Anime songs themed around friendship. A roundup of friendship songs that color anime.

Best friendsonā poketto

[Featuring popular model Hikari Shibata] Sonar Pocket “Best Friend” (Anime “Rainbow Days” OP Theme) [MV Full]

This work, presented by Sonar Pocket, depicts a journey of friendship.

Through the changing seasons, it expresses the depth of bonds between friends.

Its up-tempo rhythm and catchy melody leave a strong impression, and the heartfelt lyrics are especially appealing.

Released in January 2016, it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Rainbow Days.

It was also included on the album Sonapokeism 6: Ai wo Komete Okuru Uta, released in February of the same year.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to reminisce about the friendships of their youth or listen together with cherished friends.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

It’s a moving ballad whose lyrics speak to the warmth of having someone precious by your side and ask what you can do for that person.

This song makes you realize that everyday life, which seems so ordinary, is actually an irreplaceable treasure.

Its message—that even if you’re apart, your hearts remain connected—will surely give you courage! Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it has since become one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

His gentle yet powerful voice will softly stay by your side.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special, or for occasions like weddings.

Why not listen while thinking of the person who is like a “sunflower” to you?

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

Released in 2002, Road of Major’s indie debut single is a quintessential youth punk anthem themed around friendship and bonds.

It delivers universal themes—meeting and parting with friends, supporting one another—through an energetic sound.

Remarkably, as an indie release, the song spent 19 consecutive weeks in the Oricon Top 10 and sold over 900,000 copies in total.

It’s also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR” and the best-of compilation “GOLDEN ROAD ～BEST～.” This track is perfect for anyone who has dear friends they’re connected to at heart, even when apart.

Listen to it during graduation season or at the start of a new chapter in life, and you’ll be reminded of the irreplaceable value of those connections.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

This is a famous song by BUMP OF CHICKEN that also served as the theme song for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.

It’s a heartwarming ballad in which vocalist Motoo Fujiwara expresses his feelings for a particular character from the perspective of someone appearing in the movie.

The lyrics, which sing of the preciousness of friendship nurtured even while taking the long way around, are striking and likely to resonate with many listeners.

Released in February 2011, the song debuted at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and is characterized by its noble, heroic sound enhanced with trumpet and strings.

If you have companions who strive together with you, it’s sure to hit you right in the heart.

HopeAmuro Namie

One Piece Opening 20 – Hope (HD 1080p)

A hopeful, up-tempo track by Namie Amuro, the songstress who blazed through the Heisei-era music scene.

Since it was used as the opening theme for the national-hit anime ONE PIECE starting in October 2017, many listeners may be reminded of the beginning of a grand adventure.

The song conveys a message that unshakable bonds with your companions become a guiding light of hope for the future.

Her powerful vocals align perfectly with the Straw Hat crew setting sail across the vast seas! The track was included on the classic album Finally to commemorate the anime’s 20th anniversary on air.

When you hit a wall or are chasing dreams with your precious friends, listening to this song will surely make boundless strength well up inside you.

Future ConnectionЯeal

Future Connection

This is a high-velocity rock tune crafted by the girls’ rock band ЯeaL! Featured as the opening theme for Pokémon Sun & Moon, the song’s sparkling sound and emotional melody really strike a chord.

If you listen closely to the lyrics, they portray the courage to take a step toward the light despite carrying anxieties, and the strong bonds with companions—doesn’t it feel exactly like the relationship between Pokémon and their Trainers? The track was released as a single in May 2018 and was later included on the album Light Up Ambivalenz.

It’s a refreshing, positivity-filled song that gently gives a push to anyone chasing their dreams.

It’s packed with elements that heat up your heart just by listening!

Friends again tomorrowNishiwaki Yui

Friends Tomorrow Too ♡ Yui Nishiwaki [Doraemon 50th Anniversary]

Even if you argue with a friend, being able to make up with a smile right away is truly wonderful, isn’t it? This work by Yui Nishiwaki is a heartwarming song that portrays the pure friendship of children.

Released in October 1992, it was used as the ending theme for the anime Doraemon until April 1995.

It’s also well-loved as a graduation song for kindergartens.

There are days when we get really mad, but the lyrics—set to a bright, pop melody—remind us that being with friends is the best, and they really resonate.

This song brings back the importance of facing others with sincerity when you’re worn out by the slightly complicated relationships of adulthood.

Give it a listen when you want to look back on those nostalgic days spent with friends!