RAG MusicFriendship Songs
A lovely friendship song

A song themed around friendship. A track that conveys the importance of friends.

There are times in life when you’re saved by friends, and times when you argue with them—moments that make you feel just how big a part friends play in your life.

This time, we’ve gathered a selection of Japanese songs that sing about friendship.

Listening to these tracks, you may feel that it’s thanks to friendship that you’ve been able to help each other in tough times and overcome various hardships together.

Each song is wonderful, and they’ll help you once again appreciate how important friends are and how precious friendship is—so be sure to check them out!

These songs might even make you want to go see the friend who comes to mind as you listen.

A song themed around friendship. A track that conveys the importance of friends (11–20)

FlenjerOtsuka Ai

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to cheer up a friend who’s feeling down, or when you want to cut loose together and laugh it off.

It was released in April 2006 as the 11th single.

Since it was used as the CM song for Toshiba mobile phones and as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sports Urugusu,” many people probably heard it often at the time.

The title is a unique coined word that combines “friend” and “sentai hero.” It’s a track packed with Ai Otsuka’s signature wordplay and a passionate embrace of friendship.

I’ll call your name.SUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “I’ll Call Your Name” MV (Theme Song for the Film ‘Tokyo Revengers’)
I'll call your name.SUPER BEAVER

This is a moving song that expresses bonds between people by calling their names.

Released by SUPER BEAVER in July 2021, it drew attention as the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers.

It’s an emotional rock ballad that perfectly matches the movie’s theme of time-leaping between past and future.

The powerful vocals and refreshing melody are striking, and they remind you of the bonds you share with important people.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who cherishes friendship and connection.

Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)
Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari’s song captivates with its heartwarming melody and sincere lyrics.

It expresses a wide range of gratitude, from everyday thanks to deep appreciation.

Released in December 2010, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and received the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards, earning high acclaim.

It’s the perfect track when you want to renew your feelings of gratitude toward friends or look back on memories with someone important.

Listening together is sure to deepen your bond.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)
Because we're friends.Ochiai Wataru

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro – Best Friend ~Mother Earth Version~ ※Disney/Pixar “The Good Dinosaur” Japan-version end song
Best FriendKiroro

When it comes to songs themed around friendship, this track by Kiroro comes to mind.

It’s a warm song that expresses gratitude and the importance of bonds.

Released in June 2001, it was also used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” Its gentle tones, centered on piano and acoustic guitar, harmonize beautifully with the emotions in the lyrics.

Loved by many as the perfect song for life’s milestones—such as graduation ceremonies and weddings—this piece is ideal for reflecting on memories with dear friends or conveying your gratitude.

friendHoshino Gen

A song by Gen Hoshino that everyone knows perfectly expresses the importance of friendship.

Written specifically for Audrey’s Tokyo Dome performance, it was released in December 2023.

Set to a lively melody, it celebrates the bonds between friends and the value of everyday, casual conversations.

The long-standing friendship between Gen Hoshino and Audrey is woven into the track, making it a song that deeply resonates with listeners.

It’s perfect for times when you want to look back on memories with friends or feel the bond with someone special.

Songs themed around friendship. Tracks that convey the importance of friends (21–30)

Stand by MeSaucy Dog

This song features a heartwarming melody that reminds us of the value of friendship.

The guitar riff, evocative of a youthful snapshot, paints vivid memories and gently envelops the listener.

Shinya Ishihara of Saucy Dog delivers a refreshing vocal performance that openly conveys the emotion of parting from and reuniting with friends, resonating deeply with the heart.

Included on the mini-album “Blue Period,” released in October 2019, the track explores the struggles of growing from adolescence into adulthood, with lyrics that blend tenderness and poignancy.

Listening to this piece will renew your gratitude for those you cherish and make you want to see them again.