Emotional friendship songs recommended for high school students

Beautiful DaysHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Beautiful Days (Lyric Video)

A gentle anthem that accompanies the making of precious adolescent memories.

Dai Hirai’s acoustic melodies and warm vocals give a push to young people taking their first steps toward the future.

Riding on a calm yet powerful sound, it sings of hope in the darkness, the value of seemingly uneventful days, and the anticipation of a new departure.

Since its release in March 2025, the piece has drawn attention with a confirmed tie-in to an animated production.

The album “Life is Beautiful,” which also features a collaboration with Taro Hakase, reached No.

1 overall on iTunes.

It’s a song that supports students preparing and practicing for their school festivals, resonating with their hearts and helping them reaffirm the bonds with their cherished friends.

One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu

ATARASHII GAKKO! – One Heart (Official Music Video)

As a cheer song coloring a page of youth, a moving track was released by ATARASHII GAKKO! in March 2025.

Conveying the importance of living true to yourself and packed with the courage to face forward together with your friends, this work deeply resonates with the younger generation.

With powerful vocals and dynamic dance performances, it’s full of strength that seems to blow away the anxieties and doubts everyone feels.

Written specifically as the theme song for Bourbon’s “Fettuccine Gummi” commercial, the music video—filmed together with 300 fans—has been crafted into an inspiring visual that unites the hearts of its viewers.

It’s the perfect song not only for students feeling uneasy while preparing for school festivals and cultural events, but for anyone about to take a new step forward.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!（MV）

A groovy, catchy pop song that celebrates the beauty of friendships that never change with time.

Blending Shingo Kubota’s sophisticated arrangement with imase’s light, breezy vocals, this piece gently sings about the awkward small talk of seeing an old friend after a long time, the kind of bond that lets you remain innocently childlike no matter how many years pass, and the precious ties that last a lifetime.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaborative project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, it also features an epic special video created with over 120 performers alongside imase.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you reunite with a best friend after a while or when you’re looking back on memories with cherished companions.

Best FriendNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'

A heartwarming ballad celebrating the bonds of friendship! This song by Kana Nishino expresses her feelings for a close friend.

With lyrics filled with sentiments like “I’m so glad you’re here” and “I’m overflowing with gratitude,” it’s sure to resonate with many.

Released in June 2010, it was also featured as the campaign song for NTT Docomo’s “Ganbare Jukensei ’09–’10.” Perfect for those facing farewells with dear friends or feeling anxious about a new environment.

Listening to this piece may help you look back on your memories and find the courage to take a new step forward.

Dear My FriendsNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'

Kana Nishino is very popular among women of her generation, with many songs that seem to speak for cute feelings of love and bittersweet emotions from a woman’s perspective.

Her song “Best Friend” might be perfect for high school students, don’t you think? As a high schooler, you probably have lots of worries—studies, love, and more.

But with a best friend, you can casually open up and ask for advice.

This song especially packs in the gratitude girls feel toward their friends.

It might be a great one to dedicate to a dear friend.

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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.

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.