Friendship songs recommended for middle school students
Friends are treasures!
Here’s a quick introduction to a few songs that are popular with middle schoolers right now.
Many of them are major hits, but if there are any you don’t know yet, definitely add them to your playlist.
Reflect on your own feelings and, even just occasionally, say thank you to your friends and let them know you appreciate them.
Recommended friendship songs for junior high school students (1–10)
ChessboardNEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism, a four-piece band leading the scene with overwhelming pop sensibility and meticulous arrangements.
Released in September 2023 as a double A-side with the single “Nichijou,” this work was written specifically as the required piece for the junior high school division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
It was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” drew a huge response, and was showcased on year-end national programs.
The lyrics, which liken life’s journey and encounters to a checkerboard-patterned board, are sure to resonate deeply with students who are about to accumulate a wealth of experiences.
With its relaxed beat and warm melody, this stirring, emotional pop tune is perfect for deepening bonds with classmates at choir competitions, graduation ceremonies, and other occasions.
skyNEW!BE:FIRST
A warm message song by BE:FIRST that gently supports the delicate hearts of adolescents.
It was created as the set piece for the junior high school division of the 2025 NHK All-Japan School Chorus Contest.
The lyrics are striking in how they accept feelings of putting on a brave face and emotional instability, encouraging you that it’s okay to be just as you are.
Just as sunny days shine because there are rainy days, the song carries the idea that worries can also become nourishment for growth.
It is also scheduled to air on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it a perfect piece for students who want to deepen their bonds through choral singing and for anyone searching for their true self.
Because I want to be by your side.NEW!SHISHAMO
This song carries a warm message about wanting to better oneself into a caring, gentle person in order to stay by someone’s side.
The down-to-earth lyrics, sung over a refreshing melody, are so easy to relate to.
It’s a work by SHISHAMO, a band formed in Kawasaki City.
Released as a single in October 2019 and later included on the album “SHISHAMO 6,” this piece was written as a set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
It was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from August to September 2019, becoming widely beloved.
It’s the perfect song to sing together at important school events—like choir competitions and cultural festivals—where you want to deepen bonds with friends.
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.
Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster
I think there are many people who take fun, carefree days for granted, and maybe that’s the norm.
But when you listen to this song, it makes you realize just how happy and wonderful that really is.
I’d love for you to listen to this track with your friends especially when you’re having the time of your lives together.
Dear.achanyu i
A heartwarming number by Chanyu-i that sings of gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend and a bond that will never change.
It conveys honest feelings toward a friend—someone even more precious than a lover.
Originally released in December 2020, a band arrangement version came out in 2022 and was used as an insert song for a segment on ABEMA’s “High-Teen Bible.” It was written at the request of a best friend during the artist’s early childhood education student days, and the story of how it resonated widely on social media is lovely, isn’t it? This work reminds us anew of the importance of friends who stay by our side in both joyful and difficult times.
A promise beyond wordssana / HoneyWorks
It was the ending theme of the popular anime NARUTO, so I think some people might know it.
It’s a song that made me once again appreciate how great friendship is.
No matter how much you fight, in the end you make up and stay by each other’s side—that’s what friends are, and it made my heart feel warm.