[For Seniors] With gratitude: A collection of songs to give on Mother's Day
When Mother’s Day comes around, you can’t help but want to hum a song to express your gratitude to your mom.
Since everyone was born to a mother, giving her a song filled with thanks might be a lovely idea for Mother’s Day.
Try choosing songs your mother sang to you when you were a child, or ones you sang for your own children.
In this feature, we’re introducing songs that have long been cherished by older adults, as well as songs we’d love seniors to hear—each one brimming with appreciation for mothers.
As you listen to the lyrics, they may bring back precious memories of times spent with your mom.
Let’s all sing together and enjoy Mother’s Day.
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[For Seniors] With Gratitude: A Collection of Songs to Give on Mother’s Day (11–20)
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
Said to be a song Hikaru Utada wrote with her mother, Keiko Fuji, in mind, this piece is enveloped in the warm tones of piano and strings.
Her gentle vocals express deep affection and the sorrow of parting, creating a work that resonates deep within the heart.
Released in April 2016 as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Toto Nee-chan, it won an Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards.
Its melodic sound and universal message evoke gratitude toward one’s mother and the bonds of family.
It’s a piece I recommend listening to when you want to express thanks to someone important or spend a heartwarming moment reflecting on cherished memories.
To the futureKiroro
“Mirai e,” released on June 24, 1998, is based on a letter Ms.
Tamaki wrote to her mother.
It’s an uplifting song that gives courage to a protagonist standing at a crossroads in life to look ahead and start walking forward.
With its touching melody and relatable lyrics, it’s a truly compelling piece.
When older adults reflect on their lives, this song may give them a gentle push forward.
It’s a song we would especially love our respected seniors to sing.
If everyone sings it together at day service, it will surely inspire the courage to face forward.
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s “Arigatou” is a highly recommended song for Mother’s Day.
It’s also well-known as a graduation song, so many older adults have likely heard it at least once.
The lyrics, which express gratitude to loved ones and celebrate memories shared together, resonate deeply.
Released in 2010, it drew attention as the theme song for the drama Gegege no Nyobo.
Singing it together as a family on Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to convey your appreciation.
“Arigatou,” sung along with nostalgic memories, is sure to be the perfect gift.
budKobukuro
Kobukuro’s “Tsubomi” is a moving song filled with love and gratitude for a mother.
Its profound lyrics portray the protagonist overcoming his mother’s death and walking toward his dreams.
The delicate guitar lines and heartwarming melody are sure to resonate with listeners.
For older adults, it may become a special song that brings back memories of their mothers.
It’s also recommended for everyone to sing together at Mother’s Day events.
Many of Kobukuro’s songs have been tied in with TV dramas and films, carrying messages that encourage living life positively through music.
MotherMori Shinichi
Shinichi Mori’s “Ofukuro-san” is a classic filled with deep love and gratitude for one’s mother.
Since its release in 1971, it has continued to be cherished by people of all ages, so it’s likely very familiar to many seniors as well.
Mori’s warm voice evokes a mother’s affection and memories of childhood.
The lyrics convey life lessons taught by one’s mother and a deep sense of respect for her.
I think it’s a perfect song for everyone to sing together at a Mother’s Day event.
Let’s sing it with heartfelt gratitude to our mothers.
A Ballad Dedicated to My MotherKaientai
Kaientai’s “Ballad Dedicated to Mother” is a classic that sings of gratitude and love for one’s mother.
It portrays the strength of the parent-child bond, and the lyrics convey deep respect for mothers.
Included on the album “Bokyō-hen,” it has remained beloved for many years.
Tetsuya Takeda’s lyrical vocals resonate deeply in the heart.
It’s a recommended song for Mother’s Day events or any time you want to express appreciation to your mom in everyday life.
Older listeners will surely recall their own children and be moved to tears.
Memories wrapped in a mother’s love never fade, no matter how old we become.
[For Seniors] With Gratitude: A Collection of Songs to Give on Mother’s Day (21–30)
Mother’s SongYoshida Yamada
Set to a gentle melody, this song tenderly sings of deep gratitude toward a mother.
It carefully portrays a mother’s love found in everyday life, unfolding a world filled with warmth and nostalgia.
The simple memories shared with a mother and the evolving relationship over time resonate deeply.
Released by Yoshida Yamada in December 2015, the song is included on the album “47 (Yon-nana).” It was also chosen as the theme song for the government’s campaign to prevent fraud targeting the elderly, and selected as the official support song for the “Best Mother Awards 2016.” It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to when you wish to express gratitude to someone special, or on meaningful occasions such as Mother’s Day.
It may be best enjoyed while reflecting on family memories, taking your time to savor it.