Gratitude Song Rankings [2026]

Dear,Snow Man71rank/position

Dear,

Snow Man is an idol group whose members shine across a wide range of platforms, including TV, dramas, and stage productions.

One of the new songs included on their best-of album THE BEST 2020‑2025, released in January 2025, is this track.

Marking the fifth anniversary of their debut, it’s a medium-tempo ballad themed around gratitude and the bond with the fans who have supported them.

The gentle harmonies of the nine voices layering over a warm, piano-and-strings ensemble leave a lasting impression.

The lyrics are filled with countless expressions of thanks for love, quietly resonating in the listener’s heart.

This piece is perfect for graduations and send-off moments, for those who wish to express their appreciation to friends and mentors.

It’s a warmly comforting number that softly encourages those embarking on a new journey.

The reason I was bornTakahashi Yuu72rank/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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Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone73rank/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.

Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster74rank/position

“Someday These Tears Will” – Little Glee Monster

This is a song filled with a hopeful wish that the tears shed from frustration and pain will one day turn into strength that supports you.

It was released in December 2017 by Little Glee Monster, a music group known for their powerful vocals and beautiful harmonies, and was selected as the support song for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

It was later included on the album “juice,” released in January 2018.

The song carries a message that the days spent with someone precious can lead to hope for the future.

Why not gather everyone together and deliver a warm chorus?

THE GIFTHirai Dai75rank/position

Dai Hirai / THE GIFT (Music Video)

The song released by Dai Hirai in July 2019 is a heartwarming number that celebrates friendship.

Along with its gently resonant melody, it expresses gratitude for encounters with cherished people.

Included on the album THE GIFT, this track also drew attention as the theme song for the animated film Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration.

It’s the perfect song to give on special days when you want to convey your thanks, such as a friend’s birthday or a wedding.

Put your feelings into it and be sure to give it a listen.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru76rank/position

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?

Family SongHoshino Gen77rank/position

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.