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!
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A roundup of Japanese rock friendship songs: Bands’ tunes about friends (81–90)
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
This is the signature song by the transplanted girl band ZONE, who went from dancing with instruments, through miming, to actually performing.
Its poignant lyrics, which yearn for a reunion ten years later, became very popular and have been covered many times.
In recent years, it’s well known as the ending theme of the popular anime “Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai” (We Still Don’t Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day).
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu
They formed the band when Kitagawa, who saw Iwasawa first performing as a street musician, insisted on inviting him to make music together.
The two met in elementary school, but they reportedly started becoming close in middle school when they were in the same class.
Gravity zero-gravityShonen Naifu
This rising, climbing sound has an indescribably pleasant feel.
Shonen Knife, loved by Kurt Cobain of NIRVANA, is a proud girls’ rock band.
It’s simple, yet you can feel their love for pure punk.
It’s a song that makes you sense the refreshing bond of friendship.
Best FriendNishino Kana
This song tenderly and deeply celebrates the value of friendship.
Kana Nishino’s gentle yet powerful vocals beautifully express gratitude toward a close friend.
Released in February 2010 and featured as the campaign song for NTT Docomo’s “Ganbare Jukensei ’09–’10,” it captured the hearts of many.
The lyrics convey the importance of bonds and mutual support between friends, warming the listener’s heart.
It’s the perfect track for reminiscing about memories with friends or expressing your appreciation.
Be sure to listen to it together with someone special.
Omouta — Thinking of My FriendsKiyosaku
Well-known as a JT commercial song, the ‘Omouta’ series features Kiyosaku from MONGOL800 singing with a ukulele in hand.
Each song shares the same melody but has different lyrics and a different recipient; this one, ‘Omouta — Thinking of Friends,’ is dedicated to friends.
Among the series, it has the most pop, lively arrangement, depicting casual exchanges and everyday moments with friends.
It’s not just about the present—it’s a heartening friendship anthem that makes you feel this bond will continue far into the future.
The world goes crazy for your smile.Bando ja nai mon!
Among fans, the idol-style girls’ rock band Band Ja Naimon! is affectionately called “Banmon.” Their cute, idol-like music videos are popular with fans.
Since Misako, the drummer of the rock band Shinsei Kamattechan, wrote some of their lyrics, the rock pedigree definitely runs through their music.
A Collection of Japanese Rock Friendship Songs: Bands’ Songs About Friends (91–100)
Foerver FriendsD-51
Included on the 2008 album “BEST OF D-51.” A pop duo from Okinawa Prefecture who began activities in 2003.
As you listen to the vocals singing lyrics addressed to someone they’re parting from—set to a mid-tempo, lively rhythm and a melody that feels like walking with a light step—it really stirs something inside.