[2026] Japanese songs that sing “Thank You.” A roundup of J-pop gratitude songs

Thank you, God.NEW!Sugata Masaki × Nakamura Tomoya

Masaki Suda × Tomoya Nakamura “Thank You, God”

It’s a rock number with a warm, nostalgic feel that makes the tension in your shoulders melt away as you listen.

Created by the popular actors Masaki Suda and Tomoya Nakamura as a duo, the song was produced while they searched for “what we can do” during days overshadowed by anxiety.

It was released digitally in August 2020, and it drew major attention when the track was first played on Suda’s radio show.

It was later included on the album COLLAGE.

The music video features Tori Matsuzaka, and it’s lovely that photos he took are used as well.

The lyrics express gratitude for everyday life and for friends, gently giving listeners a supportive push.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or when you want to encourage a dear friend.

Thank you for your loveNEW!GLAY

GLAY / Thank you for your love

A GLAY number imbued with a pure prayer that quietly wishes for the happiness of someone dear who is far away.

It was released in May 2011 as a charity song for the Great East Japan Earthquake, with all proceeds donated, and is well known for that.

Sparked by vocalist TERU’s acoustic performance shared on social media, the song was later put on CD as a coupling track to the single “Bible.” It has also been used in activities by the Japanese Red Cross Society, continuing to offer comfort to many hearts along with hopes for recovery support.

The lyrics—thinking of someone while gazing up at the night sky—overflow with kindness that brings reassurance in anxious days.

How about sending this song, along with gratitude and encouragement, to friends or family working hard far away?

Thank You!NEW!MILLIONSTARS

[MV] Anime 'The Idolmaster Million Live!' × 'Thank You!' [#TheIdolmaster 20th Anniversary Year]

When it comes to expressing gratitude, a high-energy idol song is the way to go! Sung by the 50-member idol group MILLIONSTARS, this is the memorable number that marked the beginning.

Included on the 2013 single “THE IDOLM@STER LIVE THE@TER PERFORMANCE 01,” it has long been loved as the theme song for the game “THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!” The earnest determination to make their dreams come true on a handmade stage and the lyrics brimming with thanks to fans are enough to set your heart ablaze just by listening.

The passionate feelings behind the phrase “a handmade Budokan” are still talked about among fans today.

True to its straightforward title, this song is perfect for delivering a heartfelt “thank you” to your cherished friends.

It’s the ultimate anthem everyone can shout along to together.

Thanks a tonNEW!NMB48

Thanks a ton

This is an irresistibly bright and cheerful thank-you song sung by NMB48, an idol group based in Namba, Osaka.

It’s included on Type-B of the single “Koi to Ai no Sono Aida ni wa,” released in February 2022.

Performed by younger members from the 7th to 8th generations, the track’s fresh vocals are especially appealing.

Alongside youthful scenes like running across a schoolyard, it conveys heartfelt feelings of “thank you” to friends.

The full version drew attention when it was first unveiled on the opening day of the “Nambariety” performance in December 2022.

You can also enjoy this track on the album “NMB13.” Words that feel too embarrassing to say might come out naturally with this song—try listening to it with your close friends.

Thank you forever!NEW!i☆Ris

Thank you forever!

i☆Ris, who balance careers as voice actors and idols, are active on the anime music scene.

This song, included on their 19th single “FANTASTIC ILLUSION” released in August 2019, is the coupling track to the title song that served as the opening theme for the TV anime “Tejina Senpai,” yet it’s a fan-favorite classic.

Looking back on their journey so far, the lyrics, which express gratitude to their companions and supporters and a promise for the future, are sure to stir listeners’ hearts.

Having ranked highly in the 10th anniversary fan-vote project, it has become an indispensable song for the group’s milestones.

When you want to say “thank you” to someone important—family, friends, and more—please give it a listen!

THANK YOU MY GIRLNEW!kururi

THANK YOU MY GIRL (Best of Quruli Remastering)

As a rock band from Kyoto, Quruli has continued to be loved for their genre-defying sound.

Featured near the end of their March 2002 album THE WORLD IS MINE, this track is a moving number where Shigeru Kishida’s sentimental melody and richly layered choral work strike straight to the heart.

While it hints at an impending farewell, the lyrics—framed by a straightforward English title that conveys gratitude to the other person—leave a bittersweet yet warm afterglow.

Fans also know that the guitar solo in the interlude pays homage to a classic by Oasis, and within its brief runtime the band’s aesthetic is distilled to its essence.

It’s a celebrated song that was also included on the 2006 best-of compilation TOWER OF MUSIC LOVER, and one you might find yourself quietly returning to during seasons of parting or new departures with someone dear.

Thank you for the MusicNEW!Ryukku to soine gohan

Cuddling with a Backpack Dinner / Thank you for the Music [Music Video]

This is a song that delivers pure love and gratitude for music, carried by an irresistibly body-moving beat.

Released in October 2022 as a digital-only single, it’s a landmark work that announced a new beginning for the everyday-life-singing band Ryutoku to Soinonegohan as a four-piece.

Featured as the closing track of their second album “Shiki,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Osama no Brunch” in December 2022.

It coincided with Nun-san, formerly a support guitarist, officially joining the band, and the lyrics express thankfulness to the people they’ve met and to music itself.

Alongside a celebratory, festival-like sound that colored a milestone for the band, why not share a message of thanks with your cherished bandmates and music-loving friends?