[Thank You] A song for grandpa and grandma: a classic that makes you want to express your gratitude

ranchu (a breed of Japanese goldfish)Eito

ranchu (a breed of Japanese goldfish)

Many of you probably have memories of visiting your grandparents’ house during summer vacation.

The piece I’d like to introduce is Ranchu.

It’s a solo acoustic song by the singer-songwriter Eito.

In the first half, he sings about memories of going to his grandparents’ home during summer break—eating watermelon and watching goldfish—while in the second half, he expresses a wish for them to see the person he has become as an adult.

It’s a song that feels a little bittersweet yet warmly comforting.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

Long Life OndoYonesuke

Long Life Ondo

In April 2011, Toyohisa Araki released an arrangement of the lyrics to the folk song “We, Life Begins at 60,” which had long been sung in elderly care facilities to the melody of “Tetsudō Shōka.” This version by Yonesuke has a Hawaiian style, but there is also an enka version sung by Anna Rikitake.

Song of a VultureKimura Kaera

(NHK Washimo OP: Piano) Washimo’s Song Kaela Kimura

Washimo, who comes from an anime, is a computer granny with a PC for a face, and the concept is pretty amusing, isn’t it? Judging from the lyrics, the granny is a full-on robot, yet she plays the role of a real grandmother.

She’s quite heavy too—at 126 kg, that’s about the weight of three elderly people.

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A gemlike ballad that expresses the desire to convey heartfelt gratitude with a warm melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

This heartwarming piece reaffirms the bonds and appreciation we feel for loved ones, and has been sung at many important moments in life.

Since its release in May 2010, it has captured the hearts of many viewers as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gegege no Nyobo,” and is also included on the album “Ikimonobakari ~ Members BEST Selection ~.” It won the Excellent Work Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards, and has been featured in high school music textbooks and adopted as a baseball march.

It’s a highly recommended song for occasions like weddings and graduation ceremonies, when you want to express your gratitude to someone special.

Thank youSun Set Swish

SunSet Swish – Arigatou [Official Video]

This work features a warm melody that gently wraps you in a feeling of gratitude, paired with straightforward lyrics that resonate in the heart.

It gently speaks to the importance of conveying a simple “thank you” and the feelings we hold for those who support us.

The finely crafted lyrics by the band’s leader, Junzo Ishida, quietly yet powerfully express gratitude to a mother.

Released in August 2007, the song was also used as the ending theme for the anime Big Windup! (Ooki­ku Furikabutte).

It is included on the album PASSION and continues to be loved by fans.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those who find it hard to say “thank you” in everyday life.

It also makes a wonderful Mother’s Day gift to accompany a present.

Grandpa’s New Year’s gift

Grandpa’s drop

The children’s song “Grandpa’s Age” has lyrics by Takeshi Shoji and music by Hideo Kobayashi.

Shoji was a lyricist who wrote lyrics for children’s songs, and Kobayashi was a composer who wrote operas and art songs, as well as children’s songs such as “Bright Red Autumn.” It’s a lovely piece that conveys a cheerful and gentle personality—when asked his age, Grandpa just laughs it off, saying he’s forgotten.

Mr.Benkurofukurouzu

Mr. Ben [Singing with guitar accompaniment]

It’s a poppy, upbeat tune.

The old homeless man you always see in the park basks in the sun, gazing off with seemingly no worries.

He’s easygoing, cheerfully tending campfires, free-spirited… The song portrays a young man’s feelings as he envies him, wondering, “How can he live such a happy life?” If you tried striking up a conversation with him just once, you might find out why.