Emotional friendship songs recommended for high school students

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is an evocative duet that overlays memories of the past with present emotions shared with a dear friend.

Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda blend their voices to portray the innocence of a youth that remains unforgettable even in adulthood, as well as the way relationships change amid days of missing each other.

Included on the October 2017 album “BOOTLEG,” the song carries a wish to remain unchanged even while being swept up in daily life.

It’s truly a perfect track for school and cultural festivals, where friendship and bonds are key themes.

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

A moving message song about facing adversity and the bonds between friends from Official HIGE DANDism.

Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers, released in May 2021, the track boasts remarkable achievements.

In May 2022, it surpassed 100 million views on YouTube and received Triple Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

With its innovative musicality—featuring as many as ten key changes—and lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview, it won the hearts of not only anime fans but countless listeners at large.

Singing of friendship, perseverance, and hope for the future, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to reaffirm the value of camaraderie or who finds themselves at a crossroads in life.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work spun from the story of a mug that has watched over someone’s half a lifetime.

In YOASOBI’s music-led tale, the mug sometimes illuminates life’s milestones and at other times gently embraces small moments of growth.

Everyday scenes sprinkled throughout vividly reflect the bittersweetness of partings and growing up that everyone experiences.

Released in December 2020, this work is based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince).

It has also been featured as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s LCD care toy “Puniruns” and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021 — Hakata: Festival of Goldfish,” garnering support from a wide audience.

It is a song that stays close to those who have parted with a cherished memento or who are facing a farewell with someone dear.

primary colorsYOASOBI

YOASOBI “RGB” Official Music Video

This song is perfect for expressing friendship.

Released in July 2021, it was also used as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” commercial and is based on the novel RGB.

Considered one of YOASOBI’s signature works, it vividly depicts a heartwarming story in which three friends who had grown apart reunite after 15 years and rediscover their bond.

It beautifully conveys the power of friendship—that hearts remain connected even when apart—paired with a melodic composition.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced parting from or reuniting with a friend.

It’s also recommended as background music for message videos or slideshows to express your feelings to someone special.

Sketchaimyon

AIMYON – Sketch [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is a moving song that portrays the warm friendship between Nobita and Doraemon.

Set to be released in March 2025, it serves as the theme song for the film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Picture-World Story,” crafted with gentle sensitivity by Aimyon.

Aimyon herself is a huge fan of Doraemon, and there’s even an episode where, during supervision, she and voice actress Wasabi Mizuta embraced in tears.

The piece conveys Nobita’s awkwardness and Doraemon’s tender, embracing gaze, evoking precious memories and friendships that everyone holds dear.

It’s a perfect song filled with heartfelt feelings for friends, ideal for weddings, farewell parties, and more.

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.

Ring Dingaimyon

Ring Ding

This is a song by Aimyon characterized by lyrics brimming with kindness and a catchy pop melody.

It watches over a friend who’s feeling down, offering a positive message while staying close to someone putting on a brave face, resulting in a heartwarming track that values honest emotional expression.

Included on the album “Seishun no Excitement,” the song was released in September 2017 and is known as an ambitious work that opened up new horizons for Aimyon.

Whether it’s parting with a friend, a graduation ceremony, or a wedding, it’s sure to resonate when you want to send words of encouragement to someone important.