[2026] Summary of Western songs used as theme and insert songs in Japanese dramas
Songs chosen as drama theme tracks tend to stick in our memories, and they’re easy to talk about as common topics with school friends or coworkers—something that hasn’t changed even in the 2020s.
In fact, if you watch a lot of Japanese dramas, you probably know that Western songs are quite often used as well.
In this article, we’ve researched and compiled Western music that has been used as theme songs and insert songs in Japanese dramas.
We cover everything from the 2010s to the latest dramas of the 2020s, so feel free to use this for trend-checking or to spark some slightly nostalgic conversations!
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[2026] A roundup of Western songs used as theme songs and insert songs in Japanese dramas (1–10)
Shape Of YouEd Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” is striking for its gently poignant yet pulsating, approachable melody.
Its comfortable rhythm and soft vocals blend together to lightly stir the listener’s heart—a true masterpiece! Especially since it was used as an insert song in the Japanese drama “We Did It” (Bokutachi ga Yarimashita), its sound likely remains vivid in many viewers’ memories.
Ed’s world seamlessly crosses borders and naturally blends into our everyday lives.
There’s no doubt his innate talent elevates the music beyond mere background, enhancing the emotional impact of the story even more!
So WhatP!nk
Pink’s “So What” is a perfect fit as the theme song for the drama Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon—a track where boldness truly shines.
Pink’s husky, powerful vocals match the free-spirited character of Dr.
Michiko Daimon perfectly.
Celebrating TV Asahi’s 60th anniversary, this drama boasts an unmissable, spot-on pairing.
Although the song was released in 2008, its fresh sound and memorable message continue to captivate audiences.
It’s a timeless anthem that gives courage and strength to everyone who embraces their own kind of power.
We’re All AloneBoz Scaggs
Boz Scaggs’s “We’re All Alone” drifting across the Japanese night sky.
Used as the theme song for Hulu’s “When It Rains, You Are Kind,” its quiet afterglow captured many hearts.
It fits the mood of the work so perfectly, evoking the drama’s poignancy and the characters’ inner lives.
His voice is sweet and gentle, like it could softly stay by your side at any moment.
When you hear that song, the scenes from the drama will surely unfold before your eyes.
It’s a magical melody that lets you relive those moving moments all over again.
[2026] A compilation of Western songs used as theme or insert songs in Japanese dramas (11–20)
Time To Say GoodbyeIl Divo
The brilliance of Il Divo’s Time To Say Goodbye has carried over from film to television drama, its moving melody stirring the heart.
Used as the theme song for the 2011 series Diplomat Kosaku Kuroda, the track left a striking impression, preserving the charm of the original while Il Divo’s distinctive vocals evoke a dreamlike world.
Blending classical and pop elements, it remains one of their signature songs, retaining its appeal long after its release.
Perfectly in harmony with the drama’s emotional scenes, it has surely been etched deeply into the memories of many viewers.
Great DJThe Ting Tings
The Ting Tings, who brought a refreshing breeze from the UK and performed “Great DJ.” Their captivating charm lies in a catchy sound you can’t forget once you hear it, tinged with a sense of nostalgia.
In fact, this track made a big splash in Fuji TV’s drama “Sunao ni Narenakute,” further enhancing the show’s energetic world and leaving viewers with a stylish impression.
The rhythm created by the repeating guitar riff might just carry a sense of hope for welcoming a brand-new morning.
The Edge of GloryLady Gaga
A collaboration woven from Western music and Japanese drama, brimming with unforgettable impressions.
Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” served as an insert song for the police drama “Jiu: Metropolitan Police Department Special Crime Investigation Unit.” The track is characterized by its shimmering sound and empowering, forward-looking lyrics.
In addition, Clarence Clemons’s saxophone melody delivers a wistful tone that evokes the 1980s, deepening the world of Lady Gaga’s music.
Its simple, straightforward music video also helped enhance the song’s appeal.
The enduring power of a theme song beloved across generations remains as strong as ever.
bad guyBillie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” though a Western pop song, has become more familiar in Japan as it’s increasingly heard in TV dramas.
Its selection as the theme song for the drama “Shiro demo Kuro demo nai Sekai de, Panda wa Warau.” brought it even more attention! With her signature whispery vocals that continue to captivate fans, Billie Eilish has brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.
This song, now a karaoke staple, offers a new challenge for singers.
Why not fully immerse yourself in its unique world?