[Songs for May] Tracks that suit fresh greenery and driving & Mother's Day songs

Dear, boyHump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

This is Hump Back’s major-label debut song, an anthem that sings of challenging your dreams and holding onto hope.

With a powerful sound and lyrics that resonate, it gently gives a warm push to those facing setbacks and anxieties.

Created with thoughts of the bandmates from their high school days, the track was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “BUZZ RHYTHM 02” in June 2018 and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s coverage of the 102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament, capturing the hearts of many.

If you listen to it in moments when life in a new environment wears you down, or during times when motivation is hard to find, you’ll feel the energy to face tomorrow welling up inside.

Hey, MomKOKONA

Kokona: Hey, Mom (MV)

A ballad that conveys gratitude to a mother through a gentle melody and warm words.

Kokona’s delicate vocals carefully weave deep affection for the mother who continued to support her unchanged, even through the rebellious years of adolescence.

Soft accompaniment by acoustic guitar and piano tenderly embraces the child’s honest feelings toward her mother.

Included on the EP “Hey, Mom,” released in July 2024, the song moved the hearts of many.

This work embodies Kokona’s feelings for the mother who supported her when she chose the path of music after graduating junior high school, vividly portraying the bond between mother and daughter.

It’s a song we especially hope will reach those who struggle to express their gratitude to the mother who always welcomes them with a smile.

rootKing Gnu

King Gnu – Root

Even if I’m someone who doesn’t stand out, I want to be someone who matters to the person I love.

This is a mid-tempo ballad by King Gnu that weaves delicate emotions into its fabric.

Like the roots of a flower slowly spreading underground, it gently portrays relationships that grow over time and two people supporting one another as they draw close, expressed with a tender sensibility.

Released in October 2024 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea,” it layers a beautiful piano-and-strings melody with a contemporary sense of rhythm and choral parts reminiscent of a nursery rhyme, vividly capturing the flow of time and feelings that never change.

While embracing life’s transience, the song invites you to reflect on what it means to live quietly yet with strength.

It’s a track that will resonate in your heart when you’re anxious about a new environment or uncertain about a relationship with someone important to you.

StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – StaRt

An upbeat, fast-paced sound and powerful vocals make this an inspiring cheer song that stirs the heart! Its lyrics, which give you the courage to keep looking forward and moving ahead, also emphasize the importance of noticing the small joys in everyday life.

Included on the major-label debut mini-album “Variety,” released in July 2015, it was featured as the theme for Kao Merit’s TV commercial and the Fuji TV program “Super Addictive! Laugh-Out-Loud Character Parade.” It’s a track that will lift your spirits when you’re feeling tense or anxious in a new environment, or when everyday life feels a bit stuck.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

A heartwarming rock tune by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE, packed with the sweet-bitter flavor of youth and the anticipation of growth.

Centered on memories with loved ones and the finiteness of life, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing in April 2024, and went on to win the 66th Japan Record Awards in December of the same year—achieving the remarkable feat of back-to-back victories.

It offers comfort to those feeling anxious or lonely in a corner of the city, giving them the courage to face forward while embracing their own imperfections.

When the start of a new chapter leaves you feeling low, listening to this track may lighten your heart and help you take a fresh step forward.

The True Nature of TearsSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “The True Form of Tears” MV (Theme song for NHK Night Drama ‘Vanilla na Mainichi’)

A warm ballad by SUPER BEAVER that powerfully sings of delicate feelings deep within the heart.

Written in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” this piece gently embraces unspoken feelings and the struggle to be honest with oneself.

Born from the band’s vigorous activity following their major-label re-signing, it delivers a sound that suggests a new frontier following the album “Ongaku.” It’s a song that offers a chance to face your true self through tears when you feel lost to the May blues.

It will quietly stay close to those whose hearts waver between wanting to be recognized by others and wanting to remain true to themselves.

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.