Gratitude Song Rankings [2026]

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE22rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE delivers a deeply personal song written the day after a graduation ceremony.

It’s a heartwarming track that carefully weaves together the transience of youth and the preciousness of everyday life.

Set to a subtly wistful melody, it portrays time spent with friends in high school, the sadness of parting, and the difficulty of being honest with one’s feelings—beautifully capturing the complex emotions of adolescence that everyone experiences.

Released to the world in February 2018 as the B-side to the single “Love me, Love you,” it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s Craft Boss.

Embracing all who cherish everyday life, this work gently rekindles memories you want to keep tucked away in your heart.

It’s sure to resonate not only with high school students in the midst of their youth, but also with anyone who nostalgically looks back on their school days.

Thank youikimonogakari23rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Feelings of gratitude that are too embarrassing to express on ordinary days might be easier to convey honestly at graduation.

This song, which portrays the warmth of holding someone’s hand, the happiness of everyday life, and the resolve to walk toward the future, is truly a classic befitting a new beginning.

Ikimono-gakari’s single “Arigatou,” released in May 2010, was widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō.

Thanks to its universal appeal, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The words woven by Yoshiki Mizuno and the vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Why not listen to this perfect piece for expressing gratitude to parents and teachers at graduation and find the courage to take your next step?

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//24rank/position

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also expanding their careers as actors.

Released in 2021 as their 14th single and used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” this track drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

The lyrics express gratitude to the important people who always support us and the sense of security that comes from having a place to return to—sentiments that resonate with graduates facing both anxiety and anticipation.

The lively shuffle beat, inspired by a marching song, may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

How about listening to this classic, also included on the album “TRIANGLE,” on the day of your departure?

Kitearashi25rank/position

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

A grand message song by Arashi that you’ll want to give to friends setting off on a new chapter.

Like a kite catching the wind and soaring high, it portrays the resolve to move forward despite uncertainty.

There’s a warmth in this song that gently watches over that figure and gives a soft push from behind.

The single “Kite,” released in 2020, was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the “NHK 2020 Song.” It was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it beloved across generations.

Parting with friends is lonely, but the sentiment embedded in this work—“we’re connected no matter where we are”—will surely reach their hearts.

If everyone sings it together at a farewell party, it becomes the perfect cheer, powerfully supporting the future of the one setting out.

Thank youOhashi Takuya26rank/position

Takuya Ohashi / Arigatou “Sukima no Hanataba ~Love Song Selection~” Released on September 19, 2018!

This is a moving song that expresses heartfelt feelings toward parents who have always been on your side.

It’s a solo track by Takuya Ohashi, who is also active as a member of the music duo Sukima Switch, released in 2008.

The song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Keiji no Genba” (The Detective’s Scene).

The acoustic arrangement pairs perfectly with Ohashi’s gentle vocals, resulting in a piece that quietly seeps into your heart.

It will especially resonate with those who feel, “I caused my mother a lot of hardship.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu27rank/position

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

“Sora mo Toberu Hazu,” released by Spitz in 1994, is perfect for conveying a subtle sense of gratitude to a junior colleague.

It’s also well-known for being the theme song of the drama “Hakusen Nagashi,” and is a classic whose poetic, emotive lyrics and refreshing melody capture listeners’ hearts.

With this song, you can express down-to-earth, unexaggerated thanks to a junior who has shared hardships with you.

Its message—that simply having met was enough—will surely give courage to a junior setting off into a new environment.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

momo@raitaa

Report a problem

Gift SongCHiCO with HoneyWorks28rank/position

Gifted Song / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

This work resonates with a melody that touches the heart and moving lyrics.

The words, woven like a letter conveying gratitude to someone dear, gently communicate feelings that can’t be put into words.

Released in February 2018, this song is perfect for graduation season.

Its clear, pure vocals are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.

Ideal not only as background music for graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, but also for times when you want to express everyday appreciation.

If you send it together with a letter expressing your feelings for someone special, it will surely become an unforgettable memory.