Hidden gems of friendship songs. Recommended popular tracks.
Music captures an ordinary moment from everyday life and, through the singer’s sensibility, turns it into a drama.
Music is truly wonderful.
When we talk about friendship with our friends, cultural expressions like music and literature have become indispensable.
All the gratitude and deep emotion for our friends—feelings too powerful for words—and the many shifts of the heart can surely be expressed through music.
We’ve picked out some hidden gems among Japanese friendship songs.
Give them a listen while thinking of your friends.
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Hidden gems of friendship songs: recommended popular tracks (21–30)
100% CourageHikaru GENJI
It’s a friendship song that has established a reputation as a hidden gem, known to those in the know as the first opening theme of the anime Nintama Rantarō.
As the debut work of a male idol with a charismatic presence, it remains popular among dedicated fans today as a youthful, underrated classic.
Thank youikimonogakari
A song with a gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that anyone can relate to.
Ikimono-gakari’s warm harmonies tenderly embrace delicate emotions.
Released in December 2010, this track was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Gegege no Nyobo.” It was created as a “vessel” for expressing various feelings of gratitude, and is often sung at graduation ceremonies and farewells among friends.
It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to sing your appreciation to someone important or convey a heartfelt “thank you” that you don’t usually say.
So SpecialAI
This is a friendship song by a radiant diva AI known for authentic gospel and R&B while delivering exquisite ballads.
It has become famous as a hidden gem, resulting in a work with a cool, stylish world that’s truly captivating.
Forever FriendsTakeuchi Mariya
When the phone rings, this heartwarming song conjures up the face of an old friend.
Mariya Takeuchi’s gentle vocals and buoyant sound flip through the pages of memory like a photo album, bringing back days that never fade.
The track was included on the October 1992 album “QUIET LIFE” and became familiar in living rooms across Japan as the song for Honda’s “Today” commercial.
It was also released as a single in September 1994.
The subtle homages tucked inside will make any music fan grin.
It’s a classic that seems to celebrate everlasting friendship—perfect for those moments when you feel like reaching out to someone you haven’t seen in a while, or for listening on the way to reunite with an old friend.
Above the cloudsKokoro no Suke
This piece is highly popular as a song that celebrates a deep bond with friends.
It’s a track Shinnosuke created around the theme of friendship with his longtime partner and producer, portraying a rival relationship that pushes both to grow.
The song is included on the EP “PURPLE,” released in August 2021, and it held the No.
1 spot on the Billboard JAPAN charts for four consecutive weeks.
It’s perfect for singing with friends at karaoke—why not crank it up and reaffirm that fiery friendship together?
sunflowerAdo
An inspiring message song that portrays the desire to keep moving forward, like a sunflower stretching straight toward the sun.
Set to a bright and refreshing melody, Ado’s clear, transparent vocals resonate deeply.
Despite grappling with low self-esteem and anxiety, the song is filled with courage and determination to take one step at a time, supported by the bonds with loved ones.
Released in July 2023, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together.” It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to express gratitude to a dear friend or when you want to change yourself.
The feelings of caring for someone and the resolve to move forward in your own way will surely strike a chord.
MiracleGReeeeN
A warm, heartfelt song that directly expresses gratitude and love for someone special.
Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES,” this track has a strong connection to the world of baseball, having been used for high school baseball entrance marches and as walk-up music for professional players.
Its sincere message pledging love that endures over time, combined with an upbeat yet emotionally rich melody, creates a harmony that gently envelops listeners’ hearts.
The sentiment of celebrating a meeting as a “miracle” and treasuring the days walked together as a “trace of our journey” is sure to resonate with everyone.