Great songs recommended for people in their 30s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.

Mom and DadHitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto “Papa Mama” Lyric Video Completed Ver. (from the latest album Watashi Juso)

A heartwarming number by singer Yo Hitoto, who has roots in Taiwan and Japan, expressing her feelings for her late parents.

Included on her October 2014 album “Watashi Jūsō,” the song is said to have been written in one burst, as if she suddenly woke up at 3 a.m.

The composition was handled by Kaori Kishitani.

Although the initial idea was for an up-tempo track, once Kishitani received the lyrics, she set them to a warm melody, completing the piece as a gentle, uplifting pop song.

Filled with memories from around the age of ten and words of gratitude left unsaid, this work is perfect for weddings and anniversaries—an opportunity to deliver the “thank you” that’s hard to say in everyday life, together with this song.

A salvia budHOME MADE kazoku

HOME MADE Kazoku - Bud of Salvia

An emotional number that delivers the deep love and bond between parents and children through warm melodies and rap.

Created by HOME MADE Kazoku, this work centers on themes of growth and gratitude, like a bud blossoming into a flower, gently resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released as a single in January 2006, it was also included on the album “musication.” It was featured as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Uchi Kuru?!” and the opening theme for Nippon TV’s “Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER,” becoming well-loved in households across Japan.

This song speaks on your behalf to say the “thank you” that can be hard to express in everyday life.

How about dedicating it to your parents for a bouquet presentation at a wedding or on the day of a new departure?

Thank youHY

Arigatou

HY is a four-piece band from Uruma City, Okinawa, known for songs overflowing with warm humanity.

Among their works, a gem that conveys feelings directly with unadorned words is included on the album “CHANCE.” Released in March 2017, this piece also became familiar as the song for Lawson Okinawa’s Christmas cake commercial.

It’s a ballad that layers concrete scenes—being there for you when you were struggling, helping you when you were in trouble—to deliver a heartfelt “thank you” to someone important.

If you find it embarrassing to express your gratitude in everyday life, why not entrust those feelings to this song? It’s a perfect choice for a letter to your parents at a wedding or for an anniversary surprise.

Izumi Nakasone’s gentle vocals will quietly support the feelings you wish to convey.

A bouquet with all my heartSazan Ōrusutāzu

A Bouquet with All My Heart [2024 Remaster]

Closing out the classic album “Young Love,” released in July 1996, is a heartwarming ballad by Southern All Stars.

The orchestral sound, arranged by composer-arranger Yasushi Miyagawa, is grand in scale, and the lyrics—about recognizing a parent’s love once you’ve grown up and the resolve to walk forward with your partner—are deeply moving.

Known as a storytelling masterpiece, it was also featured as a theme piece in the Nippon TV drama “The Naminori Restaurant.” The song is included on the smash-hit best-of album “Ballad 3 ~the album of LOVE~” and continues to be cherished across generations.

It’s a perfect choice for bouquet presentations at weddings or for expressing gratitude to your parents on special days.

If saying “thank you” feels embarrassing, try sending that feeling through this song.

pure-heartedTamaki Kōji

Koji Tamaki 'Innocence'

Koji Tamaki, a singer-songwriter from Asahikawa, Hokkaido, released this heartwarming single in April 2013.

The work, his first to be issued on his own label, conveys in a straightforward way his deep love for his aging mother and his unadorned gratitude.

His real mother appears on the jacket photo and in the music video, giving it a documentary-like quality that lets you feel a genuine, non-fiction bond between mother and child.

When you want to say “thank you,” something that can feel embarrassing in everyday life, this song will gently give you a push.

Incidentally, it’s also included on the album ALL TIME BEST.

It’s a deeply moving ballad, perfect for scenes at weddings where you express thanks to your parents.

Hot TopicAwich

Awich – Hot Topic (Prod. ineedmorebux)

This track by Awich features mellow rap that shines over an urban, atmospheric sound.

Released as a single in October 2024, it conveys a strong resolve to stay true to oneself without yielding to unfair treatment or societal pressures.

It’s a stylish yet strong-willed number you’ll want to play when reflecting at the end of the day or when you need a boost for tomorrow.

hindsightRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Consequentialism

RIP SLYME is a five-member hip-hop group made up of four MCs and one DJ.

This work, which marks their 25th anniversary year, is sure to resonate especially with those who’ve learned to enjoy music differently than they did in their youth.

Riding a comfortable mid-tempo beat, the members trade verses like they’re chatting about their own lives.

Beneath the lighthearted banter runs a sense of gratitude for the past and a gaze toward the future.

The contrast between the rapid-fire raps and the gently affecting, melodic hook is addictive.

Put it on while driving with old friends, and you’ll surely find yourselves reminiscing in no time!