[For High School Students] A Collection of Friendship Songs to Give on Birthdays

A Song for a FriendSonar Pocket

Sonar Pocket 'A Song for a Friend' [MV Short]

This pop tune by Sonar Pocket vividly sings about memories from a youth spent with cherished friends.

Nostalgic scenes from student life are depicted with rich emotion, and the unshakable bond with friends who have gone their separate ways is strikingly portrayed.

Released in February 2009, the song is also included on the album “Sonapokeism ①: The Shape of Happiness,” and is often performed at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.

It’s a heartwarming piece meant to be listened to while thinking of friends who now live far away.

Hey, my friendMr.forute

Mr. Fōrute – Hey, My Friend [Official Music Video]

This heartwarming song depicts the bonds of friendship and the importance of continuing to chase your dreams.

Included on the album “sweet life,” released in March 2021, the track expresses the invisible yet undeniable connection with friends through a powerful band sound.

The rhythmic guitar riffs and energetic drums combine to revive refreshing memories of youthful days.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the Twitter drama “Itadakeba, Totoshi.” released in September 2021, resonating with Gen Z listeners.

It’s a perfect pick for a surprise video for a dear friend’s birthday or as background music for a birthday party, so consider choosing it to help create lasting memories.

5 o’clock chimenamu abedabutsu

Namu Abeda Buddha - “5 O’Clock Chime” (Official Music Video)_NAMUABEDABUTSU

This is a coming-of-age love song that gently portrays a tender, budding romance, using an after-school classroom and the chime at dusk as its motifs.

The straightforward lyrics by Namuabedabutsu and the breezy sound blend in perfect balance, wrapping everyone’s bittersweet memories in warmth.

It delicately captures pure youthful feelings—like affection for a bashful smile and emotions left unspoken.

Released in February 2021, the track also shines with the bright, open atmosphere unique to an 18-year-old rock band known for their signature aloha shirts.

Featured on the albums “We Are Eternal” and “We Don’t Know Love,” it has earned support as one of the band’s signature songs.

It’s perfect as BGM for a friend’s birthday video—a wonderful track overflowing with feelings for someone special.

Untitled TodayHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Untitled Today (Lyric Video)

This song gently weaves the importance of everyday, unassuming moments with a warm vocal delivery.

It’s one of the tracks included on the album “Life Goes On,” released in February 2021, and it has surpassed 100 million plays on social media.

The sound, blending calm acoustics with gospel-style chorus, harmonizes beautifully with Dai Hirai’s warm voice.

This work reminds us of the beauty of spending simple, ordinary time with someone special, making it perfect for a friend’s birthday party or as background music for videos.

Filled with hope for the future and gratitude for peaceful daily life, Dai Hirai’s gentle message resonates deeply in this moving track.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

A gem of a love song that delicately captures the bittersweetness of unrequited love through the once-a-year special day of a birthday.

The loneliness of not receiving a “Happy Birthday” from the one you like, and the hope that today you’ll finally find the courage to confess your feelings, press upon the heart alongside a beautiful melody.

back number’s February 2019 single was selected as the theme song for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” produced by Takeshi Kobayashi.

It’s also perfect for those looking for a track to use as BGM at a dear friend’s birthday party or in a surprise video.

When you want to convey your feelings through music, this is a song you’ll want to keep close to your heart.