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

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)EXILE

EXILE / Michi (Short Ver.)

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.

Beloved daysyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

Young Skinny’s “Beloved Days” is a song about feelings for a dear friend—the kind of friend you want to stay with even if you can’t understand everything about each other.

It’s included on the 2023 EP If Only We Could Find Happiness in Anything.

At school, there are people you click with and people you don’t, and it’s hard to be close with everyone.

Still, even with someone whose hobbies differ from yours and whose opinions rarely align, you might catch an unguarded expression or simply feel an inexplicable vibe and find yourself liking them—and becoming friends.

This song heightens the desire to cherish friends like that forever.

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SAKI

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Our JourneyKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Our Journey] Music Video

Sung by Kaneyori Masaru, this song is a warm friendship anthem that gently wraps memories of days spent with friends and hopes for the future.

Its pop melody and cute vocals vividly capture the sparkle of youth.

The track is included on their fourth mini-album, “Namiutsu Kokoro o Mochinagara,” set for release in February 2024.

It has also been chosen as the theme song for the Lemino original drama “Houkago Teibou Nisshi,” drawing considerable attention.

It’s the perfect song to listen to with school friends or to perform at cultural and school festivals.

It will surely deepen the bonds you share with your cherished companions.

Life goes onKing&Prince

King & Prince「Life goes on 」MV YouTube Edit

Even when things go wrong, King & Prince’s “Life goes on” is an uplifting track that makes you feel tomorrow will surely go better.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Hold My Hand at Sunset,” starring group member Ren Nagase.

The lyrics portray precious friendship and youth, so why not listen while thinking of your irreplaceable friends? Even if you’re going through something tough, you’re not alone—and your heart will surely brighten.

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miyabi

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Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya - Hello, My Friend (In Memory of Ayrton Senna)

Still reigning as the pop queen of the Japanese music scene, Yumi Matsutoya’s classic “Hello, my friend,” released in 1994, remains a song cherished by many for the way it reflects on a dear friend.

The lyrics, which convey the loneliness of being separated from someone you loved and candidly express those feelings to a friend or a lover, really resonate.

Matsutoya’s richly expressive voice amplifies that emotion even more.

It’s a timeless masterpiece passed down across generations, and one I can truly recommend to today’s students as well.

SONG 4 UGReeeeN

GReeeeN / SONG 4 U

It’s a straightforward friendship song that sings, “No matter how much time passes, I want us to stay in a relationship where we can laugh together like we do now.” It’s a track by the popular music group GReeeeN, known for hits like “Kiseki” and “Hoshikage no Yell,” and it’s included on their 12th album, Rockin’ Beats, released in December 2022.

The lyrics, which convey the joy of having met and gratitude for an irreplaceable presence, are moving to tears.

Surely you, too, have someone you feel this way about.

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Araki Jakkan

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GIVE ME FIVE!AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

If you want to make graduation more than just tears, choose this song! It’s a hit by the popular idol group AKB48, released in 2012 as their 25th single.

Many people have probably heard it, since it was used in docomo commercials and more.

Its appeal lies in the exhilarating sound that blends band instrumentation with brass.

It has the power to blow away the haze that’s been lingering in your heart.

The message that “graduation isn’t an end, but a beginning” really hits home, too.

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Araki Jakkan

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