Friendship songs sung by idols: A collection of classic tracks celebrating bonds and gratitude with friends

Best FriendNEW!Kiroro

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

Kiroro’s “Best Friend” gently sings of gratitude for a dear friend and an unchanging bond.

Released as a single in June 2001, it became widely known as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Churasan.” Chiharu Tamashiro’s warm vocals and Ayano Kinjo’s piano melodies tenderly resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Expressing feelings for a best friend who always stands by your side, this song has long been cherished as a friendship anthem at graduation ceremonies and choir competitions.

It’s a heartwarming track that colors those irreplaceable moments spent with friends.

Thanks a tonNMB48

Thanks a ton

This is an irresistibly bright and cheerful thank-you song sung by NMB48, an idol group based in Namba, Osaka.

It’s included on Type-B of the single “Koi to Ai no Sono Aida ni wa,” released in February 2022.

Performed by younger members from the 7th to 8th generations, the track’s fresh vocals are especially appealing.

Alongside youthful scenes like running across a schoolyard, it conveys heartfelt feelings of “thank you” to friends.

The full version drew attention when it was first unveiled on the opening day of the “Nambariety” performance in December 2022.

You can also enjoy this track on the album “NMB13.” Words that feel too embarrassing to say might come out naturally with this song—try listening to it with your close friends.

You are my friend.UNISON SQUARE GARDEN

Kimi Ha Tomodachi

A signature ballad by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN that gently brings you closer to someone dear, with warmth like spring sunlight.

Featured near the end of their February 2013 album “CIDER ROAD,” this piece showcases a calm ensemble—distinct from their trademark high-speed rock—that’s part of its charm.

Through the act of calling someone’s name, it conveys a message of opening a slightly timid heart and reconnecting, making it perfect for this season of new encounters.

Rather than flashy words, vocals that feel palpably warm will surely give you a reassuring push.

Give it a listen when you want to be honest with someone important to you.

best friendSG

Best Friend (Soulmate) – SG (Official Lyric Video)

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.

FlenjerOtsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Frienger

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to cheer up a friend who’s feeling down, or when you want to cut loose together and laugh it off.

It was released in April 2006 as the 11th single.

Since it was used as the CM song for Toshiba mobile phones and as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sports Urugusu,” many people probably heard it often at the time.

The title is a unique coined word that combines “friend” and “sentai hero.” It’s a track packed with Ai Otsuka’s signature wordplay and a passionate embrace of friendship.

Friend ~ If you smilemiwa

miwa friend ~ If You Smile

A song where miwa portrays friendship in down-to-earth words: memories of laughing together, the bittersweet thought that you might drift apart someday, and still wanting to say “I like you” and “thank you.” It’s included on her first album, guitarissimo, released in April 2011, which debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.

Though not a single, it’s remained a live staple.

The gentle, acoustic guitar–centered sound and her clear, airy voice quietly nestle close to the listener’s heart.

The charm of this piece lies in its delicate distance—something that can be read as friendship or romance.

Perhaps that’s why it feels right to hear during seasons when relationships waver—graduations, moves, changes in life.

If someone special comes to mind, try humming along together.

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “Ashiato” Music Video

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!