Gratitude Song Rankings [2026]

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi15rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This work, which became a major talking point thanks to the miraculous collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda, is included on the classic 2017 album BOOTLEG.

It portrays two childhood best friends who, though they grow up and walk separate paths, continue to draw strength from each other’s existence.

The worldview, likened to the colors of the sky at dawn, makes you feel the un-fading strength of their bond, no matter how much time passes or how circumstances change.

When you feel a sudden loneliness amid days of passing by one another, or find yourself yearning to see an old friend, listening to this song will surely be there for your heart.

It’s a soul-stirring masterpiece that seems to bless the “now,” where each of us is living earnestly in our own place!

THANXWANIMA16rank/position

WANIMA- THANX(OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A gem of a message song that powerfully sings of gratitude and farewell.

The members of WANIMA convey their straightforward thanks, gently supporting warm feelings toward loved ones and the courage to take a new step forward.

Featured on the album “Are You Coming?” released in November 2015, this track captures many listeners’ hearts with its exhilarating sound and resonant lyrics.

It’s also a perfect choice to enhance a speech expressing thanks to friends and hope for the future.

AlwaysNishino Kana17rank/position

Kana Nishino 'Always' MV Full

The 19th single, released in November 2012, is a grand ballad in which Kana Nishino—the charismatic queen of love songs—sings about her love for everyone who supports her.

It drew attention as the theme song for Sony’s MDR-1 series headphones commercial and won Best Female Video at MTV VMAJ 2013.

Rather than focusing on a specific person, this work faces a greater, universal “love.” It reminds us of everyday kindness that’s so natural we tend to overlook it, and the warmth of family by our side.

It’s perfect for expressing a heartfelt “thank you” that’s hard to say out loud—whether in a letter to your parents at a wedding or a surprise on an anniversary.

budKobukuro18rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

This heartwarming ballad by Kobukuro delicately expresses deep love and gratitude for a mother—a true gem of a song.

Written as the theme for the drama “Tokyo Tower,” it was released in March 2007.

The lyrics, woven from Kentaro Kobuchi’s experiences at age 18, resonated with many, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts and winning the 49th Japan Record Award.

It’s a moving track you’ll want to hear when expressing thanks to someone special, or during seasons of graduation and farewells.

To the futureKiroro19rank/position

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

A song filled with warm feelings for one’s mother, it’s very popular during the season of farewells.

Released as Kiroro’s second single on an 8cm CD in June 1998 and re-released on a 12cm CD in February 2002, this classic is also included on the album “Nagaisakan—Kiroro no Mori.” Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro when she was in junior high school, its gentle words and melody speak straight to the heart.

Perfect for a transfer ceremony marking a parting with a beloved teacher, to express gratitude.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru20rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This is a ballad imbued with a warm message that gently accompanies the season of partings.

It paints a bittersweet yet beautiful scene of entrusting gratitude to a loved one and an inexpressible love to a “bouquet,” and offering it as a gift.

Released digitally in April 2016 as Hikaru Utada’s comeback work, it became familiar as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Totto-chan.

It resonated with those who had long awaited her return, earning high acclaim, including the Excellence Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards that year.

It’s perfect for moments like graduation ceremonies when you want to express thanks to teachers and friends.

This piece, which gently nudges you forward on a new path, will add color to a special day when you bid farewell with smiles through tears.

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly21rank/position

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

This song conveys the beauty we tend to overlook in everyday life and the unconditional love we feel for those dear to us.

It carries a warm message that even if we take detours in life, there is always a place we are meant to return to.

Released as a single in February 2008, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

It’s the perfect track for expressing gratitude to a teacher who has helped you, when words alone aren’t enough.