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[For High School Students] A Collection of Touching Friendship Songs
When it comes to friendship songs, countless tracks have been released over the years.
There are songs about same-gender friendships and male-female friendships, ones that look back on shared memories, and ones that express gratitude.
The lyrics cover a wide range of themes, and the musical styles vary as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce moving friendship songs we want high school students to hear, carefully selected from among the many out there.
We focused mainly on tracks by artists who’ve been in the spotlight recently, so you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Be sure to listen to the songs we’re about to introduce while reading along with the lyrics!
[For High School Students] A Collection of Touching Friendship Songs (1–10)
Dear.aNEW!chanyu i
A heartwarming number by Chanyu-i that sings of gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend and a bond that will never change.
It conveys honest feelings toward a friend—someone even more precious than a lover.
Originally released in December 2020, a band arrangement version came out in 2022 and was used as an insert song for a segment on ABEMA’s “High-Teen Bible.” It was written at the request of a best friend during the artist’s early childhood education student days, and the story of how it resonated widely on social media is lovely, isn’t it? This work reminds us anew of the importance of friends who stay by our side in both joyful and difficult times.
best friendSG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Ora-tachi no Kyōryū Nikki,” I felt this track resonates with anyone who grows through repeated meetings and farewells.
Released digitally in June 2024 and closing out the album “ghosts,” it carries the message that every day that has passed connects to who we are now.
In the lyrics—Tomomi Shiiki’s first to be written with “someone else” in mind—there’s a kindness that embraces not only the happy moments but even sorrow.
It’s a warm number that tells us the time spent with that precious “you” becomes the strength to move into the future.
When you want to reaffirm your gratitude for friends and family, or when you’re feeling a bit unsure of yourself, listening to it will surely give you a push forward!
footprint(s)Little Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster is a vocal group whose overwhelming singing ability moves listeners to the core.
Their 16th single, “Ashiato” (Footprints), released in September 2020, is a grand number penned by the members themselves that gives you the courage to keep moving forward even in times of uncertainty.
Its powerful lyrics, which seem to affirm their own journey, are perfect for looking back on the days spent with friends during graduation season, when everyone sets off on separate paths.
Written as the required piece for the Junior High School division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” the song has become widely loved as a choral piece.
It’s a moving track we hope you’ll listen to when you want to send thanks and cheers for the future to the dear friends with whom you’ve laughed and supported each other along the way!
Gazing up, the sky is blueHata Motohiro
This heartwarming medium-tempo ballad sung by Motohiro Hata reminds us that parting isn’t an end, but the beginning of new days.
The gentle tones of the acoustic guitar and his clear, “voice of steel and glass” tenderly soothe hearts weighed down by anxiety or loneliness.
One of the song’s greatest charms is how it portrays a strong bond that remains even when people are apart—without ever using the word “goodbye.” It drew attention when it aired from March 2019 as the theme song for SoftBank’s “Graduation” TV commercial, and it was later included on the album Copernicus.
It’s the perfect song to give to a dear friend you’ve spent so much time with, conveying gratitude for the past and a heartfelt “let’s keep walking together” for the future.
MemoriesNiziU
Born from an audition show, NiziU has been captivating the world with their cute dancing and vocals.
Released digitally in February 2024, this track is an emotional pop song that blends the excitement and bittersweetness unique to spring.
It was chosen as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uni Spring 2024,” and it was also announced that it will be included on the mini-album AWAKE.
The message—depicting the moment when everyday life with friends, once taken for granted, becomes an irreplaceable treasure at the milestone of graduation—is sure to resonate with students in the same situation.
Believing that bonds won’t fade even when you’re apart, it’s the perfect song to express your gratitude to your cherished friends!
f.r.i.e.n.d.sHirai Dai
Released in October 2025, this work is a heartwarming pop number themed around “friendship,” just as the title suggests.
It’s a song whose gentle sound and vocals really sink in, featuring a children’s chorus recruited through the fan club.
Its straightforward message that resonates with everyone—from adults to kids—is truly wonderful.
It’s a friendship song that makes you want to hum along with someone you love.
Until we meet againHirai Dai
A heartwarming ballad that portrays departure and the hope of reunion.
Dai Hirai, known for his refreshing surf-music sound, released it as a single in 2015.
It was later included on the album “Slow & Easy.” Set to gentle acoustic instrumentation, the song carefully weaves together the sorrow of parting and the wish to meet again with a tender “see you,” slowly seeping into the listener’s heart.
It’s a perfect companion for moments of separation—like graduation or job transfers.
It also fits when you want to look back on memories with friends and express your gratitude.
language of flowersNeil
The song “Hanakotoba,” which entrusts friendship to flowers, is a warm, heartening track.
It was released digitally by Warner Music Japan in July 2025.
With lyrics penned by Neil, the magical words that encourage a downcast friend are truly moving.
The refreshingly cool synths and tight beats also bring out the clarity of the vocals.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to believe in a friendship that remains unchanged, even when you’re apart.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE
This is a ballad that makes you want to express gratitude to the friends who stood by your side when you’re at a crossroads in life.
Released by EXILE in February 2007 as their 23rd single, the song warmly reflects on the days spent walking together, with themes of graduation and new departures.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became the 1,000th song in Oricon history to top the chart, marking a milestone.
It was featured in MTI’s “music.jp” commercial and selected by the National Karaoke Business Association as a recommended song for the graduation season, resonating with many listeners.
First included on the album “EXILE EVOLUTION,” it was later featured on releases such as “EXILE BALLAD BEST.” Loved as a staple performed at graduation ceremonies, a choral version was also produced.
When you and your dear friends begin to walk separate paths, it gives you the courage to move forward while holding your memories close.
Even when you’re apart, your hearts remain connected.
It’s a song that makes you feel exactly that.