A roundup of Japanese rock friendship songs: bands’ tunes about friends
There are lots of songs about friendship in the Japanese music scene, aren’t there?
Among them, can you think of any friendship songs by Japanese rock bands?
In this article, we’ll showcase a wide selection of friendship-themed songs released by bands over the years!
It’s perfect not only for those looking for music to listen to day-to-day, but also for anyone searching for songs to perform at a school festival or graduation live show.
As you listen, pay attention not only to the lyrics but also to the performance aspects of each track, and find your favorite song!
A roundup of Japanese rock friendship songs: Band-performed songs about friends (1–10)
You are my friend.UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
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.
Friend’s Songberii guddoman
A passionate number by Bring Good Mann that sings about friendship and bonds that don’t change, even when you’re apart.
The trio’s powerful harmonies and unpretentious words seem enough to blow away any anxieties about a new chapter in life! The lyrics carry a fiery message to a friend you rarely get to see, promising to accept both their complaints and their true feelings.
It’s included on the April 2018 album “SING SING SING 6,” as well as the best-of compilation “BEST BEST BEST.” This track also fired up the venue as the theme song for the “ABC Food & Smile Fes.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with a dear friend at the start of spring’s new beginnings—one that makes you want to shout, “How’re you holding up?!” to a friend fighting in a new environment.
Bye, my friendbokula.
A rock band from Hiroshima, bokula.
delivers a track packed with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.
The lyrics, which portray everyday moments with friends and the preciousness of irreplaceable time, will give a powerful push to a young man setting off on a new path.
Included on their second mini-album, “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the song has garnered wide support, surpassing 1 million views on YouTube.
It’s also known for winning the China Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards, cementing its strong reputation.
With a driving, uplifting sound that blows away the sadness of parting, it’s perfect for karaoke, arms around your friends as you sing along.
Believe that you’ll meet again with a smile someday, and send it as a cheer to a dear friend.
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.
Kizuna SongThe Back Horn
When it comes to sweeping rock ballads that shake the listener’s heart, this is the song.
Released as a single in January 2005, it was THE BACK HORN’s tenth release.
It was also used as an insert song for the video project “Kizuna Drama,” playing a key role in linking the story together.
Known for their intense rock sound, the band deliberately chose a gentle melody to depict the warmth of human relationships, creating a masterpiece.
It’s included toward the end of the acclaimed album “Headphone Children” and has long been cherished as one of the band’s signature ballads.
Words of FarewellFLOW
Okuru Kotoba, a bold cover of Kaientai’s classic, reimagined with a driving, youthfully charged punk sound.
Released as an indie single in January 2003 by the five-piece mixture rock band FLOW, the track garnered explosive support, especially among young listeners of the time.
Its energetic performance and fiery call-and-response between the twin vocalists blow away the sorrow of parting.
It was also selected as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV, becoming widely beloved.
Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru
Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.
Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.
Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.
Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.
How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?