SMAP -- Arigato（ありがとう）

Keeping with the theme of Mother's Day, I decided to bring up this 12-year-old-plus single by the now-retired group SMAP.

"Arigato" (Thank You) was released as SMAP's 40th single in October 2006 as a celebratory song signifying the group's 15th anniversary in show business, but according to an Oricon article that's now been eliminated, it's been appraised as a tune with a heartwarming message for anyone you love. So, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Children's Day...it doesn't matter; it's all good!

(empty karaoke version)

I will be honest, though. It took me a while to get used to that rapid-fire patter for each verse since if not done right, it just comes out as gibberish trying to play catch-up. The first time I heard SMAP perform it on TV, I was wondering if the wheels were threatening to fall off as it was being sung. Still, the refrain with "Arigato" makes up for any sins in delivery, and besides, it has its heart in the right place.

"Arigato" reached No. 1 on Oricon and ended up becoming the 27th-ranked single for 2006. It went Platinum and earned SMAP yet another appearance on the Kohaku Utagassen for that year. The song was written and composed by MORISHINS' which consisted of singer-songwriter MORISHIN and his staff.