Lovely TV drama music

[2025] A roundup of Western songs used as theme and insert songs in Japanese dramas

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

[2025] Compilation of Western Songs Used as Theme and Insert Songs in Japanese Dramas (11–20)

JIU: Metropolitan Police Department Special Offenders Investigation Unit

The Edge of GloryLady Gaga

Lady Gaga – The Edge Of Glory

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.

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rainbowMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Rainbow (Full ver.)

Rainbow Fortune Masaharu Fukuyama

An exhilarating number that gives powerful courage to everyone pursuing their dreams and goals.

Released in August 2003 as one of the tracks on a triple A-side single, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “WATER BOYS.” Topping the Oricon weekly chart for five consecutive weeks at the time, this song portrays the journey of moving toward the future by overcoming hardships while holding one’s heartfelt emotions close.

Masaharu Fukuyama’s warm yet resolute vocals deliver the straightforward message directly to listeners’ hearts.

Its catchy, easy-to-remember melody is another draw, making it a perfect classic for moments when you’re aiming for a goal with friends or taking a new step forward.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, this article compiles Western songs that have been used as theme songs or insert tracks in Japanese dramas aired from the 2010s up to the present in the 2020s.

It’s interesting and fun that Olivia Rodrigo’s songs have already been used twice just in the 2020s, isn’t it? I also plan to add songs from even older-era dramas, so please be sure to bookmark this page!