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

Best FriendKiroro

Best Friend – Kiroro (Full)

Speaking of Kiroro, many of their songs are so popular that they’re even sung at school graduation ceremonies, making them perfect for scenes of friendship and bonds.

Each word carried by their gentle melodies resonates deeply in the heart.

The song “Best Friend” introduced here expresses gratitude for the trusted friend who was there to help during hard times and brought back a smile.

Listen to it while thinking of your beloved friend, and when you see them next, try sharing your everyday appreciation.

Friend ~Time of Departure~yuzu

Yuzu “Friend ~The Time of Departure~”

With their unchanging vocals since debut and lyrics that resonate deeply, Yuzu have earned strong empathy from people across Japan.

This is a youth anthem dedicated to students setting out on a new journey.

Although released in 2013, what Yuzu—who have created many moving ballads such as “Eikou no Kakehashi”—want to convey is about the future that begins after you set off.

When you lose your way on the path ahead or no matter what happens, remember the people who support you.

The song carries a gentle yet powerful message that we are always connected in our hearts.

proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

This is “Akashi” by flumpool, released in 2011.

It was created as the set piece for the middle school division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

The song celebrates the preciousness of friendship and the joy of having friends.

While it doesn’t spell out clear sentiments like “the best” or “thank you,” you can’t help but resonate with the feelings toward friends that seep through the lyrics.

Wrapped in a gentle sound, Ryuta Yamamura’s vocals are clear and expansive, and it’s very pleasant to listen to.

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I’m glad I met you.Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue – “I’m Glad I Met You” (short ver.)

Released digitally in 2016, Sonoko Inoue’s “Kimi ni Deaete Yokatta” is a highly popular graduation song.

She actually wrote it when she was a senior in high school, making it a truly “real high school friendship song.” It conveys a message of deep gratitude to friends: even the things I couldn’t handle alone, I was able to overcome because you were there.

It’s the perfect song for expressing thanks, and it’s a number that reminds you of how precious your friends are.

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My Best FriendLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster 『My Best Friend』Music Video-Short Ver.-

When you’re a student, you often spend almost every day with your close friends or your significant other—during classes, breaks, after school, on the way home, and even in your private time, right? Because you’ve shared both the happy and the tough moments together, I think it’s wonderful that you can keep smiling no matter what happens.

Little Glee Monster’s “My Best Friend,” just as the title suggests, is a bright and poppy song about your number-one friend.

Like the members having a blast in the music video, let’s sing this song and forget about the bad stuff!

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “Ashiato” Music Video

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!

Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Himawari no Yakusoku” Music Video

When it comes to male singer-songwriters with soothing, gentle vocals, Motohiro Hata comes to mind.

He has such a clean image that you feel like anyone who likes him must be a good person.

His representative song about friendship, “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower), is especially famous.

It was also used as the theme song for the animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon.

Many students experience being separated from friends due to transferring schools or changing classes.

This song expresses the desire to stay together forever with trusted friends or someone you love, so listening to it can help you rediscover how important your friends are.