Bright friendship songs recommended for high school students. A collection of hype-up tracks.
If you’re a high school student, you probably have plenty of chances to come across songs about friendship in your everyday life, right?
Of course, you might listen to them regularly or sing them at karaoke, and you might even use a friendship song as the BGM for a message video you send for a friend’s birthday.
In this article, we’ll introduce upbeat friendship songs that perfectly fit a variety of situations like these.
We’ve focused on tracks by artists who are currently trending as well as those popular among younger generations, so feel free to use this as a reference.
If you listen while reading the lyrics, you’ll have an easier time finding the song that’s just right for you!
Bright friendship songs recommended for high school students. A roundup of hype/energetic tracks (1–10)
Dear.aNEW!chanyu i
A heartwarming number by Chanyu-i that sings of gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend and a bond that will never change.
It conveys honest feelings toward a friend—someone even more precious than a lover.
Originally released in December 2020, a band arrangement version came out in 2022 and was used as an insert song for a segment on ABEMA’s “High-Teen Bible.” It was written at the request of a best friend during the artist’s early childhood education student days, and the story of how it resonated widely on social media is lovely, isn’t it? This work reminds us anew of the importance of friends who stay by our side in both joyful and difficult times.
usual membersNEW!riria.
Lilia’s song vividly captures the precious time spent with the usual crew and the sparkle of youth.
It’s a warm, emotional track that reminds us of the irreplaceable friendships built in the everyday moments.
You can’t help but feel that wishful ache—if only those times laughing with friends could last forever.
Released in October 2022, the song was featured in Universal Studios Japan’s “Escape the Usual Tonight” commercial.
Ryo Nagano’s slightly mature sound design amplifies Lilia’s down-to-earth lyrics.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to in spring—when you’re meeting new companions and hoping to make many memories—while thinking of the dear friends who mean so much.
best friendSG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
footprint(s)Little Glee Monster
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!
MemoriesNiziU
Born from an audition show, NiziU has been captivating the world with their cute dancing and vocals.
Released digitally in February 2024, this track is an emotional pop song that blends the excitement and bittersweetness unique to spring.
It was chosen as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uni Spring 2024,” and it was also announced that it will be included on the mini-album AWAKE.
The message—depicting the moment when everyday life with friends, once taken for granted, becomes an irreplaceable treasure at the milestone of graduation—is sure to resonate with students in the same situation.
Believing that bonds won’t fade even when you’re apart, it’s the perfect song to express your gratitude to your cherished friends!
Futabaaimyon
This piece was written for the NHK special program “AIMYON 18 Matsuri” and released for streaming in March 2022.
It’s a moving mid-tempo number that Aimyon created after watching videos of worries and hopes sent in by 1,000 18-year-olds from across the country.
It also opens the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record,” gently singing about reaching toward the sky even while holding onto anxiety.
It’s perfect for telling friends who are graduating and going their separate ways both your gratitude and the feeling that “we’ll be okay even if we’re apart.” Its message—gather strength underground during uncertain times and one day let your own unique flower bloom—gives a quiet push to those setting off on a new journey.
All of them are classmates reunionzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
A track by the music unit ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.), led by ACA-ne.
It conveys the will to move forward true to oneself without being swayed by the surrounding atmosphere, expressed through distinctive wordplay and a rhythmic sound.
As the title “Reunion” suggests, it evokes a future where we meet again after walking our own paths—a perfect song for graduation season.
Released in June 2021 as a collaboration with the online RPG PSO2: New Genesis, it also drew attention as a Spotify TV commercial song.
The track is included on the album “Nobishigusa Korite Himagoi.” It’s an ideal number for those who want to send positive energy to friends—fighting in our own places even when apart, and someday meeting again with smiles.
f.r.i.e.n.d.sHirai Dai
Released in October 2025, this work is a heartwarming pop number themed around “friendship,” just as the title suggests.
It’s a song whose gentle sound and vocals really sink in, featuring a children’s chorus recruited through the fan club.
Its straightforward message that resonates with everyone—from adults to kids—is truly wonderful.
It’s a friendship song that makes you want to hum along with someone you love.
Blue SpringSUPER BEAVER
This is a 2016 song themed around memories of youth and human connections.
It features a powerful band sound and emotional vocals, portraying the bonds with loved ones and the idea that the friends from our youth live on in our hearts.
With its focus on clubs, friendship, romance, and everyday life, it’s a song that encourages and supports listeners—sure to be a source of strength for those in the midst of their youth.
It’s a track that brims with the freshness of youth, and one I truly hope you’ll listen to.
BEST FRIENDGReeeeN
A heartwarming number featured in the TV commercial song for Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute.
The lyrics, which speak to enduring friendship and the importance of companions who support each other even when apart, are sure to resonate with many.
The song, released in March 2013, was later included on the album “Iine! (´・ω・`)☆.” It was also used as a walk-up song by a professional baseball player.
This is a song you’ll want to listen to when parting from dear friends at times like graduation—a track that reaffirms an unchanging bond.