Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in choir: A roundup of choral pieces about friends
There are quite a lot of opportunities for group singing—like in music class, choir competitions, and school events.
You’ll probably choose songs to match each occasion, but sometimes it’s hard to decide, isn’t it?
So in this article, we’ll introduce recommended songs with a special focus on friendship-themed pieces from among popular choral works.
We hope this will be helpful when selecting songs to perform, especially for graduation ceremonies, school festivals, and choir competitions.
Friendship songs to sing in chorus: A collection of choral pieces about friends (1–10)
footprint(s)Little Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster is a vocal group whose overwhelming singing ability moves listeners to the core.
Their 16th single, “Ashiato” (Footprints), released in September 2020, is a grand number penned by the members themselves that gives you the courage to keep moving forward even in times of uncertainty.
Its powerful lyrics, which seem to affirm their own journey, are perfect for looking back on the days spent with friends during graduation season, when everyone sets off on separate paths.
Written as the required piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” the song has become widely loved as a choral piece.
It’s a moving track we hope you’ll listen to when you want to send thanks and cheers for the future to the dear friends with whom you’ve laughed and supported each other along the way!
Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei
This song celebrates memories from school days and the bonds between friends.
Suisei Hoshimachi’s clear, crystalline vocals beautifully capture both the brilliance of youth and the bittersweetness of parting.
It was included on the Hololive × HoneyWorks collaboration album “Horohani-gaoka High School,” released in February 2024.
With lyrics that bring back memories of graduation ceremonies and school festivals, it will resonate not only with junior high students but also with adults attending graduations.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to take the next step on a new path.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).
The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.
Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.
Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.
My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi
On graduation day, taking a moment to look back on the memories and bonds you’ve shared with friends is truly irreplaceable.
Released in April 2016, this song by Ketsumeishi is a perfect friendship anthem for just such a scene.
Written as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it resonates with vows to remain friends for decades to come and a message of supporting each other in tough times.
From its piano intro that builds with strings to a chorus that surges with feeling, the arrangement creates a sense of uplift worthy of a new beginning.
Even children anxious about parting ways will, upon hearing this song, find their feelings transform into a firm belief that “we’ll always be together from here on out.”
Unchanging Thingssakushi: yamazaki tomoko / sakkyoku: yamazaki tomoko
The bonds nurtured during our days at school will never fade, even when we are apart.
This work is a choral piece that carefully weaves together those unchanging feelings.
The lyrics and music are by Tomoko Yamazaki, who has created many beloved songs such as “Taisetsu na Mono” and “Te no Hira o Kazashite.” It was newly written for the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki ~Original Songs~ (Mixed Voices),” published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha in July 2010.
While holding the sorrow of parting, it portrays the resolve to look ahead and take a step forward, set to a sincere and beautiful melody.
Both mixed choir and equal-voice choir versions are available, making it easy to choose according to the size and composition of your school.
Sung at graduations, farewell ceremonies, and other moments of parting from those dear to you, it will etch gratitude for the time spent together—and the bonds that will remain unchanged—into your hearts.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is a ballad that makes you want to express gratitude to the friends who stood by your side when you’re at a crossroads in life.
Released by EXILE in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the song warmly reflects on the days spent walking together, with themes of graduation and new departures.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became the 1,000th song in Oricon history to top the chart, marking a milestone.
It was featured in MTI’s “music.jp” commercial and selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a recommended song for the graduation season, resonating with many listeners.
First included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION,” it was later featured on releases such as “EXILE BALLAD BEST.” Loved as a staple performed at graduation ceremonies, a choral version was also produced.
When you and your dear friends begin to walk separate paths, it gives you the courage to move forward while holding your memories close.
Even when you’re apart, your hearts remain connected.
It’s a song that makes you feel exactly that.
CorrectRADWIMPS
It’s RADWIMPS’s track that answers the wish to raise your voices together one last time with friends before graduation.
It drew attention for their collaboration with 1,000 eighteen-year-olds at NHK’s “18 Fes,” and is included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION.
In school, you’re expected to provide the right answers to given questions, but once you enter society, you have to carve out your own path.
This song gently pushes the backs of young people stepping into such an uncertain future.
The lyrics capture both the parting from irreplaceable friends and the resolve to embark on each person’s new life.
When you stand at a crossroads like higher education or getting a job, the faces of your dear friends are sure to come to mind.
It’s a friendship song recommended for those who want to reaffirm a bond that lets you believe your hearts remain connected even when you’re apart.