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

No matter how old (you are)miwa

miwa “No Matter How Old We Get” Music Video

A birthday marking one more year.

It’s nice to offer congratulations and express gratitude, but it might also be good to send a message from a different angle.

That’s where “Ikutsu ni Natte mo” comes in.

This song was written by the singer-songwriter miwa for the coming-of-age film Ouran High School Host Club.

Its lyrics convey the desire to keep the relationship unchanged no matter how many years pass.

With its high-energy vibe, it also fits lively, festive atmospheres.

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treasurewacci

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a coming-of-age song wrapped in a warm singing voice and gentle melody.

Released in August 2017 on the album “Nichijo Dramatic,” this celebrated track by wacci praises the wonder of meeting cherished people and the beauty of friendship.

It is also known for being used as speed skater Miho Takagi’s go-to song when she won the gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

Featuring a soothing piano tone and the warm vocals of wacci’s lead singer Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece is perfect as background music for a video gift on a friend’s birthday or as part of a surprise event.

It’s a highly recommended song for moments when you want to say “thank you” to someone special or look back on shared memories.

Happy birthday to myselfnakanekana

Nakane Kana – Happy Birthday to Myself

Kanakana NAKANE has an unusual background—she even passed the training program for the Shiki Theatre Company as a teenager.

Many of you might know her from the humor-packed song that blew up on TikTok, “Motesugite Kusa, Sasotete Mori.” Here’s her self-celebratory birthday anthem, “Happy Birthday, Myself,” in which she wholeheartedly praises her own existence.

It’s a catchy track filled with the spirit of “If no one’s going to celebrate me, I’ll celebrate myself!!” It’s perfect as background music for big birthday gatherings—an uplifting, highly recommended song that livens up any venue.

Friends Friends FriendsMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Friends Friends Friends

A warm, heartwarming song themed around eternal friendship.

Momoiro Clover Z delicately conveys encounters and farewells, and the importance of irreplaceable bonds with their nuanced vocals.

The melody gently embraces feelings not only of friendship, but also for that special someone you think of—be it a lover or family.

Included on the album “Hydra,” this work is an anniversary song released in May 2024 to commemorate the group’s 15th anniversary.

It’s a song provided by singer-songwriter Ryujin Kiyoshi, his first contribution in about eight years, beautifully expressing his distinctive worldview.

Recommended as a finale-ending song for school and cultural festivals, and as a memorable track shared with friends and companions.

futureKobukuro

Kobukuro “Mirai” film “orange” version

A heartwarming ballad dedicated to those who live life with all their might.

This gem of a song layers gentle compassion for others with wishes for the future.

Released in December 2015, it was written as the theme song for the film “orange” and was later used as a tie-in track for the anime series as well.

With Kobukuro’s signature powerful harmonies and a melody line that resonates deeply, this piece leaves a lasting impression.

Performed on a school festival stage, it will tenderly color the bonds with dear friends and the memories of student days.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

A heartwarming song that captures the casual brilliance and fleeting nature of youth.

With a driving melody and sentimental lyrics, it conveys the importance of everyday moments spent with friends and the joy of watching each other grow.

It tells us that the time shared with a bored-looking friend in the classroom after school will one day become a shining memory.

Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was later included on the album “season,” released in September of the same year.

It was also featured in a McDonald’s commercial and selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Dreamed of That Girl.” As a work that vividly portrays the passion of teammates practicing together for sports festivals and the image of young people striving to cherish each moment, it is a song we hope many students will listen to.

Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Kimi no Tame no Kimi no Uta [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s a heartwarming song that exquisitely weaves together the grand history of the universe and encounters between people.

With Takaya Kawasaki’s gentle vocals and the warm sound of an acoustic guitar, it carefully threads feelings for someone special.

Originally included on the July 2018 album “I believe in you,” the track was re-released by Victor Entertainment following an indie release from S-Rise Music/Flying Voice Inc.

While invoking a vast sense of scale—such as the world’s population and the history of the cosmos—it sings of the miracle of meeting the one you love.

It’s perfect not only as background music for creating a birthday surprise video, but also as a BGM choice for expressing gratitude to a dear friend.