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

telepathyORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE - A Heartfelt Telepathy

This is a song with a universal message that our hearts remain connected even when we’re apart.

Centered on the bonds that transcend physical distance, it portrays heart-to-heart connections alongside a warm, uplifting melody.

Released in December 2004 as a track on the album “musiQ,” it was also featured in a commercial for au by KDDI, capturing the hearts of many.

The song was used as an insert track in the film “Check It Out, Yo!” and led to a collaboration with MONGOL800.

It’s a work where ORANGE RANGE’s diverse musicality blends beautifully with a technopop sound.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to when parting from dear friends or thinking of companions far away.

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.

OrangeSPYAIR

SPYAIR “Orange” Music Video (Theme Song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie)

This is a heartwarming song that celebrates the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of friendship.

Its melody, symbolizing bittersweet memories, and lyrics woven with a gentle yet powerful message evoke farewells and new encounters with cherished friends.

The track is included on SPYAIR’s EP released in February 2024 and was selected as the theme song for the film Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.

Capturing the hearts of many listeners, it ranked 8th on the streaming chart published on February 28.

The limited-time production edition also features a jacket with newly drawn artwork from the movie.

It’s a perfect song to listen to with dear friends during the season of graduation and partings.

I’ll call your name.SUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “I’ll Call Your Name” MV (Theme Song for the Film ‘Tokyo Revengers’)

It’s a heartwarming song that makes you feel a precious connection with someone.

With a powerful melody and a relatable message, it brings back memories of promises made at life’s milestones and the irreplaceable bond with close friends, resonating deeply in your heart.

As a rock number that conveys SUPER BEAVER’s sincere feelings, it has captivated many listeners.

Released as a single in July 2021, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Tokyo Revengers.” It beautifully merges with the movie’s themes of “reuniting with someone important” and “hope for the future,” expressing the film’s worldview through music.

This piece is perfect for times when you want to look back on memories with a best friend or when there’s someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to after a long time.

It reminds you of the warm feeling that, even when apart, hearts remain connected.

primary colorsYOASOBI

YOASOBI “RGB” Official Music Video

This song is perfect for expressing friendship.

Released in July 2021, it was also used as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” commercial and is based on the novel RGB.

Considered one of YOASOBI’s signature works, it vividly depicts a heartwarming story in which three friends who had grown apart reunite after 15 years and rediscover their bond.

It beautifully conveys the power of friendship—that hearts remain connected even when apart—paired with a melodic composition.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced parting from or reuniting with a friend.

It’s also recommended as background music for message videos or slideshows to express your feelings to someone special.

Ring Dingaimyon

Ring Ding

This is a song by Aimyon characterized by lyrics brimming with kindness and a catchy pop melody.

It watches over a friend who’s feeling down, offering a positive message while staying close to someone putting on a brave face, resulting in a heartwarming track that values honest emotional expression.

Included on the album “Seishun no Excitement,” the song was released in September 2017 and is known as an ambitious work that opened up new horizons for Aimyon.

Whether it’s parting with a friend, a graduation ceremony, or a wedding, it’s sure to resonate when you want to send words of encouragement to someone important.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A gem of a pop melody that portrays the precious friendships of adolescence.

Its warm feelings for friends at a parting and the vow never to forget those bonds are deeply moving.

Centered on themes of meeting and parting, growth and hope, it masterfully fuses driving rock sounds with lyrics that resonate in the heart.

Released as an indie single by Road of Major in September 2002, the song stayed in the top 10 of the Oricon chart for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing 900,000 in total sales.

In 2009, it was also featured in a Mazda commercial in Taiwan, drawing attention both domestically and abroad.

It’s a track you’ll want to play when making up with a friend or when reaffirming the bonds with those who matter most.

It’s also a perfect cheer song for anyone facing farewells such as graduation or transferring schools.