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

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

This ballad by Yuuri beautifully portrays the bonds between people, using stars shining in the night sky as its motif.

Its warm lyrics, which liken encounters with loved ones and mutually supportive relationships to stars nestling close together, resonate deeply.

The emotional vocals, piano, and strings weave a grand sound that makes the message even more striking.

Released in November 2021, the song was written as the theme for the popular drama “SUPER RICH.” In October 2023, it achieved the milestone of surpassing 500 million total streams.

It’s a heartwarming piece perfect for moments when you want to feel the bonds with someone special from your youth or express gratitude to someone.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A graduation-themed song with a poignant love story layered over the cherry blossom season leaves a strong impression.

Hinatazaka46’s clear, pure vocals gently embrace memories of the past and feelings that were never confessed.

It’s the group’s 13th single, released in January 2025, with Nao Kosaka serving as center.

The music video, set on a graduation day, was released in December 2024.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the season when the arrival of spring brings back nostalgic feelings.

Highly recommended for students approaching graduation and for anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Best FriendNishino Kana

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] 'Best Friend' MV Full

A heartwarming ballad filled with gratitude and love for friendship.

Kana Nishino’s straightforward lyrics, which express her feelings for her friends, truly resonate.

Released in February 2010, the song was also used for NTT Docomo’s exam-support campaign.

Even if you feel things like, “Because you were there, every day was fun,” or “No matter how many times I say thank you, it’ll never be enough,” it can be a bit embarrassing to say them directly.

Listening to this song together with the people you care about in spring—when graduations and new school terms bring change—can help you reaffirm your feelings for each other and take the first step together into a new stage.

Team friendsChiba Yūki

Yūki Chiba – Team Tomodachi (Official Music Video)

A warm song that etches bonds with friends and memories with your crew into your heart.

Yuki Chiba’s gentle vocals really sink in.

The repeated phrase “Team Tomodachi” in the chorus powerfully conveys a sense of unity with your mates.

Released in February 2024, this track blew up on social media! The music video, filmed with around 80 local friends, feels like a festival.

Listening to it will surely make you think of your own cherished friends.

It’s perfect for turning up the energy at karaoke or creating memories with your crew.

You are here.wacci

wacci “You Are Here” Music Video

It’s precisely because we have someone precious that we can move forward.

This song is filled with that warm message.

A gently comforting melody and vocals that are both powerful and delicate resonate, leaving a deep impression on the listener’s heart.

Written specifically as the ending theme for the TV anime “Backflip!!,” it perfectly matches the story of the bonds within a boys’ high school rhythmic gymnastics team.

Consider gifting it when you want to say “thank you” to dear friends or teammates, for birthdays or new beginnings.

Dance of YouthSenchimirimentaru

センチミリメンタル “Seishun no Enbu” Music Video

A powerful, supportive song by Centimillimental that portrays the preciousness of friendship and emotional growth.

It vividly depicts moving forward step by step with cherished friends—through tears, laughter, and even stumbles.

Released in May 2021, this track is an upbeat tune where a gentle melody, like being wrapped in warm light, intertwines with a driving beat.

When you want to express gratitude to the friends who have stood by you in life’s important moments, sending this song with heartfelt feelings will surely resonate with them.

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.