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

Minamoto no YoshitsuneTakemitsu Tōru

Taiga Drama 'Minamoto no Yoshitsune' Theme Song – 1966 Production

This is the theme song for Minamoto no Yoshitsune, composed by Toru Takemitsu.

Minamoto no Yoshitsune was the fourth Taiga drama, broadcast from January 2 to December 25, 1966.

At that time, the lead role of Yoshitsune was played by Kikunobu Onoe.

Thirty-nine years later, in the Taiga drama Yoshitsune, the lead was played by Hideaki Takizawa, and both actors set records as the youngest to star.

Chronicle of the Genroku PeaceYuasa Joji

Genroku Taiheiki (1975 / Joji Yuasa) | Junichi Hirokami – NHK Symphony Orchestra

This is the theme song for Genroku Taiheiki, composed by Joji Yuasa.

Genroku Taiheiki is the 13th Taiga drama, broadcast from January 5 to December 28, 1975, and it is the second work themed around the Chushingura, following Akō Rōshi.

While it gives a glamorous impression, its irregular meters keep you on your toes.

Shinsengumi! Main ThemeTakayuki Hattori

[NHK Taiga Drama] (2004) Shinsengumi!, Takayuki Hattori, Junichi Hirokami, NHK Symphony Orchestra, John Ken Nuzzo (Tenor)

This is the theme song for “Shinsengumi!” composed by Takayuki Hattori.

“Shinsengumi!” is the 43rd Taiga drama, broadcast from January 11 to December 12, 2004.

The protagonist, Isami Kondo, is played by Shingo Katori, and many other leading roles were also filled by young actors.

The lyrics of the theme song were written by Koki Mitani himself, who also wrote the script for “Shinsengumi!”.

Tenko ~ Tiger WomanKanno Yōko

Taiga Drama 'Naotora: The Lady Warlord' Opening Theme Song

This is the theme song for “Onna Joshu Naotora,” composed by Yoko Kanno.

“Onna Joshu Naotora” is the 56th Taiga drama, broadcast since January 8, 2017.

It portrays Ii Naotora, the female lord of Ii Valley in Enshu who raised Ii Naomasa, with Kou Shibasaki—making her first appearance in an NHK drama—playing the lead.

The opening theme begins with a brilliant fanfare, as if a party is about to start, followed by a gorgeous melody.

Like a Soaring FlightIchiyanagi Toshi

Soaring Like a Bird (1990 / Toshi Ichiyanagi) | Junichi Hirokami – NHK Symphony Orchestra

This is the theme song for Toshi Ichiyanagi’s composition “Tobu ga Gotoku.” “Tobu ga Gotoku” is the 28th Taiga drama, broadcast from January 7 to December 9, 1990.

The main roles are Takamori Saigō, played by Toshiyuki Nishida, and Toshimichi Ōkubo, portrayed by Takeshi Kaga.

A spring slopeMiyoshi Akira

Akira Miyoshi / Spring Slope (1971) | Kimbo Ishii – NHK Symphony Orchestra

This is the theme song composed by Akira Miyoshi for Haru no Sakamichi (Spring Slope).

Haru no Sakamichi was the ninth NHK Taiga drama, broadcast from January 3 to December 26, 1971.

The title “Spring Slope” symbolizes the long and arduous path to establishing a peaceful era, and the drama portrays the life of master swordsman Yagyū Munenori, the Lord of Tajima.

The use of small percussion instruments is particularly effective.

Ryoma Goes ForthMamiya Yoshio

[NHK Taiga Drama] (1968) Ryoma ga Yuku, Yoshio Mamiya, Yuzo Toyama, NHK Symphony Orchestra,

This is the theme song for Ryoma ga Yuku, composed by Yoshio Mamiya.

Ryoma ga Yuku was the sixth Taiga drama, broadcast from January 7 to December 29, 1968.

The series was produced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era.

The piece is notable for its grand fanfare that evokes the image of Ryoma.