfolds like the protagonist’s hope for Japan’s future, stirring the listener’s spirit.
Give it a listen when you want to take a step forward toward the future.
風林火山<メインタイトル>Senju Akira
The theme song for Furin Kazan, composed by Akira Senju.
Furin Kazan is the 46th NHK Taiga drama, broadcast from January 7 to December 16, 2007.
Set in Kai Province during the Sengoku period, it depicts the life of Yamamoto Kansuke, portrayed by Masayoshi Uchino.
It is a grand work that conveys the vitality of those who lived in the age of warring states.
Glorious EdoJon Guramu
This is the theme music for the NHK Taiga drama “Berabō: Tsutajū Eiga no Yume Banashi,” composed by John Graham, a composer active in Hollywood films.
Performed by the NHK Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Tatsuya Shimono, the piece magnificently expresses the passion of publisher Jūzaburō Tsutaya and the splendor of Edo culture.
The mysterious timbre of the cimbalom that resonates at the beginning symbolizes the protagonist’s flashes of inspiration, then unfolds into a powerful orchestral sound that stirs the listener’s heart.
Included on the album “Original Soundtrack Vol.
1,” releasing in February 2025, this work is music that will give you a push as you take on new challenges.
Nobunaga KING OF ZIPANGUMōri Kurōdo
This is the theme song for “Nobunaga: King of Zipangu,” composed by Kurando Mōri.
“Nobunaga: King of Zipangu” is the 30th Taiga drama, broadcast from January 5 to December 13, 1992.
It is set in the Azuchi–Momoyama period, the first such setting since the 1989 series “Kasuga no Tsubone,” and the lead role was played by Naoto Ogata.
This was the first Taiga drama to feature a song with lyrics.