[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 precious meetings [Love & Friendship] (21–30)
New meYOASOBI
A song celebrating the wonder of encounters has arrived! In this new track by YOASOBI, the joy of meeting a new version of yourself is movingly portrayed.
Its gentle lyrics resonate with people who seek change in their daily lives, offering the courage to look forward.
Released in November 2024 as a theme song for a Recruit commercial, the piece is rich in storytelling—true to YOASOBI’s style of turning novels into music.
It’s a perfect song for anyone wanting to take a new step or change themselves.
It will surely give you a gentle push forward.
New WorldBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a song written to commemorate Lotte’s 70th anniversary in 2018.
It’s included on the album “aurora arc,” released in 2019.
In 2020, a full animated music video was released.
The song straightforwardly celebrates the joy of meeting someone special; the lyric “Meeting you made me understand the meaning of being born” shows just how extraordinary that encounter is.
Listening to it in a new season lifts your spirits and makes you feel ready to approach relationships and making friends with a positive attitude.
best friendSG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
mysteryHoshino Gen
It’s a warm number that gently embraces those indescribable feelings that arise between people you hold dear.
Have you ever felt that inexplicable sense of “Why do I love this person?”—not just the thrill of romance, but the unexplainable emotion that surfaces as two people meet and build a relationship? Gen Hoshino delicately captures those mysterious, cherished feelings with a sound that fits right into everyday life.
Written in April 2021 as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte,” the track was also included on the single “Fushigi/Souzou,” released in June of the same year.
It’s a recommended song for those moments when you suddenly feel like expressing gratitude to an irreplaceable presence by your side, whether a partner or a friend.
Is that okay?RADWIMPS
This RADWIMPS track sets disarmingly straightforward expressions of love—and the jittery feeling that comes from being “too happy”—to a buoyant rhythm.
It’s one of the band’s signature songs, turning live venues into a sea of handclaps and singalongs.
The lyric asking “Is it okay to be this happy?” perfectly captures the joy and gratitude of meeting someone precious.
Though included on the December 2006 album RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~, it also carries a fiery backstory: the original MV shoot was grueling due to rain and cold, prompting a “revenge” reshoot about ten years later in 2017.
It’s a song that makes you want to say “thank you” to the irreplaceable people in your life—be it a partner, family, or best friend.
Like a warm meal, it’s a classic that soaks into the heart.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song sung with gratitude for the encounters we share! Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s emotionally resonant vocals are striking.
The lyrics, which depict youthful struggles and growth, center on themes of individuality and love, moving the hearts of listeners.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” the piece drew huge attention for its performance featuring a collaboration with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation.
It’s recommended for times when you want to reflect on yourself or encourage someone.
It will surely stay close to your heart.
Circle of Thanksayaka
This is an Ayaka number that sings about the warmth carried by words of gratitude and really touches the heart.
By saying “thank you,” smiles are born, and that joy connects to someone else next—these lyrics, which make you feel such a lovely chain reaction, gently wrap the listener’s heart.
Released digitally in October 2013, the song was created as the theme for Nestlé’s “KitKat” 40th anniversary in Japan.
It’s said to have been crafted with reference to messages from fans about the people they wanted to say “thank you” to, packing in the real emotions of many.
It’s a masterpiece meant to give you that little push to share the gratitude that’s usually too embarrassing to say out loud—with your precious family and friends.