[Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
Parents and children, husbands and wives, brothers, sisters.
Even when we say “family,” there are many different forms, aren’t there?
In this article, we’ll introduce a number of classic songs themed around “family.”
These are all heartwarming tracks that let you rediscover the value and gratitude for “family” that you might not understand as a child.
If you’re thinking, “I want to express my thanks, but I feel shy—can I say it?” let these songs give you courage.
If you notice feelings that are easy to lose sight of when you’re together, don’t put it off—let them know, and let yourself say it.
- Family Song Popular Songs Ranking
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- [Thank You] A classic song expressing gratitude to one’s parents. A number loved across generations.
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- Babies and kids will smile! A heartwarming collection of songs for children
- Mother's songs: moving masterpieces dedicated to beloved mothers, recommended popular tracks
- A classic song about brothers. A song I’d like to dedicate to my beloved sibling.
- [Parenting Song] A song dedicated to moms and dads working hard at childcare
- [Coming-of-Age Ceremony] A Song Dedicated to You at 18: Recommended Tracks for New Adults
- Masterpieces about fathers: songs about dads to listen to together as a parent and child
- [Sisters' Song] A moving classic that lets you rediscover the bond with your beloved sister
Family Song: A Gratitude Song That Makes You Feel the Importance of Family (111–120)
A Day of Joy and Loneliness (Your Wedding Day)Takeuchi Mariya
This is a song a mother gave to her daughter as she leaves to be married.
“I’m happy, but lonely…” The days they spent together, and so many memories, drift through her heart.
The mother’s feelings—rejoicing in her daughter’s departure into a new life and wishing for her happiness—her blessings and her farewell, the complex emotions of a parent—have been woven into a gentle, unhurried melody.
Nostalgic, cherished memories spread warmly through the heart.
[Family Songs] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family (121–130)
fatherKyūshūdan
Father is a track included on ±1, the mini-album released in 2010 by Kyushu-born reggae singer Kyushu-O.
It rides a breezy reggae rhythm to portray the changing feelings of a protagonist whose father left when they were young and who grew up living with their mother, as they occasionally met with their father.
From a childhood filled only with anger and defiance born of not understanding their father, the protagonist gradually becomes able to imagine his feelings as they grow up and begins, step by step, to reach out.
You can’t erase how you felt as a child, but this is a number in which you can feel the love for one’s one and only father.
KikyogaokaHirai Ken
This is a song by Ken Hirai that was released on October 23, 2013 as a digital-only single through services like RecoChoku.
It was tied in as the theme for the commercial commemorating the 45th anniversary of Misawa Homes.
The music video was filmed in Kikyogaoka, Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, and features Hirai’s mother.
It’s a song that conveys parental love—the idea that when a child is hurting, the parent feels the same pain.
To MotherHanzaki Yoshiko
This is a song I’d love to give on Mother’s Day.
Yoshiko Hanzaki’s “To Mother” portrays a mother who has always put her family first.
Even though dual-income households are the norm today, there are still many families where mothers carry a heavy burden.
Mothers tend to push themselves to the limit.
They’re always smiling because they hide so many things behind that smile.
But there’s no need to apologize—just hearing “thank you for everything” will surely make it all worthwhile.
It’s a moving number, gently sung over a piano accompaniment.
4.11Kawasaki Takaya
One of the singer-songwriters who best represents the Reiwa era, Takaya Kawasaki, seems to have a common motif running through all his songs: gratitude.
The track “4.11,” pre-released from Kawasaki’s third album, Warmth, is a perfect example.
It drew attention for being a song he wrote solely for his own child.
The photos and videos used in the music video are from Kawasaki’s private collection, too.
If you feel a bit shy about saying “thank you” to your grown-up child, let this song be your starting point.
It’s a highly recommended song that brings tears to your eyes while expressing heartfelt thanks.
My Little RoseHirai Dai
A song like a love letter that Dai Hirai dedicated to his beloved child.
It conveys the joy of becoming a parent, the worries, and the deep love, all set to a gentle melody that celebrates a child’s birth.
Released digitally in September 2022, the track is said to even include the baby’s first cry.
It’s a warm piece that lets you feel the preciousness of new life and the bonds of family.
Perfect for expressing gratitude to someone special or for listening together as a parent and child.
Highly recommended for those raising children or eagerly awaiting the birth of their own.
Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya
A quietly reflective, deeply moving gem of a ballad that invites us to reconsider the preciousness of life and the bonds between people.
It gently sings of the joy of meeting family, friends, and loved ones we can no longer see, as well as gratitude for the life we have been given.
Originally introduced to the world in 2008 as an insert song for the NHK morning drama series “Dandan,” it was later chosen in 2012 as the theme song for the NHK docudrama “Pioneers.” Widely cherished as a song that accompanies life’s milestones—such as weddings and graduations—it has also been adopted in many educational settings.
When you want to look back on memories of a beloved older or younger sister, or when you feel uncertainty in your heart, this song will be there to stay close to you.