RAG MusicTeens
A wonderful classic

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

I think high school students meet their friends at school every day, talking, hanging out, and spending irreplaceable time together.

Would you like to listen to some friendship songs that celebrate the bonds with those friends—your lifelong treasures?

In this article, we’ll introduce songs that sing about different kinds of friendship and bonds!

Friendship between girls, friendship between boys, lyrics that especially resonate with those in school clubs… and more.

You’re sure to find songs that perfectly match the relationship between you and your friends.

The songs we’re about to introduce will surely add wonderful color to your youth!

Recommended friendship songs for high school students: Classic and popular Japanese hits (1–10)

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

When it comes to rock bands that are active globally both in Japan and abroad, ONE OK ROCK comes to mind.

With Taka’s piercing high-tone vocals, stylish lyrics that mix English and Japanese, and overwhelming live performances, they’re hugely popular among students.

One of their songs about friendship is “C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.” It looks back on days spent joking around and talking about dreams, and sings about a friendship cultivated through those times—one that will keep going without end.

Omouta — Thinking of My FriendsKiyosaku

Well-known as a JT commercial song, the ‘Omouta’ series features Kiyosaku from MONGOL800 singing with a ukulele in hand.

Each song shares the same melody but has different lyrics and a different recipient; this one, ‘Omouta — Thinking of Friends,’ is dedicated to friends.

Among the series, it has the most pop, lively arrangement, depicting casual exchanges and everyday moments with friends.

It’s not just about the present—it’s a heartening friendship anthem that makes you feel this bond will continue far into the future.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN is a rock band that captivates countless hearts with both cool rock sounds and ballads, pairing warm words with grand melodies that feel like they can take you anywhere.

Even within their gentle words, feelings of sorrow and inner conflict seep through as lyrics, letting us experience their unique storytelling.

“Tomodachi no Uta” is a captivating song that reflects on days spent with friends or a loved one, expressing through beautiful words and recollection that even through farewells or while struggling in the dark, you will surely never be forgotten.

Friendship songs recommended for high school students: Classic and popular Japanese hits (11–20)

AcaciaBUMP OF CHICKEN

“Acacia,” the 25th single by BUMP OF CHICKEN, was released in 2020.

The song serves as the theme for the special Pokémon music video “GOTCHA!”.

It’s a track that perfectly fits the Pokémon world, evoking themes like friendship and adventure.

With lyrics that resonate deeply—very much in BUMP’s signature style of friendship songs—it’s a piece many can relate to, especially if you’re working toward the same goal or striving together with someone.

If you laugh at the skywacci

wacci “If You Laugh at the Sky” Music Video
If you laugh at the skywacci

This song, wacci’s “Sora ni Waraeba,” perfectly embodies the phrase “fiery friendship.” It was released in July 2018 as the first of four consecutive monthly digital singles.

Many people are working hard at their studies, club activities, or toward their future dreams, and setbacks are common.

In those moments, it’s easy to feel alone, but this song reminds us that there’s always someone cheering us on and that friends are by our side.

It might be a great song to give to a friend who’s feeling defeated or down.

Dear My FriendsNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Best Friend (short ver.)'
Dear My FriendsNishino Kana

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.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI

Kiroro is a female musical duo consisting of vocals and piano.

This is their 2001 release, “Best Friend.” It was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan and was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it a hit.

The lyrics are filled with lines that would make you blush if a friend said them to you directly.

When vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro’s clear, straightforward voice rides over the gentle melody, it feels incredibly comforting.

It’s a friendship song that warms the heart.