Friendship songs to listen to in March: introducing graduation songs and songs of gratitude to friends

GraduationOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Yutaka Ozaki delivers a work that captures the clumsy emotions of youth in their entirety with his powerful singing voice.

Frankly portraying the feelings of young people—such as the sense of suffocation in school life and distrust toward adults—this piece carries a universal message about the thirst for freedom felt within the school days that everyone experiences.

Released in January 1985 and peaking at No.

20 on the Oricon charts, it was issued as the lead single from the album Kaikisen (Tropic of Cancer).

Later, in 2016, it was also featured as the commercial song for a web-exclusive short film by a casual clothing chain, continuing to resonate with many people across generations.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re wavering between ideals and reality or questioning the norms of society.

Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]

A track bursting with the exhilaration of sprinting through the wind! Its bright melody and powerful rhythm bring a buoyant sense of elation.

The lyrics, infused with a positive message, blend perfectly with the light, lively sound, resulting in a piece that feels like it gives you the courage to step into a new world.

It was also beloved as the theme song for the drama “Yamada Taro Monogatari,” encouraging many people along the way.

It’s the perfect song for a drive wrapped in the warmth of spring, with a gentle breeze at your side!

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Here is a graduation song filled with bittersweet feelings, bathed in the gentle light of spring.

The melody woven by Takaya Kawasaki delicately conveys, with his tender vocals, the emotions of a protagonist who cannot express their feelings in a classroom where cherry blossoms dance in March.

The soft metaphor of likening a boy who can’t be honest about his feelings to a rabbit is especially striking.

Released in January 2021, this piece is also included on the album “Nukumori,” and it has soothed the hearts of many.

It’s a song you’ll want to play while driving through the city, carried by a fresh spring breeze.

Perfect for the graduation season, for moments of reminiscing about youth, or for warming thoughts of someone dear.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A graduation-themed song with a poignant love story layered over the cherry blossom season leaves a strong impression.

Hinatazaka46’s clear, pure vocals gently embrace memories of the past and feelings that were never confessed.

It’s the group’s 13th single, released in January 2025, with Nao Kosaka serving as center.

The music video, set on a graduation day, was released in December 2024.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the season when the arrival of spring brings back nostalgic feelings.

Highly recommended for students approaching graduation and for anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako

Takako Matsu – When Spring Comes Tomorrow

A gem of a melody played as if to celebrate the arrival of a new season, carried by the refreshing spring breeze.

Takako Matsu’s clear voice gently wraps nostalgic memories and the hope of reunion.

Feelings for someone devoted to baseball, cherished places shared with a loved one—vivid snapshots of youth are drawn and resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in March 1997 as her debut, it was featured in an NTT commercial and reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts.

Lyrics by Yuji Sakamoto, music and arrangement by Daisuke Hinata, the song is polished and refined.

It’s perfect for a drive under gentle spring sunshine—highly recommended for those starting a new chapter or wishing to look back on precious memories.

When the warm weather lifts your spirits, this song will be there, close to your heart.

GraduaterShiina Hekiru

Graduater

Known for its powerful vocals and uplifting message that champions youth, this is a must-have fan favorite at Hekiru Shiina’s live shows.

It vividly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they cherish bonds with friends and companions while stepping forward toward their own future.

Even when faced with setbacks and doubts, the unwavering will to keep looking ahead and fighting on resonates deeply, carried by a passionate melody.

Since its release in January 1998, it has been widely supported by fans and was included on the album “Baby Blue Eyes.” The guitar work featuring DAITA from SIAM SHADE further enhances the song’s appeal.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone about to take a new step or for those who want to cheer on someone striving toward their dreams.

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki

Snow in March (Live)

This is a coming-of-age ballad capturing a spring scene twenty days after graduation.

With a gentle melody and tender vocals, it expresses young people’s anxieties and hopes about change, as well as the fleeting time spent with dear friends.

Amid an unseasonal snowfall, the image of walking shoulder to shoulder with friends is portrayed in a way that resonates deeply.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka.” released in September 1991, this piece is captivating for its calm, warm poetic worldview.

It is a classic you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring, a song that offers solace to those facing life’s turning points and harboring feelings about the changing days.