Gratitude Song Rankings [2026]

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai29rank/position

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

It’s a classic graduation song and one of Ai Kawashima’s signature tracks.

The lyrics, which evoke memories of student life and scenes from school, are so moving that they can bring you to tears just by listening.

Along with gratitude to the friends you’ve spent so much time with and hope for the future, the message in the lyrics—“Even if we’re apart, we’ll meet again”—is sure to touch your heart.

Be sure to send this song to the friends who are precious to you.

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Hane Keisuke

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro30rank/position

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

It’s a moving ballad whose lyrics speak to the warmth of having someone precious by your side and ask what you can do for that person.

This song makes you realize that everyday life, which seems so ordinary, is actually an irreplaceable treasure.

Its message—that even if you’re apart, your hearts remain connected—will surely give you courage! Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it has since become one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

His gentle yet powerful voice will softly stay by your side.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special, or for occasions like weddings.

Why not listen while thinking of the person who is like a “sunflower” to you?

proofflumpool31rank/position

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

A number by flumpool produced in 2011 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division) and also broadcast on “Minna no Uta.” The bond with friends is something invisible to the eye, but the time spent together and the days of crying and laughing side by side surely remain in our hearts.

This work sings about that unseen yet undeniable certainty that we are companions.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also included on the album “experience.” Not only the fun times, but even the clashes—everything was necessary to deepen the bond.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to friends facing life’s milestones, such as graduation or moving on to the next stage.

Motherkariyushi 5832rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Anma”

The song titled with the Okinawan word meaning “mother” is a moving piece that expresses deep love and gratitude toward one’s mother.

It conveys feelings for a mother who gave unconditional love despite a poor family environment, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2006, the track drew attention as Kariyushi 58’s debut single and won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Awards that same year.

It’s a song packed with the band’s charm—honoring Okinawan culture and language while sharing a universal message.

It’s also perfect for expressing thanks to family or as background music to accompany a Mother’s Day gift.

together; along with; bothWANIMA33rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A rock number packed with fiery messages that make you want to reaffirm your bonds with friends has arrived from Kumamoto.

Brimming with WANIMA’s forward-looking energy, the song also reflects their feelings about the earthquake that struck their hometown of Kumamoto.

Released in August 2016 as the CM song for NIVEA Kao’s “8×4,” this track powerfully sings of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with those we hold dear.

Well known as a staple at WANIMA’s live shows—where it sparks massive sing-alongs with the audience—it was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2017.

This piece is a moving choice for occasions like graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, where friendships are renewed.

It’s the perfect song for farewells with friends, times of temporary separation, or moments when you want to look back on treasured memories with close companions.

Bond.haji→34rank/position

Hazzie – Bonds.

Hajime has woven a friendship song that resonates with the heart! It warmly sings about the bonds with cherished companions and will move listeners deeply.

With its straightforward lyrics and distinctive melody, it may naturally bring back memories with friends.

Released in February 2016, this piece was also used as the theme song for the film “Kaze no Tayori.” It’s a song you’ll want to hear at graduations or moments of parting with friends.

Highly recommended for those who want to cherish their bonds with their companions.

The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 4635rank/position

Nogizaka46 'The Meaning of Goodbye'

This is the song you’ll want to listen to when you want to carry not only the sadness of parting but also gratitude for having met.

Released in November 2016 as Nogizaka46’s 16th single, it is also known as Nanami Hashimoto’s final single as center.

It became the group’s first million-certified release and was performed at the 67th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that year.

It’s a track especially suited for those facing graduation and feeling anxious about being separated from dear friends.

Its warm message sinks in, teaching us that “goodbye” isn’t merely an ending but a stepping stone to becoming stronger.

As a cherished anthem that gives you the courage to take a new step, why not send it to a friend who’s setting out on a new journey?