Friendship songs performed by bands: A collection of classic tracks that portray bonds
Many artists both in Japan and abroad have created songs themed around friendship.
In this article, we’ll spotlight friendship songs by Japanese rock bands in particular!
From tracks that look back on shared memories to songs that express gratitude, you’ll find a variety of stories woven into the music—so take a moment to read the lyrics and listen closely.
We hope this will be helpful not only for those who want to enjoy friendship songs performed by bands, but also for anyone planning to play a friendship song at a school festival or graduation live show.
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Friendship songs performed by bands: A collection of classic tracks depicting bonds (1–10)
BEST FRIENDGReeeeN
A heartwarming number featured in the TV commercial song for Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute.
The lyrics, which speak to enduring friendship and the importance of companions who support each other even when apart, are sure to resonate with many.
The song, released in March 2013, was later included on the album “Iine! (´・ω・`)☆.” It was also used as a walk-up song by a professional baseball player.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to when parting from dear friends at times like graduation—a track that reaffirms an unchanging bond.
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.
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.
Friendship songs played by bands. A collection of classic tracks that depict bonds (11–20)
BEST FRIENDSMAP
A smash hit by SMAP, an artist who gained popularity overseas for gentle songs that encourage listeners’ hearts.
It’s a track that straightforwardly expresses gratitude to a dear friend—feelings that are hard to convey in everyday life out of shyness.
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?
We’ve alwaysikimonogakari
A warm melody that gently wraps around the bond with a cherished friend seeps into the heart.
It’s a cheering song that gives you the courage to walk forward with your companions, while staying close to the fear of moving ahead.
Because we have friends who support one another, we can take a new step—this song conveys the preciousness of such friendship.
Released by Ikimono-gakari in January 2012 as the campaign CM song for U-CAN, the piece was also included on the album NEWTRAL and moved the hearts of many.
Its warm vocals and positive message will surely give a gentle push when you want to express gratitude to a dear friend or cheer on someone taking on a new challenge.
Charonnegoto
Negoto is a four-piece girls’ band born in the Heisei era.
“Charon,” expressed through their unique worldview in alternative rock, can be said to firmly carry on the lineage of Japanese rock.
Its exhilarating pace blends well with the gentle yet driving vocals, creating a pleasant feel.
It’s a song that evokes faint memories of moments with friends.