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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- An emotional friendship song. A roundup of classic tracks that sing about bonds with friends and shared memories.
- A song themed around friendship. A track that conveys the importance of friends.
- Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in choir: A roundup of choral pieces about friends
- Friendship songs to listen to in March: introducing graduation songs and songs of gratitude to friends
- [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
- A collection of iconic female friendship songs: must-hear tracks for women guests at weddings
- [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 (1–10)
I want to be with you.Ayumu Imazu
It’s a song written like a love letter to celebrate a childhood friend’s new beginning.
Released in November 2025 by Ayumu Imazu, its gentle vocals over a chill soundscape really sink into your heart.
The lyrics beautifully convey a wish for a loved one’s happiness and the unchanging bond that remains even when you’re apart.
It’s a perfect song to gift someone at a friend’s wedding or any life milestone.
I won’t forget the days with you.Te ga kuriimu pan
This is a ballad by Te ga Cream Pan that gently weaves together cherished memories with friends and wishes for the future.
While carefully depicting everyday scenes and the times you supported each other, it sings of an eternal bond.
The clear vocals and gentle piano tones create a warm song that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in March 2022, the piece was selected as the opening theme for TBS’s Drama Stream series “Papa to Musume no 7-kakan” (Seven Days of a Daddy and His Daughter), garnering widespread empathy.
It’s a perfect song to gift as a slideshow of treasured photos, or when a heartfelt farewell approaches—such as graduation or moving away.
The lyrics, filled with affection for friends, are sure to reach the recipient’s heart.
Friendship, you know,Ketsumeishi
Many of us have probably experienced growing a little distant from friends we used to see almost every day, laughing together over silly conversations.
This warm mid-tempo ballad from Ketsumeishi depicts friendships that have changed with time, and the enduring value of bonds that remain unchanged.
The track is included on their album “Ketsuno-Polis 13,” released in January 2024.
Why not give it a listen as you reminisce about the old days before meeting up with an old friend again?
A collection of friendship ballads: songs that portray bonds that resonate with the heart (11–20)
KizunaORANGE RANGE
A warm message that says our hearts are connected even when we’re apart resonates in this song by ORANGE RANGE.
Like a rainbow stretching across the sky after the rain, its lyrics paint a hope that lies beyond hardship—surely encouraging many listeners.
Released in August 2005, the track touched countless hearts as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu” (Be With You).
Precisely because it was created as the band overcame major changes, its words about the importance of supporting one another carry a special persuasiveness.
When you’re separated from a dear friend or run into a wall, listening to it will surely give you the strength to look ahead.
Why not sing along and reaffirm your bond with each other?
BestieBAND-MAID
A BAND-MAID song born from a collaboration with Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger, celebrating a bond that transcends borders.
The lyrics—written entirely in English—carry a sense of kindness and warmth toward an irreplaceable best friend.
Its emotional melody, shining through the heavy rock sound, feels like a message of gratitude and trust for companions who’ve shared many years together.
Released in April 2024 and included on the album “Epic Narratives,” the track also received an emotional first live performance with the co-writer himself on stage at Tokyo Garden Theater in May of the same year.
Listen while thinking of a dear friend, and you may find yourself rediscovering just how much they mean to you.
You’re My FriendBuono!
A song by Buono!, a unit from Hello! Project.
It’s unusual for an idol group to have a solid backing band playing live.
The song portrays the struggle between friendship and love—she’s been friends with the person for so long that she can’t find the courage to confess her feelings.
If I’m with youLittle Glee Monster
It’s a heartwarming song that sings of the preciousness of friendship—“Even with doubts and anxieties about the future, if I’m with you, I can overcome them.” Little Glee Monster’s beautiful harmonies and powerful vocals add even greater depth to the melody.
Released in June 2021, the track carries a message with extra weight, grounded in the members’ experiences of taking a break and returning.
When we stand at life’s crossroads, everyone has moments when they realize the importance of dear friends.
This is a song that gives you the courage to take each other’s hands and move forward together at times like these.