A collection of classic songs about friends: friendship songs for children
Once children enter kindergarten or nursery school—or even before that—they make close friends, don’t they?
Friends who spend time together from a young age will likely become lifelong best friends.
In this article, we introduce friendship songs you’ll want to listen to with your children.
We’ve gathered songs that depict friendship from among children’s songs, anime theme songs, and trending J-pop that are popular with kids.
Take this opportunity to listen and sing along together and have fun!
Friendship songs for kids: A collection of classic friend-themed hits (1–10)
best friendNEW!SG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
proofflumpool
A number by flumpool produced in 2011 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division) and also broadcast on “Minna no Uta.” The bond with friends is something invisible to the eye, but the time spent together and the days of crying and laughing side by side surely remain in our hearts.
This work sings about that unseen yet undeniable certainty that we are companions.
It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also included on the album “experience.” Not only the fun times, but even the clashes—everything was necessary to deepen the bond.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to friends facing life’s milestones, such as graduation or moving on to the next stage.
Best friendSnow Man
How about a heartwarming song that straightforwardly expresses gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend? Featured on the standard edition of the single “Dangerholic,” released in September 2023, this track is a friendship song performed by Snow Man.
It conveys a heartfelt “thank you” to a friend who stayed by your side without saying a word when you were worn out by everyday life and hurt by what others said.
The relay-like structure in which the nine members take turns singing conveys a strong bond and gentleness.
It’s a perfect classic for telling a friend who’s heading down a different path the appreciation that’s usually too embarrassing to say out loud.
If everyone sings it together on the milestone day of graduation, holding past memories close, it will surely become a lifelong treasure you’ll never forget.
Friends again tomorrowNishiwaki Yui
Even if you argue with a friend, being able to make up with a smile right away is truly wonderful, isn’t it? This work by Yui Nishiwaki is a heartwarming song that portrays the pure friendship of children.
Released in October 1992, it was used as the ending theme for the anime Doraemon until April 1995.
It’s also well-loved as a graduation song for kindergartens.
There are days when we get really mad, but the lyrics—set to a bright, pop melody—remind us that being with friends is the best, and they really resonate.
This song brings back the importance of facing others with sincerity when you’re worn out by the slightly complicated relationships of adulthood.
Give it a listen when you want to look back on those nostalgic days spent with friends!
f.r.i.e.n.d.sHirai Dai
Released in October 2025, this work is a heartwarming pop number themed around “friendship,” just as the title suggests.
It’s a song whose gentle sound and vocals really sink in, featuring a children’s chorus recruited through the fan club.
Its straightforward message that resonates with everyone—from adults to kids—is truly wonderful.
It’s a friendship song that makes you want to hum along with someone you love.
Precious frienddōyō
“Taisetsuna Tomodachi” is a song that portrays children graduating from kindergarten and daycare.
With its warm melody and lyrics, it’s perfect for celebrating children’s growth.
The words express both the joy of meeting precious friends and the sadness of parting, sure to bring tears to the eyes.
Set to a slow tempo and gentle piano, it conveys gratitude to friends.
It’s a song filled with feelings for cherished friends that won’t be forgotten, even in elementary school or adulthood.
Friendship Hymndōyō
Based on the American march The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Tomodachi Sanka is an arrangement with Japanese lyrics.
Along with a bright melody that feels like walking toward the future, it celebrates the friendship between friends.
Singing together to the lively rhythm can heighten a sense of unity and create opportunities to deepen connections.
It’s also fun to assign different parts to different singers or add simple choreography and try it as a song-and-dance.
Give this catchy friendship song a listen—something people of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy.