Mother's songs: moving masterpieces dedicated to beloved mothers, recommended popular tracks

A gift from GodSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – A Gift from God [NHK Studio Live]

The ever-beloved Southern All Stars present a song filled with thoughts for parents and children, marked by its heartwarming message and distinctive melody.

Imbued with love and respect for Japanese pop music, this work was first broadcast in February 2025 as the theme song for programs commemorating the 100th anniversary of NHK’s broadcasting.

Included on the album “THANK YOU SO MUCH,” it is sprinkled with homages to various classic Showa-era songs.

With a deep appreciation for Japan’s storied music scene and a wish to pass on musical culture to the next generation, this piece is one to be savored by parents and children alike.

It’s sure to be a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude through music as a Mother’s Day gift.

Family SongHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Family Song (Official Video)

Set to a heartwarming melody, this masterpiece gently sings about the small joys of everyday life and the connections between people.

Gen Hoshino delicately depicts scenes like morning light and windowsills, as if capturing familiar moments within a family.

Its message—embracing bonds that go beyond blood ties and accepting the diversifying forms of family with warmth—resonates deep within.

Released in August 2017, the song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Overprotected Kahoko” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Its distinctive sound, which skillfully incorporates elements of late-1960s to early-1970s soul music, is another draw.

It’s a gem that stays close to the feeling of wishing happiness for someone important to you, so why not listen to it in a quiet moment alone? Its gentle sound may even move you to tears.

dandelionMatsushita Kohei

Kouhei Matsushita – Dandelion (Lyric Video)

With a gentle acoustic sound and a warm, tender voice, Kohei Matsushita delivers an encouraging song that resonates deeply in the heart.

Imbued with the desire to become a flower that blooms for a loved one, this piece brims with the purity of caring for someone and the wish to do whatever one can for them.

Included on the album “R&ME,” released in December 2023, the song was written and composed by Matsushita himself, who also created the album’s illustrations.

It’s the perfect track for expressing gratitude or quietly conveying your feelings to someone special.

Mom ~yet~berii guddoman

Very Good Man – Okan ~yet~

This heartwarming song by BERRY GOODMAN conveys boundless gratitude and love for mothers over a warm melody.

Born as a song to give on Mother’s Day, it’s included on the album “Spring Spring Spring.” It vividly portrays everyday moments—like a mother who works from early morning until late at night without a single complaint, always devoted to her family, and who treats you to home-cooked meals when you return home.

Since its release in March 2017, it has also been embraced in the sports world, used as the walk-up song for Ryō Ishikawa of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

It’s a wonderful track to give as a Mother’s Day present, overflowing with gratitude, or any time you want to express how much your mother means to you.

Family (feat. KOHH)hannya

Family (feat. KOHH)

This song candidly portrays love and conflict within a family.

The sharp raps by Hannya and KOHH depict complex family relationships and past wounds.

Lyrics that intertwine hatred and love for the father with gratitude toward the mother resonate deeply with listeners.

Included on the album “#Birthday,” released in July 2014, this track strongly reflects both artists’ personal experiences.

It’s perfect for those struggling with family relationships or wanting to confront their past.

Give it a listen when you feel the need to let out the feelings you’ve been holding inside.

day by dayYoshida Yamada

Hibi / Yoshida Yamada [MUSIC VIDEO]

Yoshida Yamada deliver a heartfelt performance of a gem-like love song that gently depicts the daily life of an elderly couple who have spent many years together.

From their first meeting through marriage, child-rearing, and old age, this warm story that reexamines life’s joys and sorrows is deeply moving.

Released in December 2013, the song was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” with member Yoshitaka Yamada also handling the character design for the animation.

More than a decade after the group’s formation, this track beautifully crystallizes the musicality the duo has woven together.

Loved by many, it’s a perfect Mother’s Day gift—a song imbued with gratitude for family and the bonds between parents and children.

how beautiful you areHamasaki Ayumi

how beautiful you are

Ayumi Hamasaki’s work, which gently sings of gratitude to her mother, is a heartwarming ballad that celebrates the presence of someone precious.

It gazes upon the beauty that shines within each of us, and its delicate piano melody colors a message of gratitude for the small moments of everyday life.

Included on the album “Party Queen,” it was released in February 2012 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi” (Second to Last Love).

The warmly affectionate music video portrays the daily lives of diverse people, filled with kindness that resonates in the viewer’s heart.

When you can’t find the words to express your gratitude to someone important, sending this song will surely convey your feelings.