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

Photo of three peopleKiroro

Photo of three people

Kiroro is a duo formed by high school classmates, beloved for their heartwarming songs that touch the soul.

“Three-Person Photo,” included on their first album, “Nagais Aida ~Kiroro no Mori~,” leaves a lasting impression with its light yet floating ensemble.

Its message—let’s each go our own way with this new departure, yet keep our bond unchanged—captures the feelings that only a graduation ceremony can evoke.

With clear, powerful vocals that stir the heart, it’s a graduation song especially recommended for women.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Dear FriendsPERSONZ

Parsons -DEAR FRIENDS- Version 1

The group you go to karaoke with is, of course, made up of close friends, and this is for those important companions.

If you sing—and listen—while putting your feelings into the strength of a bond that won’t change even after graduation, it’s bound to move you.

It may be an old song, but the greatness of friendship is timeless.

ReunionRADWIMPS

Reunion

Putting words to our gratitude for friends can feel a little embarrassing, right? For anyone who feels that way, I’d love to recommend the song “Reunion.” It’s included on RADWIMPS’ 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to” and its warm sound and lyrics expressing thanks to friends make it perfect for those graduating.

It lets you savor the joy of meeting many people during school life and finding some of them as friends.

Why not share this enduring friendship—something that won’t fade even as you each head down different paths—with students and graduates alike?

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mutō

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Dear my friendsshela

Shela herself sang “Dear My Friends” (cover)

Even if you graduate and have to part ways with your friends, this song will surely keep your bond connected.

It’s a track by shela, a Hokkaido-born singer who is also active as an actress, released in 2005 as her 13th single.

It drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “A Woman at a Turning Point.” With its beautiful string tones that draw you in, it’s a refreshing piece.

Parting with friends may be sad, but thanks to “Dear my friends,” you might just be able to wave goodbye with a smile.

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Araki Jakkan

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It’s goodbye, but it’s not goodbye.yamadakatsutenai Wink

It's goodbye, but it's not goodbye.

Yamada Katsutenai Wink wraps this classic spring song—one you want to hear around graduation season—in warm, gentle vocals.

Its melody, which sings of the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion, nestles close to the heart and gives you courage to face a new future.

Released in February 1991, the song was used as an insert track on Fuji TV’s “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With lyrics by Kuniko Yamada and music by KAN in beautiful harmony, it’s a gem of a message song that teaches us that parting is not an end but a beginning.

Listened to in the season of departures, it’s a wonderful, heartwarming cheer song that continues to be loved by many.

Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

This is a memorable ballad that warmly depicts the scenery of graduation season.

With his gentle voice, Dai Hirai delicately sings about the subtle emotional sway that mixes joy and loneliness at the moment of departure.

Expressing the complex feelings that come with life’s milestones like advancing to a new stage or graduating, alongside the calm scenery of spring, the piece is also notable for its elegant arrangement of piano and strings.

Released digitally in February 2022, it is also included on the album “LOVE＋PEACE.” It is a song that resonates with the arrival of spring, offering comfort to those setting off into new environments and to those parting from cherished friends.

I won’t forget the days with you.Te ga kuriimu pan

I won’t forget the days with you / Hands like cream bread (close to you / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

Written by Tega Cream Pan on the train on graduation day, this piece is a moving song filled with friendship, parting, and hope for the future.

Through everyday scenes like catching a train at the last minute and overflowing photos, it portrays bonds with friends that deeply resonate with listeners.

Released in March 2022, it was also selected as the opening theme for TBS’s Drama Stream series “Papa to Musume no Nanokakan” (Seven Days of a Dad and His Daughter).

It’s a perfect song to listen to at graduations, farewell parties, and other moments of parting with loved ones—and it’s also recommended when you want to look back on memories with friends or a significant other.