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 (41–50)
DREAMERIkuta Rira
This heartwarming song, set to a gentle acoustic tone, sings of a deep love for music and a passionate pursuit of dreams.
In Rira Ikuta’s true-to-herself words, it conveys a strong will to keep singing in her own way and gratitude toward the important people who support her.
Brimming with hope that shines like a starry sky, this work was included on the single “Hyakka Ryouran,” released in March 2025.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with friends while preparing for a school or cultural festival, as you cheer on each other’s dreams.
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.
Ring Dingaimyon
It’s a song that thoughtfully portrays care and compassion for a friend.
The protagonist encourages a friend who’s feeling down, sometimes with tough love and sometimes with gentle words, showing a sincere willingness to face them honestly.
While the melody is uptempo and poppy, the lyrics are filled with deep friendship and empathy.
It’s included on Aimyon’s first album, “Seishun no Excitement,” released in September 2017.
The album also features popular tracks like “Ikite Itanda yo na” and “Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai.” This piece is perfect for anyone who wants to reaffirm a cherished bond with a friend or who feels the desire to encourage someone.
You are you.SMAP
Although they boasted solid name recognition as a male idol group, SMAP became legendary after their breakup; this is one of their hidden friendship songs.
While it tends to be overshadowed by their more famous tracks, it remains popular among core fans, and its simple portrayal of friendship makes it an approachable piece.
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.
Friendgagaga supi
A punk tune that passionately and energetically sings of heartfelt thoughts and gratitude for friends.
Released in May 2013 by Gagaga SP, a band based in Kobe, this rock number was also selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime Mushibugyō.
The lyrics, which straightforwardly express feelings for friends who chased their dreams with all they had in their youthful days, leave a strong impression.
It’s recommended as a song to give when you want to convey thanks to a dear friend, or for milestone events such as graduations and weddings.
friendNMB48
A song celebrating the importance of friendship breathes life into NMB48’s lyrics.
It portrays friendship in everyday life and the value of supporting one another, moving the hearts of fans.
The lyric “Don’t put on airs—be as you are” emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself.
This work is included on the album ‘Teppen Tottande!’ released in July 2017.
It’s recommended for those who want to reaffirm the bond with a best friend or renew their gratitude toward someone important.
NMB48’s catchy sound and heartfelt lyrics are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.