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

Dear Sunflower,Kawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Dear Sunflower [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a heartwarming song of gratitude dedicated to the singer’s own mother.

It’s a bittersweet yet warm ballad that dwells on feelings for one’s mother, and the gentle, persuasive vocals are truly captivating.

The track is by singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, known for the hit “Mahou no Jutan” (Magic Carpet), and it’s included on his album “I believe in you,” released in July 2018.

Reissued in May 2021 as a nationwide distribution edition, this work also features a collaboration project with Hibiya-Kadan.

It can feel embarrassing to express thanks to your mother, can’t it? But listening to this piece might give you the courage to say those simple words.

Be sure to share your everyday gratitude with her.

like youDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – “Like You”

This is a song DoriCam (DREAMS COME TRUE) wrote specifically for a Kampo Seimei (Japan Post Insurance) campaign.

For most of us, the person who has had the greatest impact on our lives and our way of thinking is our mother.

While always thinking of us and supporting us, she also lives her own life earnestly as a woman—her presence is truly immense.

This song expresses gratitude to mothers like that and a wish to live in the same way ourselves.

When we ask, “Could I do the same thing?” it makes us realize once again just how remarkable mothers are.

A Song for Youpanchi☆yutaka

A Song for You

“Mom, thank you for everything.” Do you ever feel frustrated that you can’t get those simple words out? This is a song by Punch☆Yutaka that straightforwardly sings about the gratitude we’re usually too shy to say aloud.

After its release in August 2015, it sold over 10,000 copies through direct, hand-to-hand sales.

In April 2018, a nationwide single version was released.

The cover features professional baseball player Takuya Kai in a special friendly appearance, conveying a powerful bond.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re leaving home for a job or marriage, or when you want to express thanks on Mother’s Day.

Even if you find it hard to be honest, sending this song will surely let your mom know how you feel.

I miss youRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Aitai

This is a RADWIMPS song that carries a heartfelt wish—“I want to see you”—on delicate melodies of piano and strings.

It is included on the concept album “2+0+2+1+3+1+1 = 10 years 10 songs,” released in March 2021, ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

This work carefully captures feelings that words can’t fully express and emotions that change over time.

Although it doesn’t directly sing about a mother, there may be no song that offers deeper comfort on nights when you worry about a mother living far away, or in moments when you recall the presence of one who has passed.

It’s recommended for times when you want to send your thoughts to someone precious, transcending the barriers of physical distance and time.

pure-heartedTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki 'Innocence'

This tear-jerking ballad, written in plain words by Koji Tamaki—who continues to captivate countless fans with his soul-stirring voice—expresses his love for his mother.

Released as a single in April 2013, it also drew attention for featuring Tamaki’s own mother in the cover photo and music video.

The poignant sincerity of thinking about an aging mother, along with the unchanging, childlike affection that remains even in adulthood, comes through powerfully in the words crafted by Akira Sudo and in Tamaki’s vocals.

It’s a moving song you’ll want to listen to with your beloved mother on Mother’s Day or a family anniversary.

cosmos (flower)Yamaguchi Momoe

Cosmos - Momoe Yamaguchi - Cosmos

It was released in 1977 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s 19th single.

It also drew attention because Masashi Sada wrote both the lyrics and the music.

The song is about a daughter on the eve of her wedding expressing her feelings for her mother, and it movingly portrays the mother’s complex emotions as she sends her daughter off to marry.

mothergurūpu damashii

Groupe Tamashii “Mother” MV

A punk band that also goes all-in on comedy sketches, Group Tamashii delivers a masterpiece where laughter and tears coexist.

Set to a fierce beat, the song voices heartfelt worries about the everyday life of the singer’s mother back home and her growing old.

The lyrics, which warn her about things like falling off a stepladder and watching out for steps, may seem comical at first glance, but they’re packed with the honest feelings of a child living far away.

This track is included on the album “Patsunpatsun,” released in June 2008.

The music video, featuring actress Michiko Godai in a powerful performance as the mother, also drew attention.

It’s a song you’ll want to play on Mother’s Day—or whenever you suddenly find yourself wanting to hear your mom’s voice.