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)
Dance of YouthSenchimirimentaru
A powerful, supportive song by Centimillimental that portrays the preciousness of friendship and emotional growth.
It vividly depicts moving forward step by step with cherished friends—through tears, laughter, and even stumbles.
Released in May 2021, this track is an upbeat tune where a gentle melody, like being wrapped in warm light, intertwines with a driving beat.
When you want to express gratitude to the friends who have stood by you in life’s important moments, sending this song with heartfelt feelings will surely resonate with them.
THE GIFTHirai Dai
Hirai Dai’s gentle singing voice soaks into the heart in this song.
It’s included on the album “THE GIFT,” released in July 2019, and was written as the theme song for the animated film “Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration.” Promises made under the moonlight, memories of days spent together, and the miracle of meeting—he likens the bond with a loved one to a “gift,” singing with tenderness and strength.
Its warm message—that our hearts remain connected even when we’re apart—is sure to resonate with many.
It’s a recommended track for those moments when you want to savor your gratitude for irreplaceable people—friends, lovers, and family.
Hidden gem friendship songs. Recommended popular tracks (31–40)
FRIENDS!!!imase
This is a heartwarming song that gently celebrates the beauty and importance of friendship.
It carefully portrays the bond with close friends who understand each other the moment they meet, the awkwardness of reconnecting after a long time, and the feelings toward a tie that never changes.
Featuring a groovy rhythm and light, breezy vocals, this piece was specially written by imase for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.
Released in February 2025, it was accompanied by a special video featuring over 100 performers.
It’s the perfect track to color those irreplaceable moments spent with cherished friends—whether as BGM for club activities and cultural festival prep, or as a message song dedicated to your friends.
Hey, my friendMr.forute
This song beautifully depicts the invisible bonds of friendship.
Written and composed by Mr.
Furbte’s vocalist, Tsukasa Inao, it was released as an advance digital single in January 2021.
Later included on the album “sweet life,” the track sets the precious ties between friends—and the ups and downs they overcome together—to a refreshing melody.
Starting in September of the same year, it was also chosen as the theme song for the Twitter drama “Itadakeba, Totoshi.” sponsored by the Nisshin Seifun Group, drawing attention as a track that colors the “delicious” moments of youth.
When you’re struggling to make memories with friends or want to express gratitude to your cherished companions, this song will be a reassuring ally.
StrongerEXILE
It’s a hidden friendship song by EXILE, who have grown into artists representing men as charismatic leaders of dance-vocal groups.
While it may be less well-known than their famous dance tracks, it stands out as a powerful piece—a hidden gem in Japanese music.
You’ve Got a Friend in MeRandy Newman
The warm melody that plays at the start of Disney/Pixar films is a classic that gently embraces viewers’ hearts.
Randy Newman’s composition, themed around irreplaceable friendship, blends elements of country and pop to create an inviting, approachable song.
Included on the soundtrack released in November 1995 and issued as a single the following year, the piece has continued to appear in various arrangements throughout the film series.
In 2002, it was nominated for an Academy Award, cementing its status as one of Disney’s signature songs.
Notable artists such as Michael Bublé have covered it, further expanding its appeal.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to feel the bonds you share with loved ones or be soothed by heartwarming music.
You are my friend.Hirai Ken
A captivating song by Ken Hirai that expresses treasured memories with friends and irreplaceable moments through the warmth of purely a cappella music.
Through meticulous recording work, it achieves a rich, band-like sound.
Portraying the depth of friendship—empathizing with each other’s smiles and tears and supporting one another—through a gentle melodic line, the track was released in May 2004 and reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Wonderful Life.” This heartwarming piece is perfect for important occasions when you want to convey gratitude to friends—such as weddings, birthdays, and graduations—delivering a heartfelt “thank you.”