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: Band-performed songs about friends (1–10)
proofflumpool
A number by flumpool produced in 2011 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High School Division) and also broadcast on “Minna no Uta.” The bond with friends is something invisible to the eye, but the time spent together and the days of crying and laughing side by side surely remain in our hearts.
This work sings about that unseen yet undeniable certainty that we are companions.
It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also included on the album “experience.” Not only the fun times, but even the clashes—everything was necessary to deepen the bond.
It’s a song that gently gives a push to friends facing life’s milestones, such as graduation or moving on to the next stage.
Express Ticket and RhythmConton Candy
Written as the theme song for the film “Zenbu of Tokyo,” released in October 2024, this track marks a major milestone for Conton Candy as their first movie theme song.
Its exhilarating guitar sound and lyrics depicting the struggles of youth set against the city of Tokyo leave a strong impression.
Loveless words and unpleasant memories of the past are all reset by a loved one’s smile—imbued with the purity and strength that come with youth.
Vocalist Tsumugi has said the song was created with the message “I want you to be yourself,” conveying a wish for listeners not to forget their own colors even amid a chaotic city.
It’s a masterpiece we highly recommend to anyone who can relate to the conflicts of adolescence and the hope for the future.
Youth and a momentmakaroni enpitsu
A heartwarming song that captures the casual brilliance and fleeting nature of youth.
With a driving melody and sentimental lyrics, it conveys the importance of everyday moments spent with friends and the joy of watching each other grow.
It tells us that the time shared with a bored-looking friend in the classroom after school will one day become a shining memory.
Released as a digital single in March 2019, it was later included on the album “season,” released in September of the same year.
It was also featured in a McDonald’s commercial and selected as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24 series “I Dreamed of That Girl.” As a work that vividly portrays the passion of teammates practicing together for sports festivals and the image of young people striving to cherish each moment, it is a song we hope many students will listen to.
A roundup of Japanese rock friendship songs: Bands’ songs about friends (11–20)
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.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN is a rock band that captivates countless hearts with both cool rock sounds and ballads, pairing warm words with grand melodies that feel like they can take you anywhere.
Even within their gentle words, feelings of sorrow and inner conflict seep through as lyrics, letting us experience their unique storytelling.
“Tomodachi no Uta” is a captivating song that reflects on days spent with friends or a loved one, expressing through beautiful words and recollection that even through farewells or while struggling in the dark, you will surely never be forgotten.
Cherry BombSilent Siren
Contrary to their cute voices and visuals, Silent Siren’s “Cherry Bomb” kicks off with a gritty, hard-hitting bass sound.
Is this what they call a good kind of gap? It totally grabs my heart.
This song reminds me of when I first met my current friends.
BestieBAND-MAID
A BAND-MAID song born from a collaboration with Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger, celebrating a bond that transcends borders.
The lyrics—written entirely in English—carry a sense of kindness and warmth toward an irreplaceable best friend.
Its emotional melody, shining through the heavy rock sound, feels like a message of gratitude and trust for companions who’ve shared many years together.
Released in April 2024 and included on the album “Epic Narratives,” the track also received an emotional first live performance with the co-writer himself on stage at Tokyo Garden Theater in May of the same year.
Listen while thinking of a dear friend, and you may find yourself rediscovering just how much they mean to you.