[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!
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[For High School Students] A Collection of Touching Friendship Songs (1–10)
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.
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.
[For High School Students] A Collection of Moving Friendship Songs (11–20)
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.
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!
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.
BEST FRIENDGReeeeN
A heartwarming number featured in the TV commercial song for Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute.
The lyrics, which speak to enduring friendship and the importance of companions who support each other even when apart, are sure to resonate with many.
The song, released in March 2013, was later included on the album “Iine! (´・ω・`)☆.” It was also used as a walk-up song by a professional baseball player.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to when parting from dear friends at times like graduation—a track that reaffirms an unchanging bond.