[Thank You] A classic song expressing gratitude to one’s parents. A number loved across generations.

I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

This is a gem of a single released by Kyoko Koizumi in May 1991, one that represents the pinnacle of her career.

At the time of its release, rumors suggested the lyrics drew on her own romantic experiences, but in fact she wrote them to express gratitude to her father, imagining Masakazu Tamura—who played the father in the drama “Papa to Natchan”—as a lover figure.

That approach may have given the song a universality, allowing it to resonate with many as a love song.

As the theme song for the TBS drama “Papa to Natchan,” it captured countless hearts, spent a total of five weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts, sold over a million copies, and won the Lyricist Award at the 33rd Japan Record Awards—truly a classic that defined its era.

When you want to say “thank you” to someone dear, its warm melody and vocals will gently give you the courage to do so.

Thank you—hometownIssei Tsushima

Thank you ~ Hometown <New Song> Sung by Issei Tsushima

Issei Tsushima is a singer from Nagasaki Prefecture.

His style is rooted in Showa-era kayōkyoku with a touch of enka.

While he isn’t widely known nationwide, he has a devoted fan base in Kyushu, especially in Nagasaki.

In 2022, he ran in the House of Councillors election for the Fukuoka district, so those from Fukuoka may have seen him.

Among his songs, the one I particularly recommend as a masterpiece expressing gratitude to one’s parents is “Arigatou ~ Furusato.” It’s a mature piece, so it could be perfect for someone in their 50s to use as a song to convey thanks to their parents.

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giftsakura shimeji

Sakurashimeji “Gift” Teaser

The male guitar duo Sakura Shimeji’s “Gift” is a song I’d love to recommend to students! It sweetly sings about the abundant love from a mother found in everyday life and a simple, unpretentious “thank you.” We tend to think of filial piety as something grand, but expressing gratitude through the little things we can do every day is a wonderful form of it too, isn’t it?

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.

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.