Among high school students, aren’t there many who often listen to friendship songs that celebrate the bonds between friends?
I’m sure many of you reading this have a favorite friendship song—whether it’s by a buzzworthy singer-songwriter, a band, or a Vocaloid.
In this article, we’ll spotlight friendship songs recommended for high schoolers, focusing especially on tracks that feel truly emotional when you listen to them.
We’ve selected a wide variety of songs across different genres and styles.
Be sure to listen closely while reading the lyrics, and find the one perfect song that speaks to you!
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Emotional friendship songs recommended for high school students (1–10)
Dear.achanyu 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.
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!
All of them are classmates reunionzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
A track by the music unit ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.), led by ACA-ne.
It conveys the will to move forward true to oneself without being swayed by the surrounding atmosphere, expressed through distinctive wordplay and a rhythmic sound.
As the title “Reunion” suggests, it evokes a future where we meet again after walking our own paths—a perfect song for graduation season.
Released in June 2021 as a collaboration with the online RPG PSO2: New Genesis, it also drew attention as a Spotify TV commercial song.
The track is included on the album “Nobishigusa Korite Himagoi.” It’s an ideal number for those who want to send positive energy to friends—fighting in our own places even when apart, and someday meeting again with smiles.
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.
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!
Futabaaimyon
This piece was written for the NHK special program “AIMYON 18 Matsuri” and released for streaming in March 2022.
It’s a moving mid-tempo number that Aimyon created after watching videos of worries and hopes sent in by 1,000 18-year-olds from across the country.
It also opens the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record,” gently singing about reaching toward the sky even while holding onto anxiety.
It’s perfect for telling friends who are graduating and going their separate ways both your gratitude and the feeling that “we’ll be okay even if we’re apart.” Its message—gather strength underground during uncertain times and one day let your own unique flower bloom—gives a quiet push to those setting off on a new journey.