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

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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Dear Sir or Madam, on this day when cherry blossoms fluttermafumafu

[MV] Dear Sir/Madam, On This Day When Cherry Blossoms Flutter Down / Mafumafu [Shonen Janmaga Gakuen]

A heartwarming coming-of-age story by Mafumafu that vividly captures the emotion of spring as cherry blossoms dance in the air.

The song’s structure is striking, beginning with gentle piano melodies and unfolding into an exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm.

It delicately weaves universal themes of school-day memories, friendship, and farewells, highlighted by a warm vocal delivery that feels close to the listener’s heart.

Included on the album “Kagurairo Artifact,” released in October 2019, it was also used as the theme song for the website Shonen Janmaga Gakuen.

It’s a track to listen to when you want to feel the tender memories of student days, the arrival of spring, or when you’re going through a parting from someone important.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

This is a youthful rock ballad by My Hair is Bad, also included on their sixth album, “ghosts.” Released digitally in June 2024, it was written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary,” which premiered in August of the same year.

The lyrics, depicting the shifting emotions from meeting to parting and then to a new departure, leave a strong impression.

The song captures a sense of hope for the future while cherishing precious memories.

Its warm tone makes it a perfect fit for a movie ending theme and resonates deeply.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to reminisce about their youth or overcome a farewell with someone important.

Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Youth and a Moment” MV

A heartwarming song that captures the casual brilliance and fleeting nature of youth.

With a driving melody and sentimental lyrics, it conveys the importance of everyday moments spent with friends and the joy of watching each other grow.

It tells us that the time shared with a bored-looking friend in the classroom after school will one day become a shining memory.

Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was later included on the album “season,” released in September of the same year.

It was also featured in a McDonald’s commercial and selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Dreamed of That Girl.” As a work that vividly portrays the passion of teammates practicing together for sports festivals and the image of young people striving to cherish each moment, it is a song we hope many students will listen to.

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

This song is marked by a melody and lyrics that gently envelop the warm memories of friendship.

Included on bokula.’s mini-album “Living by Your Side.” released in May 2022, it conveys the universally shared experiences of parting from friends and reminiscing, all in a heartwarming mood.

The melody is refreshing yet emotionally rich, resonating deeply with listeners.

Heard in spring—the season of graduations and farewells—it brings an even keener sense of the preciousness of days gone by.

With a comfortable sound that fuses pop and rock, the melodic lines carefully portray the value of each fleeting moment spent with friends and the enduring strength of bonds that never change.

It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced farewells with loved ones or who want to reaffirm the beauty of friendship.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

An uplifting song that delicately captures the sparkle and bitterness of youth has emerged from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

This piece expresses the fragility of life and the passage of time, cherishing memories while conveying the anticipation of new encounters.

It’s a gem that traces the wavering hearts of young people—where light and shadow intertwine—set to a buoyant melody.

Featured on the album “Unity,” the track has served as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery” since April 2024.

A bold work from Mrs.

GREEN APPLE following their return to activity and winner of the 66th Japan Record Awards, it’s sure to resonate in scenes that deepen friendships at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Highly recommended for those who value the bonds they share with their companions.

Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

A moving message song about facing adversity and the bonds between friends from Official HIGE DANDism.

Written specifically as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Revengers, released in May 2021, the track boasts remarkable achievements.

In May 2022, it surpassed 100 million views on YouTube and received Triple Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

With its innovative musicality—featuring as many as ten key changes—and lyrics that brilliantly capture the anime’s worldview, it won the hearts of not only anime fans but countless listeners at large.

Singing of friendship, perseverance, and hope for the future, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to reaffirm the value of camaraderie or who finds themselves at a crossroads in life.