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)
Unchanging ThingsNEW!sakushi sakkyoku: Yamazaki Tomoko
This is a choral piece that lyrically depicts scenes of graduation, parting, and new beginnings.
Written and composed by Tomoko Yamazaki, it was included in the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki Original Songs: Mixed Chorus Edition,” released in July 2010.
Characterized by straightforward, approachable melodies and beautiful harmonies, it carries a positive message that memories of encounters and the value of human connections do not fade with time.
It’s often chosen for choral competitions, so many people may have sung it before.
Transforming the sadness of farewell into warm memories, this work is perfect not only for choirs at cultural and school festivals, but also for graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings.
This is the friend-making factoryKannuim Kumiko
An entrance ceremony is a place where you meet new friends for the first time.
Some children may feel anxious.
This work is aimed at those children, carrying a message to the friends with whom they’ll be spending fun times together.
You can almost feel the warm spring air, and it gives a cozy feeling.
Published as a magazine supplement in April 2014, this song features a very bright and energetic melody that leaves a strong impression.
At an entrance ceremony, you might be sitting next to a child you don’t know at all.
But once you start singing together, before you realize it, you’ve become good friends! It’s also recommended to sing it together with the children to ease the tension of the entrance ceremony.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.