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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A collection of friendship ballads: songs that portray bonds that resonate with the heart (11–20)
DREAMERIkuta Rira
This heartwarming song, set to a gentle acoustic tone, sings of a deep love for music and a passionate pursuit of dreams.
In Rira Ikuta’s true-to-herself words, it conveys a strong will to keep singing in her own way and gratitude toward the important people who support her.
Brimming with hope that shines like a starry sky, this work was included on the single “Hyakka Ryouran,” released in March 2025.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with friends while preparing for a school or cultural festival, as you cheer on each other’s dreams.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
A moving message song about facing adversity and the bonds between friends from Official HIGE DANDism.
Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers, released in May 2021, the track boasts remarkable achievements.
In May 2022, it surpassed 100 million views on YouTube and received Triple Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
With its innovative musicality—featuring as many as ten key changes—and lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview, it won the hearts of not only anime fans but countless listeners at large.
Singing of friendship, perseverance, and hope for the future, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to reaffirm the value of camaraderie or who finds themselves at a crossroads in life.
OrangeSPYAIR
This is a heartwarming song that celebrates the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of friendship.
Its melody, symbolizing bittersweet memories, and lyrics woven with a gentle yet powerful message evoke farewells and new encounters with cherished friends.
The track is included on SPYAIR’s EP released in February 2024 and was selected as the theme song for the film Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.
Capturing the hearts of many listeners, it ranked 8th on the streaming chart published on February 28.
The limited-time production edition also features a jacket with newly drawn artwork from the movie.
It’s a perfect song to listen to with dear friends during the season of graduation and partings.
FRIENDS!!!imase
A groovy, catchy pop song that celebrates the beauty of friendships that never change with time.
Blending Shingo Kubota’s sophisticated arrangement with imase’s light, breezy vocals, this piece gently sings about the awkward small talk of seeing an old friend after a long time, the kind of bond that lets you remain innocently childlike no matter how many years pass, and the precious ties that last a lifetime.
Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaborative project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, it also features an epic special video created with over 120 performers alongside imase.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you reunite with a best friend after a while or when you’re looking back on memories with cherished companions.
BetelgeuseYuuri
This moving song, inspired by stars shining in the night sky, celebrates the bonds and friendships between people.
It gently portrays overlapping feelings and moments of closeness, impressively expressing the importance of memories that last forever.
Yuuri’s warm vocals and the grand melody resonate together, creating a work that deeply touches listeners’ hearts.
Released in November 2021, the song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “SUPER RICH,” and surpassed 500 million streams in October 2023.
It’s a perfect track for those seeking a way to mend or say goodbye to a friend, or for anyone who wants to deepen their connection with someone important.
JourneyFuji Kaze
This song gently embraces the wonder of walking through life alongside friends, likening life to a journey.
The soulful arrangement woven by Fujii Kaze, with its distinctive resonance, sinks deep into the heart.
Warmly portraying feelings for companions, and an openness to love, partings, and the many experiences along life’s long road, its lyrics speak to many listeners.
Written in March 2021 as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Thursday drama “Nijiiro Karte,” it is included on the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.” Created after visiting the drama’s set and carefully reading the script, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to look back on memories with dear friends or to reconcile with someone.
A collection of friendship ballads: songs that portray bonds that resonate in the heart (21–30)
Always Youmilet
A heartwarming song that celebrates intimate bonds and deep friendship.
Released by milet in August 2022 as the theme song for the film “TANG,” the track debuted at No.
9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Created around the film’s message of “a journey to find life’s treasures,” it portrays friendship deepening as we discover the hidden charms in others, expressed through sweeping melodies and powerful sound.
It’s a perfect BGM choice for compiling memories with someone special into a video.
Infused with a universal message that connects people—one that only milet, who spent her adolescence abroad, could convey—this song is highly recommended for commemorating life’s turning points, such as graduations and farewell gatherings.