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 in the heart (51–60)
Friends Friends FriendsMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
A warm, heartwarming song themed around eternal friendship.
Momoiro Clover Z delicately conveys encounters and farewells, and the importance of irreplaceable bonds with their nuanced vocals.
The melody gently embraces feelings not only of friendship, but also for that special someone you think of—be it a lover or family.
Included on the album “Hydra,” this work is an anniversary song released in May 2024 to commemorate the group’s 15th anniversary.
It’s a song provided by singer-songwriter Ryujin Kiyoshi, his first contribution in about eight years, beautifully expressing his distinctive worldview.
Recommended as a finale-ending song for school and cultural festivals, and as a memorable track shared with friends and companions.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
A rock number packed with fiery messages that make you want to reaffirm your bonds with friends has arrived from Kumamoto.
Brimming with WANIMA’s forward-looking energy, the song also reflects their feelings about the earthquake that struck their hometown of Kumamoto.
Released in August 2016 as the CM song for NIVEA Kao’s “8×4,” this track powerfully sings of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with those we hold dear.
Well known as a staple at WANIMA’s live shows—where it sparks massive sing-alongs with the audience—it was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2017.
This piece is a moving choice for occasions like graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, where friendships are renewed.
It’s the perfect song for farewells with friends, times of temporary separation, or moments when you want to look back on treasured memories with close companions.
Friend ShipHoshino Gen
This is a gentle song that tenderly embraces the warm feelings of parting from and reuniting with someone important, and the hope of meeting again.
Gen Hoshino’s heartfelt vocals and the warm melody evoke the beauty of precious memories and bonds with friends.
Included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” the track was written as the theme song for the film “Moriyamachu Driving School” and was also used in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Long Gakuwari” commercial.
During the “Continues” tour in September 2017, it was performed with passion at Saitama Super Arena.
It’s a heartwarming piece to listen to when you’re thinking of a dear friend you’ve been separated from, or when you’ve made plans to see each other again after a long time.
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
It’s a ballad marked by a heartwarming melodic line and lyrics brimming with hope.
Focusing on the intimate relationships My Hair is Bad portrays, the song’s gentle guitar tones and piano lines tenderly accompany the listener.
Carefully weaving the shifting emotions from meeting to parting, it’s a gem that softly embraces a forward-looking spirit for the future.
Released in June 2024, it’s included on the album “ghosts.” It was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary,” perfectly matching the film’s world.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when reminiscing about precious times with friends or when striving to face farewells with optimism.
Alongside nostalgic memories, it will give you the courage to take a new step forward.
A collection of friendship song ballads: tracks that portray bonds that resonate in the heart (61–70)
GarnetOku Hanako
In July 2006, Hanako Oku released a work whose gentle, warm emotions resonate alongside its melody.
Written as the theme song for the feature-length animated film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, it was her fourth single.
The lyrics delicately portray scenes on the school grounds and the after-school atmosphere, wrapping cherished memories of school life—and the precious moments everyone wants to hold onto—gently and tenderly.
Created at the request of the film’s production team by reading the story from the storyboard and script, the song was completed to align closely with the protagonist’s feelings.
It spent 19 weeks on the Oricon charts and won the Heisei Anisong Grand Prize for Best Film Theme Song.
It’s a track I can wholeheartedly recommend for moments when you want to share memories with friends or dedicate a song to someone dear.
purplejoōbachi
An impressive message song that straightforwardly depicts deep gratitude and human bonds.
It’s a track by QUEEN BEE, set for digital release in February 2025.
Avu-chan’s overwhelming vocals—wrenched from the depths of the heart—and the grand, expansive sound are truly remarkable.
The lyrics, which intertwine gratitude for meeting cherished people with hope for the future, are sure to resonate with everyone.
When you reach a turning point in life, this song will help nudge you toward tomorrow.
Because you are hereUru
A gemlike ballad by Uru, whose heartwarming vocals and melody gently enfold feelings for a loved one.
Released in February 2020 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Ship of Theseus,” the piece conveys a powerful desire to bring happiness to someone important and to protect them.
Even while carrying anxiety about tomorrow and regrets about the past, the song expresses gratitude for the constant presence that stays by one’s side, seeping into the heart with Uru’s clear, luminous voice.
It’s the perfect track to send to close friends or family when you want to say “thank you,” a sentiment that’s often hard to put into words.