Gratitude Song Rankings [2026]

Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro64rank/position

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)

Naotaro Moriyama’s classic “Sakura (Dokusho)” was released on March 5, 2003, and is a heartwarming piece completed based on Moriyama’s own experiences.

After being included with a band arrangement on the album “Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chodo Ii,” it was released as a single in a solo piano version and became a massive hit.

To spread the song, Moriyama spared no effort, embarking on the “Sakura Front Northbound Tour,” traveling to 30 prefectures.

Despite an initial pressing of only 1,200 copies, the song’s post-release momentum led it to achieve the remarkable feat of reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts, and it continues to be loved by many listeners today.

Especially resonant during seasons of graduation and farewells, “Sakura (Dokusho)” is a wonderful song that gives you the strength to persevere even in difficult times.

Until we meet againHirai Dai65rank/position

Until we meet again

A heartwarming ballad that portrays departure and the hope of reunion.

Dai Hirai, known for his refreshing surf-music sound, released it as a single in 2015.

It was later included on the album “Slow & Easy.” Set to gentle acoustic instrumentation, the song carefully weaves together the sorrow of parting and the wish to meet again with a tender “see you,” slowly seeping into the listener’s heart.

It’s a perfect companion for moments of separation—like graduation or job transfers.

It also fits when you want to look back on memories with friends and express your gratitude.

MY HOMEFUNKY MONKEY BABYS66rank/position

Video Klip – My Home

A heartwarming song with straightforward lyrics of gratitude toward one’s parents is FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ “MY HOME.” It was released in 2007 as the B-side to the single “Chippokena Yuuki,” which reached No.

8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The song was also included on the album “Funky Monkey Babys 2,” released the same year.

Many listeners can likely relate to the feeling of recognizing the love of parents who supported them at all times, and wishing for them to stay healthy so they can repay that kindness.

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Hamada Takuya

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Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster67rank/position

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

A song filled with gratitude for graduates is sure to become a cherished memory.

Released by Little Glee Monster in March 2015, this track is perfect for the graduation season.

With a theme of photography, it portrays the bittersweetness and loneliness of parting in a bright and uplifting way, resonating deeply with listeners.

It was also used as the ending theme for the MBS program “Hayashi-sensei ga Odoroku Hatsumimigaku!” and became widely beloved.

It’s great for karaoke, and if you play it at the end of a graduation ceremony, it’s sure to create a heartwarming moment for both graduates and current students.

With its gospel-inspired, rhythmic melody, it’s recommended for those who want to celebrate graduation with a smile.

MiracleGReeeeN68rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

A warm, heartfelt song that directly expresses gratitude and love for someone special.

Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES,” this track has a strong connection to the world of baseball, having been used for high school baseball entrance marches and as walk-up music for professional players.

Its sincere message pledging love that endures over time, combined with an upbeat yet emotionally rich melody, creates a harmony that gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

The sentiment of celebrating a meeting as a “miracle” and treasuring the days walked together as a “trace of our journey” is sure to resonate with everyone.

The reason I was bornTakahashi Yuu69rank/position

Yu Takahashi – “The Reason I Was Born” MV short ver.

Singer-songwriter Yu Takahashi, known for his many warm, heartfelt songs.

His track “Umareta Riyū” (“The Reason I Was Born”) captivates with pure lyrics dedicated to his parents.

By using the kanji 産まれた in the title instead of the more general 生まれた, the song conveys a moving message of gratitude to the mother who gave birth to him and the father who watched over them both.

Takahashi’s gentle voice also conveys a tangible sense of family warmth.

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Yuuki

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Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone70rank/position

Mone Kamishiraishi “Natsukashii Mirai” (Lyrics/Composition: Naotaro Moriyama) Music Video

This song, an original cheer anthem written by Naotaro Moriyama and delivered through Mone Kamishiraishi’s clear, transparent vocals, recalls the moments spent together in bygone days and is infused with hope for the future.

Announced in January 2022 as the official support song for the 100th National High School Soccer Championship, it’s a track that encourages people striving in all kinds of situations—not just soccer.

The must-see music video depicts people working toward their dreams and the moment those dreams come true.

It’s a song we hope graduating students and anyone embarking on a new path will listen to.