Theme Songs of NHK Taiga Dramas Through the Years: The Allure of Music That Colors Historical Stories

Nobunaga KING OF ZIPANGUMōri Kurōdo

[NHK Taiga Drama] (1992) Nobunaga KING OF ZIPANGU, Mouri Kurondo, Masatake Tamukai (lyrics), Tadaaki Odaka, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Noboru Hisaoka (solo), Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus

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.

Idaten Main ThemeŌtomo Yoshihide

Prayers for the success of the Tokyo Olympics — NHK Taiga Drama “Idaten” Main Theme — Metropolitan Police Department Band — Police Agency Music Corps

This is the theme song of the 2019 NHK Taiga drama Idaten: Tokyo Olympic Story.

The composer is Yoshihide Otomo, who also worked on the music for the morning drama Amachan.

The triumphant opening fanfare and the whirlwind of shifting rhythms perfectly embody the protagonists who keep running like fleet-footed messengers.

Even without lyrics, their passion and breath come through directly.

The piece is included on the album Original Soundtrack: Part 1, released in March 2019.

It’s a rousing anthem that gives a powerful push to anyone striving toward their goals.

Souru (Main Theme)Watanabe Toshiyuki

Toshiie and Matsu: The Tale of the Kaga Million-Koku Domain - Hayate (Main Theme)

This is the theme that opened the 2002 NHK Taiga drama “Toshiie and Matsu: The Million-Koku Story of Kaga.” The story of the couple played by Toshiaki Karasawa and Nanako Matsushima became a sensation as “the mightiest home drama of the Warring States era.” The majestic sound of the full orchestra seems to whisk us instantly into the tumult of that turbulent time.

Its driving melodies evoke the powerful, unshakable bond between Toshiie and Matsu, who weathered a harsh era together.

The composer is Toshiyuki Watanabe, known for his work across a wide range of fields, including film and anime.

In addition to the NHK Symphony Orchestra, the performance features the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa from Kaga, where the story is set.

Time Of DestinyIwashiro Tarō

01 Time of Destiny Extended Version “NHK Taiga Drama: Aoi Tokugawa Sandai” Music Collection ~ Time to Time

This piece, composed by Taro Iwashiro, was written as the theme song for the 2000 NHK Taiga drama “Aoi: Tokugawa Sandai.” Its sound—woven from a weighty orchestra and majestic chorus—dramatically portrays the great tides of history and the destinies of the people who lived within them.

The track is included on the album “NHK Taiga Drama: Aoi Tokugawa Sandai – Music Collection: Time to Time,” released in March 2000.

Give it a listen when you want to reflect on grand history or steel yourself to face a challenge.

Blue Wind ~Opening Theme~Kurihara Kazuki

Taiga Drama “Hōjō Tokimune” Blue Wind — Opening Theme —

This piece is striking for its orchestral melodies that carry both power and poignancy.

Composed by Kazuki Kurihara, it was used as the opening theme for the 2001 NHK Taiga drama Hojo Tokimune.

The music conveys a wind-like sense of speed that races through a turbulent era, and from each note you can feel the protagonist’s firm resolve to face a national crisis.

Hints of Mongolian throat-singing evoke the story’s grand scale.

It is included on the album NHK Taiga Drama Hojo Tokimune Original Soundtrack, released in April of the same year.

Genroku Ryoran Main ThemeIkebe Shinichirō

[NHK Taiga Drama] (1999) Genroku Ryoran, Shinichiro Ikebe, Kazuyoshi Akiyama, NHK Symphony Orchestra,

This piece was composed by Shinichiro Ikebe, one of Japan’s leading composers.

It’s a tense work that evokes the human drama swirling beneath the splendor of Genroku culture and the grim resolve of samurai who carry unwavering determination in their hearts.

The rich orchestral sonorities foreshadow the story’s turbulence, drawing listeners instantly into its world.

The piece is the theme music for the 1999 NHK Taiga drama “Genroku Ryoran,” and was included on the album “Genroku Ryoran Original Soundtrack,” released in August of the same year.

Performed by the NHK Symphony Orchestra, the powerful yet delicate ensemble masterfully conveys the characters’ complex emotions.

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.