[Grateful for Encounters] A Collection of Classic Songs Celebrating Cherished Meetings [Love & Friendship]
When you hear “a song about encounters,” what kind of meeting do you imagine?
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is a man and woman meeting in a romantic context!
But there are many kinds of encounters—between friends, between teammates—and there are songs that celebrate each kind of meeting.
In this article, I’ll introduce songs themed around all sorts of encounters!
Just as people say “after parting comes a new meeting,” some songs that seem at first glance to be about farewells are actually about encounters when you look closely at the lyrics!
We’ll be introducing lots of songs, so read on to the end!
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
- [Song of Destiny] Love songs to listen to when you meet your destined person
- A bright song about comrades. A roundup of classic tracks that make you feel the bonds.
- [A New Love Song] A romance song themed around meeting someone
- Only masterpieces that color the season of meetings and farewells! Spring songs recommended for Gen Z.
- [Tears of Joy] Beautiful Friendship Songs with Lyrics You’ll Want to Gift to a Dear Friend
- A gratitude song for friends. A thank-you song dedicated to someone special.
- [Song of Gratitude] Timeless classics and the latest tracks that convey heartfelt “thank you” to your seniors
- Mutual love, unrequited love, familial love... classic songs that sing about affection
- Friendship Songs: Rediscover Your Bonds! A Carefully Curated Selection of Moving Masterpieces That Will Bring You to Tears
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Emotional songs to listen to in spring: a collection of masterpieces that suit the season of meetings and farewells.
- Love, bonds, parting, cheers… songs so moving they pierce the heart and make you cry uncontrollably
Grateful for Encounters: A Collection of Classic Songs About Cherished Meetings [Love & Friendship] (81–90)
Second Encounterwacci
A song by the band wacci, which has gained huge popularity mainly on social media and YouTube.
Just like when “Betsu no Hito no Kanojo ni Natta yo” became a hot topic, this song is also easy to relate to and feel familiar with because of the story portrayed in its lyrics.
You might wonder what the “second encounter” in the title means, but you’ll understand as soon as you read the lyrics.
You might think that childhood friends becoming lovers only happens in shoujo manga, but don’t you know at least one couple like that around you? It’s a romantic and heartwarming song that tells a lovely story of how two people meet.
Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is the fifth single by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a four-piece rock band whose avant-garde, ever-evolving sound has continued to influence artists since the 2000s.
The track features ear-catching acoustic guitar arpeggios, and its arrangement—somehow dry yet transparent, evoking wintry scenes—feels wonderfully comfortable.
The lyrics, which express gratitude for a precious encounter and depict someone setting off while holding those memories close, let you sense the depth of a bond that undeniably existed.
It’s a song about a connection that doesn’t fade with distance, a number that stirs a sentimental mood as spring approaches.
I’ve got friends.Elefanto Kashimashi
I think this song by The Elephant Kashimashi is a classic that sings about the importance of friendship.
In the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s a great chance to convey the warmth of having friends to those who feel lonely! First, let Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals move their hearts, get them interested in the lyrics that make you reflect on friendship, and let even those who want to listen alone enjoy it.
Released in September 2004, the song was also used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Suzuki Timer.”
with a gentle heartSuperfly
Superfly’s “Yasashii Kimochi de” resonates with many people as a song that portrays the possibilities of new encounters.
In particular, the lyrics that sing of the hope that there may still be someone important you haven’t met yet encourage a positive outlook.
If you listen to this song in moments of loneliness or isolation, it nurtures a warm feeling toward those around you and lightens your heart.
Its universal message makes it a special track for many, to the point that it’s often chosen for wedding profile videos.
The high vocal range is also striking, and even if a singer lowers the key, the song’s appeal still comes through.
It’s truly a masterpiece that enriches the listener’s heart, evoking bonds between people and the promise of new connections.
heartbeatFukuyama Masaharu
It’s a song written as the theme for the drama “#Remolove: Normal Love Is a Heresy,” included on Masaharu Fukuyama’s 2020 album “AKIRA.” It portrays someone who had decided to live alone and avoid romance, yet ends up falling in love.
Perhaps past relationships didn’t go well—there’s a poignant sense of the protagonist becoming timid about love.
If you’re hesitating to step into a new relationship, this is a love song I’d definitely recommend you listen to.
Goodbye, see you again in the next life.Innā Jānī
A light-footed track that sets hopes of parting and reunion to a breezy melody.
Playful lyrics—like reincarnating as a cat and memories of a voice—leave a strong impression.
Released in March 2021 as the fourth digital single, it’s also included on the second EP, “Kaze no Nioi.” The charm lies in Sara Kamoshita’s translucent vocals and the band’s visceral performance.
Listen while strolling beneath cherry blossoms in the spring sunshine, and both meetings and farewells may feel positive.
Perfect for the start of a new season, it’s recommended for anyone ready to take a new step forward.
[Gratitude for Encounters] A Collection of Classic Songs Celebrating Special Meetings [Love & Friendship] (91–100)
Thank you for meeting me.Kawakita Kimiko
This song, with its soul-stirring vocals and beautiful melody, brings back memories of meeting someone dear.
Kimiko Kawakita’s voice carries deep emotions born of life experience, gently touching the listener’s heart.
Released in January 2024, the song centers on love and gratitude for her late husband, yet it possesses a universality that reminds each listener of their own cherished encounters.
Calm in tone yet condensed with life’s joys and sorrows, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on memories with someone special or savor a feeling of gratitude.