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)

Friends again tomorrowNishiwaki Yui

Friends Tomorrow Too ♡ Yui Nishiwaki [Doraemon 50th Anniversary]
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!

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.

Precious frienddōyō

Dear Friends – <Graduation Song> [Japanese Songs / Shoka]
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 songs for kids: A collection of classic tracks themed around friends (11–20)

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.

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 Hymndōyō

Children’s Song / Friend Anthem / 32nd Children’s Song and Kids’ Singing Competition – Family Division Gold Prize
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.

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?