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

Best FriendKiroro

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

This is the 10th single by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released in June 2001.

Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan and performed at the 52nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, it has been loved across generations.

Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro as a thank-you to pianist Ayano Kinjo, the song resonates with heartfelt emotions born from the two sharing joys and hardships since their high school days.

In 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for the Japanese-dubbed version of the film The Good Dinosaur.

With lyrics expressing gratitude to a friend who stays by your side, it’s perfect for graduation season.

Singing it at a graduation ceremony while reflecting on days spent with cherished friends is sure to stir emotions tied to those memories.

Best friendSnow Man

The official lyric video for “Best Friend” from the 9th single “Dangerholic” is now streaming! #SnowMan #BestFriend #Dangerholic #Sunotube

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.

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.

GraduationKobukuro

Kobukuro "Graduation ~Chorus~"

This is a warm ballad created to send heartfelt cheers to those celebrating their graduation.

Kobukuro, the duo behind masterpieces like “Tsubomi,” produced it with the wish that it would be sung at graduation ceremonies.

Through down-to-earth scenes—like the classroom chalkboard and the view on the way home—it delicately portrays farewells with friends and hopes for the future.

Released in March 2020 as their 31st single, it drew attention as their first non-tie-in single in about 16 and a half years.

There’s also a version by a children’s choir, and its structure makes it easy to sing at actual ceremonies—another welcome point.

Its powerful message, one that turns unspoken gratitude and small regrets into cherished memories, is sure to gently support elementary school students as they take their first steps forward.

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 Last ChimeSakushi: Yamamoto Emiko / Sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan

The Last Chime (Two-Part Unison) / Lyrics: Emiko Yamamoto / Music: Kan Wakamatsu

This piece is a beloved choral song that’s indispensable for graduation season and has continued to be cherished at many elementary schools! The moment the piano prelude, which mimics chimes, begins to play, memories of school life vividly come back and your heart is sure to swell.

The joy of clearing the vaulting box for the first time, the schoolyard turned pure white with snow, the ordinary days filled with laughter with friends—Keiko Yamamoto’s lyrics depict memories just as elementary school children experienced them.

Composed by Kan Wakamatsu and introduced at the 2004 All-Japan Choral Education Conference, the song has since spread to schools nationwide.

Its range is set so that even boys whose voices are beginning to change can sing it comfortably, making it perfect for an entire grade to sing with feeling.

It’s a moving song that turns farewells with friends into a forward-looking send-off.

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.