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

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

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?

FlenjerOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Frienger

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.

Friend ~ If you smilemiwa

miwa friend ~ If You Smile

A song where miwa portrays friendship in down-to-earth words: memories of laughing together, the bittersweet thought that you might drift apart someday, and still wanting to say “I like you” and “thank you.” It’s included on her first album, guitarissimo, released in April 2011, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.

Though not a single, it’s remained a live staple.

The gentle, acoustic guitar–centered sound and her clear, airy voice quietly nestle close to the listener’s heart.

The charm of this piece lies in its delicate distance—something that can be read as friendship or romance.

Perhaps that’s why it feels right to hear during seasons when relationships waver—graduations, moves, changes in life.

If someone special comes to mind, try humming along together.

PASSIONSun Set Swish

SunSet Swish – Passion M/V

It’s a passionate cheer song that gives you the courage to face tomorrow.

Performed by SunSet Swish from Osaka, this single was released in March 2008 and was used as the ending theme for the late-night drama RH Plus.

The dry tone of the acoustic guitar in the intro intertwines with the majestic orchestral sound, creating a sonic landscape that stirs inner passion.

It also drew attention for featuring a cameo appearance by actor Yusuke Kamiji in the music video.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

A heartwarming ballad that portrays departure and the hope of reunion.

Dai Hirai, known for his refreshing surf-music sound, released it as a single in 2015.

It was later included on the album “Slow & Easy.” Set to gentle acoustic instrumentation, the song carefully weaves together the sorrow of parting and the wish to meet again with a tender “see you,” slowly seeping into the listener’s heart.

It’s a perfect companion for moments of separation—like graduation or job transfers.

It also fits when you want to look back on memories with friends and express your gratitude.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

This is a ballad that makes you want to express gratitude to the friends who stood by your side when you’re at a crossroads in life.

Released by EXILE in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the song warmly reflects on the days spent walking together, with themes of graduation and new departures.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became the 1,000th song in Oricon history to top the chart, marking a milestone.

It was featured in MTI’s “music.jp” commercial and selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a recommended song for the graduation season, resonating with many listeners.

First included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION,” it was later featured on releases such as “EXILE BALLAD BEST.” Loved as a staple performed at graduation ceremonies, a choral version was also produced.

When you and your dear friends begin to walk separate paths, it gives you the courage to move forward while holding your memories close.

Even when you’re apart, your hearts remain connected.

It’s a song that makes you feel exactly that.

Thank youŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Thank You. (Music Video Short ver.)

A moving song with lyrics that honestly express gratitude to someone special! “I’m so glad I met you,” “I love you more than anyone in the universe”—it can feel embarrassing to say things like that.

But Sakurako Ohara’s gentle, warm voice gives you a push, and you’ll feel brave enough to share those feelings.

Released in March 2015, this was Ohara’s solo debut single and was also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s ‘MUSIC SATURDAY’ (Myu-Sata).

It’s a song we hope anyone with someone important—friends, a partner, family—to whom they want to express everyday thanks will listen to.

Shall we go say “thank you,” straight from the heart?