RAG MusicFriendship Songs
A lovely friendship song

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)

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

It’s a grand piece that evokes images of the cosmos, the galaxy, and Earth.

Set to a dreamy, lyrical sound, it tells a highly narrative story about life as an epic adventure.

Released as a single in May 2013, it was also used as the theme song for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!.

In 2019, it was featured in a Toshiba TV commercial and is also included on the album Tree.

With messages of bonds with friends and strong resolve, it’s a recommended listen when you’re about to take a new step forward or want to enjoy it together with dear friends.

Friendship HymnAmerika min’yō (sakushi: Sakata Hiroo)

Children’s Song / Friend Anthem / 32nd Children’s Song and Kids’ Singing Competition – Family Division Gold Prize
Friendship HymnAmerika min'yō (sakushi: Sakata Hiroo)

A heartwarming melody that gently portrays the bonds between people.

Based on an American folk tune, this piece features Japanese lyrics by poet and author Hiroo Sakata, conveying to children the importance of friendship and unity.

Since its introduction on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it has continued to be loved in many settings, including school music materials and children’s events.

The lyrics, which express the joy of holding hands with friends around the world and singing together with smiles, teach us the beauty of friendship that transcends borders.

When everyone stands in a circle and sings, smiles are sure to come naturally.

How about singing it together at kindergarten or nursery school gatherings, or in settings for exchange and interaction?

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!(MV)
FRIENDS!!!imase

This song features a groovy rhythm and catchy pop melodies, gently singing about the beauty of friendship.

It delicately portrays various facets of friendship—from intimate bonds where a single glance says it all, to the awkwardness of a reunion after a long time apart.

It carefully expresses the importance of a bond that doesn’t change with time, and the joy of returning to a carefree connection like the old days.

Created in February 2025, the piece was written by imase as the theme song for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.

It’s a perfect fit for capturing the feelings of friends who deepen their bonds through practice and competitions at school events like sports days and athletic festivals.

Friendship songs for kids: A collection of classic tracks themed around friends (11–20)

primary colorsYOASOBI

YOASOBI “RGB” Official Music Video
primary colorsYOASOBI

This song is perfect for expressing friendship.

Released in July 2021, it was also used as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” commercial and is based on the novel RGB.

Considered one of YOASOBI’s signature works, it vividly depicts a heartwarming story in which three friends who had grown apart reunite after 15 years and rediscover their bond.

It beautifully conveys the power of friendship—that hearts remain connected even when apart—paired with a melodic composition.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced parting from or reuniting with a friend.

It’s also recommended as background music for message videos or slideshows to express your feelings to someone special.

RAINSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「RAIN」Short Version
RAINSEKAI NO OWARI

Listening to this song might make you cherish these fleeting moments with your friends even more.

It’s a track by SEKAI NO OWARI, a band active internationally, released in 2017 as their 13th single.

The song was written as the theme for the film Mary and The Witch’s Flower.

It’s a message song with beautiful strings and piano that, as you listen, truly makes you feel as if a rainbow is appearing overhead.

That’s how grand in scale this work is.

A Song for a Friendsonā poketto

Sonar Pocket 'A Song for a Friend' [MV Full]
A Song for a Friendsonā poketto

Even if close friends are separated, their hearts remain connected, don’t they? Sonar Pocket’s “A Song for Friends” lets you feel that unbreakable bond.

Included on their 2009 album “Sonapokeism (1) ~The Shape of Happiness~,” the track also appears in the arcade game jubeat ripples.

With an upbeat, refreshing melody, it conveys the message to a friend who’s going away: it’s okay—our hearts will always be connected.

It’s a great gift for friends who are parting ways due to graduation, moving, and more.

Flower SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Hana Uta (Flower Song)
Flower SongGReeeeN

GReeeeN is a four-member male vocal group that has been active since 2002.

While they have many songs themed around youth, this particular track features a band sound with a strong focus on friendship and is a refreshing song recommended for children.