Friendship songs you’ll want to sing in choir: A roundup of choral pieces about friends

My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi

Friend(s), from here on 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.”

bondYamazaki Tomoko

"Kizuna" Chorus Song / Mixed Choir in Three Parts / Full Ensemble (All) - With Full Lyrics - For Part Practice - Covered by Singer micah

Beloved as a classic graduation song, this choral piece by Tomoko Yamazaki features lyrics that evoke everyday moments spent with friends—like the cherry blossom season or the walk home at dusk.

It reminds us that the times we laughed together and sometimes struggled are irreplaceable treasures.

Even when we are apart, our hearts remain deeply connected—an encouraging message that turns the sadness of parting into hope.

Included in a collection published in July 2010, the piece was originally composed as a commemorative work for a choral seminar.

Characterized by simple yet beautiful harmonies, it continues to be sung in various arrangements, such as three-part mixed chorus and two-part equal voices.

It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings, bringing a class together to sing as one.

skyBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Sora - Music Video -

Released in 2025 as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 92nd NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, this work carries a heartwarming message that resonates: under the vast sky, everyone is connected.

The lyrics, which portray the hope that the sun will always come out after rain and storms, gently encourage students going through a sensitive time.

Why not sing it at the milestone of graduation, filling it with hope for the future?

I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue “I’m Glad I Met You” BOMBER-E LIVE

A number by Sonoko Inoue that makes you realize those ordinary days were irreplaceable treasures.

It’s included on her first album, “Hello,” released in March 2016, and drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Sakura Saku” and in a KKBOX commercial.

The lyrics capture the genuine feelings of Inoue herself, then a third-year high school student, and they move you not only with a sense of loneliness but also with gratitude for the people you met and a forward-looking message.

The warm yet refreshing sound woven by piano and strings beautifully colors graduation ceremonies where tears and smiles mingle.

It’s the perfect song to sing when you want to convey overflowing thanks to friends as you each head down different paths.

the world of dreamssakushi: furō akiko / sakkyoku: hashimoto shōji

the world of dreams

Memories of treading on fallen leaves, an avenue bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the chirping of small birds, and the clear scene of a babbling brook.

Interweaving these tangible touches of nature, this song calls on friends to share their dreams together.

Born from an NHK music program in the 1970s and later arranged as a choral piece, it was composed by Yoshimichi Hashimoto, who, while deeply involved in creating educational materials at Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha, left behind many works that balance singability with evocative imagery.

Its gentle, swaying 6/8 rhythm naturally supports a sense of walking and the flow of scenery, and the structure—expanding from unison in the first half to full chorus in the latter—is a highlight.

It is a song that quietly encourages children to take a new step on the special day of graduation, as they look back on memories with their friends.

spring sunlightKanapu × Kujira

[Suite] KAFU × Kujira #97 “Spring Sunlight” [Original MV]

Graduation ceremonies symbolize a new departure.

The graduation songs sung there become unforgettable tracks for students.

Among them, a particularly moving recommendation is “Shun’yo” by KAFU and Kujira.

The world they weave—Kujira’s music paired with KAFU’s crystal-clear vocals—seems to hold both backward-looking feelings and positive emotions at once.

Let this song make your graduation moment all the more memorable.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

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.