[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] (1–10)
From Me to Youflumpool
Set to an exhilarating, fast-paced band sound, this song gives voice to a straightforward devotion to someone special.
It portrays that frustrating yet pure feeling of wanting to say it but not finding the words, carrying a strength that gently gives listeners a push forward.
The story of Takafumi Yamamura choosing to sing in a deliberately high key—almost like crying out his feelings—for his first work after surgery is especially moving.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Kimi ni Todoke,” it was released as a single in September 2010 and later included as the opening track on the January 2011 album “Fantasia of Life Stripe.” It’s a number brimming with the radiance of youth—perfect not only for romance, but also for expressing gratitude to an irreplaceable friend.
treasurewacci
A heartwarming number that portrays the anxiety and loneliness felt while chasing a dream, and the importance of friends who support each other in those moments.
Just believing you’re not alone can make you stronger, and the time spent together becomes the most irreplaceable treasure—this is the message woven into the song.
It will surely remind you of the bond with “the friends from those days.” The track is included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017.
Interestingly, it drew attention when Miho Takagi named it her “victory song” to listen to before competitions at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, which also led to a live performance on the TV program “Sukkiri.” It’s a perfect song for those striving toward their dreams or for teammates pushing each other to improve, such as in school clubs.
knot; tie; bind; concludeSaucy Dog
Yui (“Knot”), with its gently swaying rhythm and melody, richly conveys the fluffy, lovestruck feelings at its core.
It’s a song released in 2020 by the rock band Saucy Dog.
Formed in 2013, Saucy Dog is a three-piece band consisting of vocalist-guitarist Shinya Ishihara, bassist Kazutaka Akizawa, and drummer Yuika Seto.
True to its title, Yui is a track that will resonate even more deeply with anyone who understands the desire to deliver love beyond anxiety and tangled emotions, to strengthen bonds, and to cherish someone important.
The sincere lyrics—like a clumsy protagonist trying to confirm their feelings for the other—pierce the heart.
[Grateful for Encounters] A Collection of Classic Songs About Cherished Meetings [Love & Friendship] (11–20)
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
A story of friendship and gratitude woven by BUMP OF CHICKEN.
Written specifically as the theme song for the Doraemon film series, this gem of a track is filled with feelings for Nobita.
Released in February 2011, the song overflows with vocalist Motoo Fujiwara’s lifelong love for Doraemon since childhood.
Its heartwarming melody and profound lyrics teach us the importance of friends.
The gratitude toward a friend who walks with you even on rainy days seeps into the listener’s heart.
It’s a perfect song for those struggling with friendship or wanting to express their feelings to someone important.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
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?
ReunionRADWIMPS
Formed in 2001, RADWIMPS have continued to create timeless classics.
Among their songs that center on encounters and friendship, “Reunion,” included on the album “X to O to Tsumi to” (X and O and Sin), stands out.
The lyrics penned by Yojiro Noda are filled with expressions that are calm yet warm, conveying the preciousness of friendship and how it can sometimes be powerful enough to change a life.
Time spent thinking of your friends and companions will surely leave a lasting impression on your heart.
FriendKetsumeishi
A classic song about the importance of friendship, it captivates with lyrics that resonate deeply.
It carefully weaves feelings about parting from and reuniting with friends, stirring the hearts of listeners.
Released as a single in February 2002, it became one of Ketsumeishi’s signature tracks.
It was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” This song is recommended for times when you want to look back on memories with friends or when you want to overcome a farewell with someone important.
Its gentle vocals and heartwarming lyrics are sure to be a source of comfort for you.