[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] (11–20)
Reunion SongKawasaki Takaya
This heartwarming song, themed around reunion, comes from singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, known for his captivating husky vocals.
Digitally released in August 2024, the track was written for his nationwide hall tour “Aishin -MANAGOKORO-,” which begins the same year.
Set to a driving, up-tempo melody, it conveys wishes to reunite with fans and deep feelings of gratitude.
The lyrics express a resolve to keep searching for light even in darkness and a powerful determination to fight on together.
Emphasizing how Kawasaki’s music serves as a “place to escape,” a companion in difficult times, the words are sure to resonate with listeners.
My dear best friendShonan no Kaze
A moving song by Shonan no Kaze themed around friendship and youth! Released in February 2009 as the theme song for the film “Drop.” It portrays the bonds with close friends and the struggles faced while chasing dreams, giving courage to all who listen.
Its passionate message and powerful melody are captivating, and it creates a strong sense of unity with the audience during live performances.
This track resonates even more when played at farewells like graduations or send-off parties.
It’s also recommended when you want to look back on memories of your youth or need the courage to face difficulties.
Best FriendKiroro
This song, which sings of friendship and gratitude, is beloved by many as one of Kiroro’s signature works.
It was also used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Churasan” and was released in June 2001.
With lyrics that gently convey the importance of bonds and mutual support among friends, it’s a track you’ll want to hear at life’s milestones, such as graduations and weddings.
It’s included on the album “Four Leaves Clover,” and is often performed as a staple at their live shows.
It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down or want to express your appreciation to someone important.
Its heartwarming melody and lyrics are sure to be a comfort to your heart.
Friend’s PoemNakamura Ataru
As a song that conveys gratitude for a fateful encounter, Ataru Nakamura’s work truly resonates.
This piece features striking lyrics about unrequited love and personal turmoil, evoking empathy from many listeners.
Its simple, piano-centered arrangement is also appealing.
Released in September 2006 as her second major-label single, it was used as a TV drama theme song.
In 2007, she appeared on the Kohaku Uta Gassen, drawing significant attention.
It’s a recommended track for those struggling with love or friendship, or feeling uncertain about relationships with important people.
You’ll surely find comfort in the voice that gently stays by your heart.
Bond.haji→
Hajime has woven a friendship song that resonates with the heart! It warmly sings about the bonds with cherished companions and will move listeners deeply.
With its straightforward lyrics and distinctive melody, it may naturally bring back memories with friends.
Released in February 2016, this piece was also used as the theme song for the film “Kaze no Tayori.” It’s a song you’ll want to hear at graduations or moments of parting with friends.
Highly recommended for those who want to cherish their bonds with their companions.
Soulmatesupittsu
Spitz’s songs have a unique charm in the way they draw out the meaning of life from everyday, ordinary moments.
This piece opens with striking lyrics about grasping the meaning of life from the way a bus sways, prompting deep reflection on love and fate.
Released in November 1997, the song was also used as the theme for the film “Whisper of the Moonlight.” It’s the perfect track for times when you want to think deeply about love and life, or when you want to feel the bond with someone special.
With lyrics that resonate and a warm melody, it’s sure to stay close to your heart.
[Grateful for Encounters] A collection of classic songs about precious meetings [Love & Friendship] (21–30)
EverythingMISIA
A ballad by MISIA that captures the moment when a chance encounter becomes the beginning of destiny.
Her powerful vocals convey deep love for the other person, the ache of time spent apart, and a wish for a future that lasts forever.
With R&B elements woven into the melody and her rich expressiveness, the song beautifully colors a fated romance.
Released in October 2000, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko.” It topped the Oricon weekly chart for three consecutive weeks and is recognized as one of MISIA’s signature songs.
It expresses the yearning of a heart in love for a destined meeting and the feelings that follow.
When you face a miraculous coincidence in your own life, this is a song that will surely give you a gentle push forward.