A collection of friendship ballads: songs that portray bonds that resonate with the heart.
Even when we say “friendship songs,” there are so many tracks packed with different stories—some look back on memories of striving and growing together, while others sing about everyday gratitude.
The musical styles also vary widely, from upbeat numbers to gentle ballads.
In this article, we’ll focus specifically on ballad-style friendship songs and introduce some recommended tracks from among the many friendship songs out there.
Take a look at the lyrics as you listen to each song, and be sure to find a new favorite.
A collection of friendship ballads: songs that portray bonds that resonate in the heart (1–10)
best friendNEW!SG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
Kizuna SongThe Back Horn
When it comes to sweeping rock ballads that shake the listener’s heart, this is the song.
Released as a single in January 2005, it was THE BACK HORN’s tenth release.
It was also used as an insert song for the video project “Kizuna Drama,” playing a key role in linking the story together.
Known for their intense rock sound, the band deliberately chose a gentle melody to depict the warmth of human relationships, creating a masterpiece.
It’s included toward the end of the acclaimed album “Headphone Children” and has long been cherished as one of the band’s signature ballads.
proofflumpool
A number by flumpool produced in 2011 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division) and also broadcast on “Minna no Uta.” The bond with friends is something invisible to the eye, but the time spent together and the days of crying and laughing side by side surely remain in our hearts.
This work sings about that unseen yet undeniable certainty that we are companions.
It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also included on the album “experience.” Not only the fun times, but even the clashes—everything was necessary to deepen the bond.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to friends facing life’s milestones, such as graduation or moving on to the next stage.
Friend ~ If you smilemiwa
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.
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi
This song, which feels like reminiscing about childhood friends, is a collaboration between singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda, who is active both as an actor and a musician.
It’s included on the album “BOOTLEG,” released in November 2017, and drew major attention, reaching No.
3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
Yonezu sings the first verse, Suda sings the second, and in the latter half you can enjoy their back-and-forth.
Contrasting a gray-tinted everyday life with the innocent days that were once as blue as the sky, it portrays a friendship that remains connected at heart even when apart.
In the music video, the two passing by each other in the same park leaves a striking impression, resulting in a work that blends poignancy with warmth.
It’s a song that gently stays by your side when an old friend suddenly comes to mind.
CorrectRADWIMPS
It’s RADWIMPS’s track that answers the wish to raise your voices together one last time with friends before graduation.
It drew attention for their collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds at NHK’s “18 Fes,” and is included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION.
In school, you’re expected to provide the right answers to given questions, but once you enter society, you have to carve out your own path.
This song gently pushes the backs of young people stepping into such an uncertain future.
The lyrics capture both the parting from irreplaceable friends and the resolve to embark on each person’s new life.
When you stand at a crossroads like higher education or getting a job, the faces of your dear friends are sure to come to mind.
It’s a friendship song recommended for those who want to reaffirm a bond that lets you believe your hearts remain connected even when you’re apart.
language of flowersNeil
The song “Hanakotoba,” which entrusts friendship to flowers, is a warm, heartening track.
It was released digitally by Warner Music Japan in July 2025.
With lyrics penned by Neil, the magical words that encourage a downcast friend are truly moving.
The refreshingly cool synths and tight beats also bring out the clarity of the vocals.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to believe in a friendship that remains unchanged, even when you’re apart.