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 playing songs about friends (21–30)
Song of CandyBUMP OF CHICKEN
A gem-like ballad by BUMP OF CHICKEN that sings of deep bonds and trust.
Featured on the album “orbital period,” this song explores the essence of “believing.” It portrays a relationship so profound that one completely trusts the other—so much so that even betrayal might go unnoticed.
Fujiwara Motoo’s delicate lyricism unfolds through cosmic-scale storytelling of the two’s encounter and the “candy” as a symbol imbued with a soul.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or for anyone who wants to trust someone deeply.
Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody will gently embrace the listener’s heart.
doppelgängerkessoku bando
Kessoku Band’s friendship-themed song offers a profound portrayal of self-awareness and inner conflict.
The way it acknowledges personal weakness and strives to overcome it is deeply moving.
Released in August 2024 as the opening theme for the theatrical compilation BOCCHI THE ROCK! Re:/Re:Re:, it pairs emotional guitar sounds with a powerful, soul-stirring message.
It’s a perfect recommendation for those struggling to face themselves or navigating a period of growth.
Capturing the complexities of adolescence with remarkable clarity, this piece is sure to resonate with your heart.
FRIENDS!!!imase
This is a heartwarming song that gently celebrates the beauty and importance of friendship.
It carefully portrays the bond with close friends who understand each other the moment they meet, the awkwardness of reconnecting after a long time, and the feelings toward a tie that never changes.
Featuring a groovy rhythm and light, breezy vocals, this piece was specially written by imase for “Everyone’s Concert,” a collaboration project between the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation.
Released in February 2025, it was accompanied by a special video featuring over 100 performers.
It’s the perfect track to color those irreplaceable moments spent with cherished friends—whether as BGM for club activities and cultural festival prep, or as a message song dedicated to your friends.
Thank you, God.Sugata Masaki × Nakamura Tomoya
A heartwarming song that sets bonds with friends and everyday gratitude to a gentle melody.
Co-written by Masaki Suda and Tomoya Nakamura in August 2020, it portrays the importance of friendship—supporting one another even while facing life’s difficulties and anxieties.
Their vocals, both powerful and warm, gently convey the courage to keep moving forward and a sense of appreciation for one’s companions.
The track is also included on the album “COLLAGE,” and its memorable music video, which creates a feeling of warm encounters, features Tori Matsuzaka appearing as a photographer.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when celebrating a friend’s new journey or reflecting on time spent with friends.
one’s true feelingssumika
A new sumika song powerfully appeals to the importance of friendship.
It portrays someone facing the inner conflict of “Maybe I should give up… no, I don’t want to give up!” yet pushing forward, supported by the bonds with their teammates.
Released in December 2020 as the support song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, this piece shows how, even when confronted with hardships, the presence of friends who have sweated and grown together becomes the driving force to keep chasing dreams without giving up.
Many listeners will feel their hearts stirred by Kenta Kataoka’s heartfelt vocals.
It’s also recommended for adults who want to reminisce about their youthful days!
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
It’s a ballad marked by a heartwarming melodic line and lyrics brimming with hope.
Focusing on the intimate relationships My Hair is Bad portrays, the song’s gentle guitar tones and piano lines tenderly accompany the listener.
Carefully weaving the shifting emotions from meeting to parting, it’s a gem that softly embraces a forward-looking spirit for the future.
Released in June 2024, it’s included on the album “ghosts.” It was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary,” perfectly matching the film’s world.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when reminiscing about precious times with friends or when striving to face farewells with optimism.
Alongside nostalgic memories, it will give you the courage to take a new step forward.
OrangeSPYAIR
This is a heartwarming song that celebrates the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of friendship.
Its melody, symbolizing bittersweet memories, and lyrics woven with a gentle yet powerful message evoke farewells and new encounters with cherished friends.
The track is included on SPYAIR’s EP released in February 2024 and was selected as the theme song for the film Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.
Capturing the hearts of many listeners, it ranked 8th on the streaming chart published on February 28.
The limited-time production edition also features a jacket with newly drawn artwork from the movie.
It’s a perfect song to listen to with dear friends during the season of graduation and partings.