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

The Tale of Footwear and UmbrellasAKB48

[MV] The Story of Footwear and Umbrellas (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It’s the song that was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” The fact that AKB48 sang it alone became a hot topic, but the song itself is gentle and truly heartwarming.

After singing and introducing each other’s grandmother’s life as if telling a story, the second verse delivered an indescribably moving ending.

rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

This is Masaki Suda’s fifth single, beloved by a wide range of generations since it was chosen as the theme song for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.

Released digitally in November 2020, it became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million streams.

The music video, which dramatizes the deepening of family bonds through marriage and childbirth, also drew attention.

The lyrics, reminiscent of a proposal, convey a strong determination to protect one’s family.

Listening to it while thinking of the grandparents who have always protected and supported your family will make you want to express your gratitude to them directly.

Computer Grandma

Ryuichi Sakamoto + Syuko Sakai – Computer Grandma

Computer Grandma, produced by Ryuichi Sakamoto—one of Japan’s most iconic artists.

It was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta in 1981 and has remained a beloved song ever since.

While it’s a children’s tune, it’s packed with the techno sound synonymous with Sakamoto, and even the title “Computer Grandma” is vividly conveyed through sound.

The song describes, through the eyes of her grandchild, the coolness of a Meiji-era grandma who deftly operates a computer.

There’s also a cover version by POLYSICS, so be sure to give that a listen too!

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utatane

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signpostKaruxpin

[MV] Guidepost / KaruxPin (19th Single)

The lyrics were written by Hikaru, who was a grandma’s boy.

When you listen to this song, you can feel how much his grandmother’s presence and words saved him and how precious she is to him.

He doesn’t get along with his parents, but his grandmother is the one who understands him… Surely there are others besides Hikaru who feel the same way.

If you want to express your gratitude to your beloved grandmother, please consider giving her this song.

Your feelings will surely come through.

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sasashina

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Grandma’s SongIkeda Taku

Suguru Ikeda, “Grandma’s Song”

This song by Taku Ikeda, a singer-songwriter from Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture, reads like a letter to the grandmother who remained on the island.

With a gentle sound centered on acoustic guitar and piano, it seems to emphasize the message woven into the song—the deep love for one’s hometown and family.

While living far from home, the narrator envisions the grandmother as she exists in memory, recalls the words of encouragement she once gave, and solidifies a sense of resolve.

The song also carries the wish that the grandmother will continue to live well on the island, unchanged, and that when the narrator returns home, she will greet them in good health.

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kappamaki

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Circle of Thanksayaka

Ayaka / The Circle of Thanks Music Video

This is an Ayaka number that sings about the warmth carried by words of gratitude and really touches the heart.

By saying “thank you,” smiles are born, and that joy connects to someone else next—these lyrics, which make you feel such a lovely chain reaction, gently wrap the listener’s heart.

Released digitally in October 2013, the song was created as the theme for Nestlé’s “KitKat” 40th anniversary in Japan.

It’s said to have been crafted with reference to messages from fans about the people they wanted to say “thank you” to, packing in the real emotions of many.

It’s a masterpiece meant to give you that little push to share the gratitude that’s usually too embarrassing to say out loud—with your precious family and friends.

Big Grandmakondō toshiki

Bright yet moving to tears. “Big Grandma” Music Video [NHK “Minna no Uta”]

This song is based on an episode Kondo Toshiki experienced with his grandmother.

Carried by the light, breezy tones of the ukulele, it sings about a charming grandmother, and the bright vocals add to the sense of everyday joy.

By lining up her memorable episodes, the song conveys her strong presence, and from the cheerful way these memories are shared, you can also feel a deep affection for her.

It’s a piece that expresses the wish to keep building happy memories with his grandmother and for her to live a long life.

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kappamaki

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