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

KirIN ga Kuru Main ThemeJon Guramu

Taiga Drama: Kirin ga Kuru - Main Theme

This is the song that opened NHK’s 2020 Taiga drama “Kirin ga Kuru.” The music was composed by John Graham, a composer active in Hollywood, and its grand orchestral sound was a perfect fit for the beginning of the story.

The weighty, powerful melody conveys the turbulence of the Warring States period.

The cello solo seems to express both the wish for a world visited by the qilin—a symbol of peace—and the complex inner life of the protagonist, Akechi Mitsuhide.

Surrender yourself, body and soul, to this sweeping historical romance.

The 13 Lords of the Shogun Main ThemeEban Kōru

[High Quality Audio] NHK 2022 Taiga Drama ~ The 13 Lords of the Shogun Main Theme ~ (OP Opening) [Version without Masami Nagasawa’s Narration] ~ THE 13 LORDS OF THE SHOGUN ~

Koki Mitani wrote the script for the 2022 NHK Taiga drama The 13 Lords of the Shogun.

Many viewers were likely drawn in week after week by its story of unpredictable power struggles.

The opening theme was composed by Evan Call.

It makes a striking impression with a dramatic development that begins as if breaking the silence and rapidly swells in grandeur, accompanied by the sounds of taiko drums and shakuhachi.

The melody sung by a weighty male chorus seems to express the characters’ voiceless fates and fierce passions, stirring the heart.

If you want to immerse yourself in a worldview that feels like being swallowed by the whirlpool of history, don’t miss it.

Sanadamaru Main ThemeTakayuki Hattori

2016 NHK Taiga Drama 'Sanadamaru' Opening

This is the main theme of the NHK Taiga drama Sanada Maru, composed by Takayuki Hattori, who has worked on numerous film and TV scores.

From the very beginning, the violin’s timbre evokes the protagonist Nobushige Sanada’s solitary strength, along with a certain earthy grit.

The exhilarating sense of speed, as if symbolizing Nobushige’s life, is irresistible.

You can almost picture the hero confronting his destiny with wisdom and courage amid the great whirlpools of history.

This piece is included on the album Original Soundtrack II, which was released during the 2016 broadcast.

AmethystFuyuno Yumi

Hikaru Kimi e Main Theme Amethyst

This piece is by Yumi Fuyuno, a composer known for her diverse style who has created music for numerous dramas.

It served as the main theme for the NHK Taiga drama “Hikaru Kimi e.” The grand, elegant sound woven by piano and orchestra unfolds like a glittering picture scroll from the Heian period.

It brilliantly expresses, through sound, the protagonist’s hidden passion and tumultuous fate.

Listening to it, you’ll find yourself inevitably drawn into the story.

Dawn skyInamoto Hibiki

What to Do, Ieyasu Main Theme ~Dawn Sky~

This piece was specially written as the main theme for the 2023 NHK Taiga drama “What Will You Do, Ieyasu?”.

The composer and pianist is Hibiki Inamoto, an artist active across diverse fields with roots in classical music.

It’s like an anthem that delivers hope—the message that “night will surely give way to dawn.” His meticulous musical storytelling shines through in many details, such as switching piano timbres to match Ieyasu’s age.

The handclaps, symbolizing moving forward together with the people, are also striking and make your heart swell as you listen.

When you’re feeling lost or anxious, this piece lights the way.

Saigō-don ~ Main Theme ~Fuki Harumi

SEGODON Main Theme ORIGINAL COVER

This is the piece that captured the hearts of many viewers as the main theme of the 2018 NHK Taiga drama “Segodon.” Composer Harumi Fuuki reportedly visited Kagoshima and Amami while creating the music, and that dedication resonates in every detail of the sound.

Its powerful, march-like rhythm is complemented by a grand and diverse palette that incorporates elements of Amami island songs, Celtic music, and even jazz.

The work is included on the album “Taiga Drama Segodon Original Soundtrack I,” released in February 2018.

Gunshi Kanbee Main ThemeKanno Yugo

Strategist Kanbei Main Theme HD (720p)

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.