Friendship songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular J‑pop hits

Hey, my friendMr.forute

Mr. Fōrute – Hey, My Friend [Official Music Video]

This song beautifully depicts the invisible bonds of friendship.

Written and composed by Mr.

Furbte’s vocalist, Tsukasa Inao, it was released as an advance digital single in January 2021.

Later included on the album “sweet life,” the track sets the precious ties between friends—and the ups and downs they overcome together—to a refreshing melody.

Starting in September of the same year, it was also chosen as the theme song for the Twitter drama “Itadakeba, Totoshi.” sponsored by the Nisshin Seifun Group, drawing attention as a track that colors the “delicious” moments of youth.

When you’re struggling to make memories with friends or want to express gratitude to your cherished companions, this song will be a reassuring ally.

Take Me MaybePenthouse

Penthouse – Take Me Maybe [Official Music Video]

Please consider gifting this song to friends you’ll be parting with upon graduation.

It’s a track by the six-member coed band Penthouse, included on their first album, “Balcony,” released in January 2023.

Warm and inviting, the piece blends a band sound with the gentle timbre of piano.

A highlight is the beautiful harmony of the two vocalists, Namioka and Oshima.

Many listeners will relate to the lyric: “Even if we’re far apart, you’re always in my heart.”

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Araki Jakkan

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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.

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

A warm, heartfelt song that directly expresses gratitude and love for someone special.

Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES,” this track has a strong connection to the world of baseball, having been used for high school baseball entrance marches and as walk-up music for professional players.

Its sincere message pledging love that endures over time, combined with an upbeat yet emotionally rich melody, creates a harmony that gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

The sentiment of celebrating a meeting as a “miracle” and treasuring the days walked together as a “trace of our journey” is sure to resonate with everyone.

spring melancholyMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Spring Melancholy

A popular song that poignantly portrays graduation and new encounters has been delivered by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Set at a medium tempo, it candidly sings about precious memories and farewells with friends.

The song carries the straightforward feelings of vocalist Motoki Omori, who wrote it the day after graduating high school, and it was also chosen as the theme for Suntory’s “Craft Boss” commercial.

While sensing how quickly student life passes, it depicts the realization that everyday repetition was actually a treasure, weaving in awkwardness when facing friends and the inner conflict of yearning and aspiration.

As spring arrives and the seasons change, the protagonist’s emotions—anxious about the future yet striving to look ahead—are carefully rendered alongside delicate melodies.

It’s a track we especially hope elementary school students working hard at their studies and club activities will listen to.

friendNMB48

Friends / NMB48 Nana Yamada, Sayaka Yamamoto

You know that feeling when you think, “With this person, I can keep walking together from here on”? Whether it’s because you’re alike or share the same hobbies, this is a gentle song about friends who can understand anything about each other.

“Tomodachi” (Friends) was released as a coupling track to “Rashikunai” by NMB48, an idol group active mainly in the Kinki region, on November 5, 2014.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to deepen your bond by singing this song as a duet at karaoke, so you can stay friends forever?

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miyabi

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CorrectRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – The Answer [Official Music Video]

Digital distribution started in January 2024, and the CD was released in February.

It’s a song that RADWIMPS created for the event “18-sai.” The lyrics, which support people at graduation or standing at life’s crossroads, are striking and give you the courage to find your own path.

It also touches on worries unique to youth, such as friendship and how to engage with society.

The fusion of choral and rock sounds feels fresh, making it a perfect track for graduation season.

It’s a song I’d love for anyone facing a life milestone to hear.