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.
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- Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in choir: A roundup of choral pieces about friends
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- [Recommended for Women] A collection of upbeat friendship songs
- Friendship songs to give on a birthday: a lovely roundup of tracks that help you reaffirm your bonds
- [Wedding] Female friendship songs: Must-hear classics for your female guests!
- [Korea] A ballad-style friendship song. A roundup of classic K-pop masterpieces
- A roundup of Japanese rock friendship songs: bands’ tunes about friends
- Showa-era friendship songs: A roundup of classic oldies about friends
A collection of friendship ballads: songs that portray bonds that resonate in the heart (71–80)
My Friendyashiki takajin
This is a friendship song by Takajin Yashiki, who broadened his activities as a TV personality and narrator and enjoyed widespread fame.
His blues singing ability is the real deal; the gritty, resonant vocals imbue every word of the lyrics with melancholy, making it a work that can move listeners to tears.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
A song widely known among students, having been selected as the set piece for the 80th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, and also popular as a graduation song.
Originally, Yuzu wrote it for their staff after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011.
With a message that our bonds won’t disappear no matter how far apart we are, listening to this song while remembering it was created after the disaster can bring you to tears.
The dear friends who are right beside us now may one day be far away.
Thinking that way makes the time we spend together feel all the more precious.
Friendshipkingu gidora
While it’s rooted in a hardcore hip-hop sound, this track digs deep and pushes inward, prompting you to reflect on what true friendship really is.
Overflowing with the allure of essential, heartfelt lyrics, it stands out for lines that are moving enough to bring you to tears.
Friends are a good thing.CRAZY KEN BAND
Well, just like the title says! You all understand how important friends are, right? This is a song by Crazy Ken Band, known for hits like “Tiger & Dragon,” covering a number from the Shiki Theatre Company’s musical Yuta and the Strange Companions.
It features a gentle sound arrangement that feels like it sits between a children’s song and funk music—very striking.
And Ken Yokoyama’s deep, rugged vocals are irresistible.
It’s a moving masterpiece that reminds you of how precious the person beside you truly is.
Miraclekepura
A moving song that portrays the bonds of friendship.
The warmth of the acoustic guitar and the four voices resonate together, showcasing Kepla at their best.
No matter how relationships with friends may change, it carries the wish to stay friends forever.
The lyrics reveal honest feelings beneath a brave face, and are sure to strike a chord.
Released as their major debut single in September 2024, it also features a music video.
The film-shot visuals, which cherish an analog feel, are particularly memorable.
It’s a perfect track to listen to with friends at graduation or to use as a chance to make up.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to cherish friendship—this song will resonate with your heart.
budKobukuro
In the flow of time, we call the people we meet our friends and grow fond of them, but eventually we must part.
That parting is something necessary for each of us to obtain our own light.
This song expresses the meetings and farewells we experience in life with a gentle melody and a powerful voice.
Listening again, you can truly appreciate how amazing Kobukuro are.
bondhaji→
A song by Haji→, a singer-songwriter from Sendai, depicting the passionate bond with a friend he’s been close to for a long time.
Their completely honest relationship, without a shred of falsehood, made them irreplaceable to each other before they even realized it.
It’s a track that carries a nostalgic feel that brings back memories of student days.
It’ll make you want to meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while.