An emotional friendship song. A roundup of classic tracks that sing about bonds with friends and shared memories.

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

It’s a moving ballad whose lyrics speak to the warmth of having someone precious by your side and ask what you can do for that person.

This song makes you realize that everyday life, which seems so ordinary, is actually an irreplaceable treasure.

Its message—that even if you’re apart, your hearts remain connected—will surely give you courage! Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it has since become one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.

His gentle yet powerful voice will softly stay by your side.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special, or for occasions like weddings.

Why not listen while thinking of the person who is like a “sunflower” to you?

FlenjerOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Frienger

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to cheer up a friend who’s feeling down, or when you want to cut loose together and laugh it off.

It was released in April 2006 as the 11th single.

Since it was used as the CM song for Toshiba mobile phones and as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sports Urugusu,” many people probably heard it often at the time.

The title is a unique coined word that combines “friend” and “sentai hero.” It’s a track packed with Ai Otsuka’s signature wordplay and a passionate embrace of friendship.

sunflowerYūsuke

Yusuke “Himawari” (Sunflower)

It’s a support song that delivers straightforward gratitude wrapped in a warm rap.

Released in March 2009 as the debut single under the name Yusuke, this work comes from Yusuke Kamiji, who is also active as an actor and TV personality.

It was also chosen as the theme song for “Yusuke Kamiji Himawari Monogatari,” a drama based on Kamiji’s essays.

The lyrics, written in unpretentious language, overflow with thanks to those who have supported him and cheers for those about to take a new step forward.

Perfect for the season of graduations and new departures.

If you laugh at the skywacci

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video

This is a song that cheers on everyone who’s worked hard.

Wacci, known for delivering heartwarming tracks that fit into everyday life, released it in July 2018.

It was also included on their album Ultramarine Refrain, released in November of the same year.

In 2019, it was chosen as the support song for Fuji TV’s Mezamashi TV “Japan Connects Project,” gaining attention as it resonated with the struggles and triumphs of athletes.

There are days when things don’t go your way as you devote yourself to club activities or entrance exam prep.

In those moments, this song gently reminds you that the friends who have been striving alongside you can be your support.

It’s a friendship anthem that gives you the strength to keep looking forward, even while carrying frustration.

Give it a listen, and let it take you back to the time you spent with your cherished friends.

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

A number by flumpool produced in 2011 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division) and also broadcast on “Minna no Uta.” The bond with friends is something invisible to the eye, but the time spent together and the days of crying and laughing side by side surely remain in our hearts.

This work sings about that unseen yet undeniable certainty that we are companions.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also included on the album “experience.” Not only the fun times, but even the clashes—everything was necessary to deepen the bond.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to friends facing life’s milestones, such as graduation or moving on to the next stage.

Until we meet againHirai Dai

Until we meet again

A heartwarming ballad that portrays departure and the hope of reunion.

Dai Hirai, known for his refreshing surf-music sound, released it as a single in 2015.

It was later included on the album “Slow & Easy.” Set to gentle acoustic instrumentation, the song carefully weaves together the sorrow of parting and the wish to meet again with a tender “see you,” slowly seeping into the listener’s heart.

It’s a perfect companion for moments of separation—like graduation or job transfers.

It also fits when you want to look back on memories with friends and express your gratitude.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This song, which feels like reminiscing about childhood friends, is a collaboration between singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda, who is active both as an actor and a musician.

It’s included on the album “BOOTLEG,” released in November 2017, and drew major attention, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Yonezu sings the first verse, Suda sings the second, and in the latter half you can enjoy their back-and-forth.

Contrasting a gray-tinted everyday life with the innocent days that were once as blue as the sky, it portrays a friendship that remains connected at heart even when apart.

In the music video, the two passing by each other in the same park leaves a striking impression, resulting in a work that blends poignancy with warmth.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when an old friend suddenly comes to mind.