[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
[Gratitude for Encounters] A Collection of Classic Songs About Cherished Meetings [Love & Friendship] (41–50)
Love letterYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s song “Love Letter” is a single released on August 9, 2021.
Alongside ikura’s richly expressive vocals, the lyrics—filled with the joy and love of having found beloved music—captivate listeners.
Based on a letter from a sixth-grade listener, the piece vividly depicts how profoundly music can touch the human heart.
With Ayase’s delicate melodies and arrangements bringing warm emotion, this work is dedicated to everyone who has ever been encouraged or uplifted by music in their everyday life.
Give it a listen when you want to start something anew or express gratitude for irreplaceable encounters.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster’s song “Itsuka Kono Namida ga” is a powerful work that celebrates the bonds with steadfast companions and sings of the value of hard work.
Included on the album “Fanfare,” released March 22, 2023, the track intricately weaves into its lyrics the ties forged through sweat and tears and the importance of having the courage to face oneself.
With beautiful harmonies, it conveys how precious the friends we meet while pushing ourselves to the limit are in our lives.
Its delicate word choice and easy-to-listen-to melody are sure to resonate with people in any circumstance.
Still…arashi
It’s one of the tracks included as the second single alongside Arashi’s signature song “Happiness,” and it can be called a hidden gem.
Overall, the lyrics can be interpreted as a song about a couple who decide to part ways in order to pursue their dreams.
But what I’d like you to focus on this time is a single line that appears in the latter half—one that changes the way you think about parting and meeting.
People often say, “Goodbyes are a step toward the next encounter,” and these lyrics express exactly that sentiment.
The word “goodbye” can make us feel down, but this song encourages a positive mindset, urging us to walk forward with all we have toward new encounters—including reunions.
BOY MEETS GIRLTRF
This is a single by TRF released in June 1994, and the use of traditional Japanese instruments in the performance is striking.
The promotional video was filmed in Mexico.
With this song, TRF made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It was later covered by WORLD ORDER.
BraveNaoto Intiraymi
If you’re feeling anxious about leaving your hometown, I recommend listening to “Brave.” It’s a piece by Naoto Inti Raymi.
In the song, life is likened to a journey, conveying the message that new encounters await once you overcome farewells.
Rather than simply cheering you on, the lyrics also affirm feelings of loneliness.
That’s why, when times are tough, it will gently stay by your side.
Also, the live performances are fantastic, so be sure to check those out as well.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
It was Mr.Children’s second single, released in December 1992.
It was later used as an insert song for the 1996 TV drama “Pure.” The lyrics, which convey straightforward feelings for a loved one, are deeply moving.
In 2017, it was also featured in a NTT Docomo commercial, making it a song that has enjoyed steady popularity.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
After graduating or changing jobs, you may find yourself separated from friends.
But in a new place, new encounters are surely waiting.
That’s the message conveyed in Yuzu’s “Tomodachi ~Tabidachi no Toki~” (“Friend ~Time of Departure~”).
Combined with the duo’s powerful vocals, it’s bound to bring a lump to your throat.
It’s also recommended as a song that makes you look forward to meeting your friends again somewhere down the road.
If you’re feeling lonely or anxious, give it a listen.
By the way, the CD also includes a choral version.