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

Friend ShipHoshino Gen

Friend Ship

This is a gentle song that tenderly embraces the warm feelings of parting from and reuniting with someone important, and the hope of meeting again.

Gen Hoshino’s heartfelt vocals and the warm melody evoke the beauty of precious memories and bonds with friends.

Included on the album “YELLOW DANCER,” the track was written as the theme song for the film “Moriyamachu Driving School” and was also used in NTT Docomo’s “Docomo no Long Gakuwari” commercial.

During the “Continues” tour in September 2017, it was performed with passion at Saitama Super Arena.

It’s a heartwarming piece to listen to when you’re thinking of a dear friend you’ve been separated from, or when you’ve made plans to see each other again after a long time.

HarukaYOASOBI

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work spun from the story of a mug that has watched over someone’s half a lifetime.

In YOASOBI’s music-led tale, the mug sometimes illuminates life’s milestones and at other times gently embraces small moments of growth.

Everyday scenes sprinkled throughout vividly reflect the bittersweetness of partings and growing up that everyone experiences.

Released in December 2020, this work is based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince).

It has also been featured as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s LCD care toy “Puniruns” and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021 — Hakata: Festival of Goldfish,” garnering support from a wide audience.

It is a song that stays close to those who have parted with a cherished memento or who are facing a farewell with someone dear.

Always Youmilet

Always You

A heartwarming song that celebrates intimate bonds and deep friendship.

Released by milet in August 2022 as the theme song for the film “TANG,” the track debuted at No.

9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Created around the film’s message of “a journey to find life’s treasures,” it portrays friendship deepening as we discover the hidden charms in others, expressed through sweeping melodies and powerful sound.

It’s a perfect BGM choice for compiling memories with someone special into a video.

Infused with a universal message that connects people—one that only milet, who spent her adolescence abroad, could convey—this song is highly recommended for commemorating life’s turning points, such as graduations and farewell gatherings.

A Song for a FriendSonar Pocket

Sonar Pocket 'A Song for a Friend' [MV Short]

This pop tune by Sonar Pocket vividly sings about memories from a youth spent with cherished friends.

Nostalgic scenes from student life are depicted with rich emotion, and the unshakable bond with friends who have gone their separate ways is strikingly portrayed.

Released in February 2009, the song is also included on the album “Sonapokeism ①: The Shape of Happiness,” and is often performed at graduation ceremonies and farewell parties.

It’s a heartwarming piece meant to be listened to while thinking of friends who now live far away.

DREAMERIkuta Rira

DREAMER

This heartwarming song, set to a gentle acoustic tone, sings of a deep love for music and a passionate pursuit of dreams.

In Rira Ikuta’s true-to-herself words, it conveys a strong will to keep singing in her own way and gratitude toward the important people who support her.

Brimming with hope that shines like a starry sky, this work was included on the single “Hyakka Ryouran,” released in March 2025.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with friends while preparing for a school or cultural festival, as you cheer on each other’s dreams.

About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – About Me

A masterful song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that captivates with its grand rock ballad sound and heartfelt lyrics.

It gently asks what it means to live true to yourself, and how your own existence becomes visible through differences with others.

Its warm perspective resonates deeply, standing by those who, despite anxiety and loneliness, strive to move forward step by step.

Released in January 2019, it stirred the hearts of many as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

From November 2022, an orchestral arrangement was also featured in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s CalorieMate “Support for Exam Takers” commercial series, showcasing a new charm.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life, when you feel you might lose your way, or when you want to encourage someone dear to you.

We againSG

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

This song features vocals that seep into the heart, carried by a gently resonant melody.

Its message centers on parting and reunion, infused with compassion for friends setting off on new paths and the hope of meeting again someday.

Released in April 2021, it resonated widely on social media and gained support among young listeners.

Starting in November 2024, it was also featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, with a new version performed by the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble drawing attention.

SG’s clear, transparent vocals bring back warm memories of cherished times spent together.

It’s a track that gives you the courage to look ahead in moments of graduation, class reunions, or farewells with someone important—highly recommended.

It will especially strike a chord with high school students approaching graduation.