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

Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This piece was written for the NHK special program “AIMYON 18 Matsuri” and released for streaming in March 2022.

It’s a moving mid-tempo number that Aimyon created after watching videos of worries and hopes sent in by 1,000 18-year-olds from across the country.

It also opens the album “Hitomi e Ochiruyo Record,” gently singing about reaching toward the sky even while holding onto anxiety.

It’s perfect for telling friends who are graduating and going their separate ways both your gratitude and the feeling that “we’ll be okay even if we’re apart.” Its message—gather strength underground during uncertain times and one day let your own unique flower bloom—gives a quiet push to those setting off on a new journey.

globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

This is the song chosen as the theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s film “The Boy and the Heron.” It’s a moving ballad that conveys a determination to keep walking forward on one’s own feet, even while experiencing missed connections and farewells along life’s journey.

Released as a single in July 2023, it was created by Kenshi Yonezu over the course of about four years as an expression of gratitude to the director he deeply admires.

Also included on the album “LOST CORNER,” the song reflects feelings for friends who are taking a different path—feelings that will not fade even if you’re far apart.

Its vocals, like a prayer for someone dear who has gone far away, will gently encourage a new departure.

Along with all the gratitude you’ve felt up to now, why not send this song to a cherished friend?

Words of FarewellGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Words of Gift

A song filled with passionate resolve to overcome the sadness of parting and vow to meet again.

GReeeeN’s “Okuru Kotoba” powerfully pushes forward those who carry the bonds of friendship into the future.

It’s not a cover of the classic song with the same title, but an original single released in October 2018.

Written as the theme song for the film “Run! T High School Basketball Club,” it serves as a cheer anthem that ties in with the story’s themes of setbacks and comebacks.

It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to link arms and sing with the friends you shared your club and school days with.

It’s sure to give courage and hope to men setting off into a new world.

Highly recommended as moving background music for graduations and farewell parties.

cherry blossomberii guddoman

Very Good Man – “Sakura” Music Video (Everyone’s Graduation Album Ver.)

This is a medium-tempo number by Berry Goodman, a three-member vocal unit from Osaka, that evokes the warmth of spring.

Rather than dwelling on the sadness of parting, the lyrics cherish feelings of gratitude and hope for the future, lifting listeners’ spirits.

Included on the concept album “Spring Spring Spring,” released in March 2017, the song was also used as the ending theme for MBS’s “ENT.” An MV was created using photos gathered through a listener-participation project, making it a track that has grown alongside everyone’s memories.

It’s perfect for graduations where you’ll miss your friends, or when you want to give someone a push as they head to a new place.

Believe in unchanging bonds and consider gifting this song that gives you the courage to move on to the next stage with a smile.

My friendZARD

My Friend (What a beautiful memory 2008)

A signature number by ZARD, famously known as the ending theme of the TV anime SLAM DUNK.

The lyrics woven by Izumi Sakai carry both the warmth of watching over “you” who keeps running straight ahead and the poignancy of a relationship that might one day change—each listen is enough to make your heart swell.

Released in January 1996 as their 17th single and opening the album TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY, this song became a million seller and is etched in the hearts of many fans.

It’s a perfect cheer song for those pivotal moments of youth—like retiring from a club activity or at a graduation ceremony.

Why not sing it at karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, reminiscing about those days? Its unfading melody will surely bring those feelings from back then vividly back to life.

All of them are classmates reunionzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.

Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni. “Aitsura Zen’in Dousoukai” MV (ZUTOMAYO – Inside Joke)

A track by the music unit ZUTOMAYO (Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.), led by ACA-ne.

It conveys the will to move forward true to oneself without being swayed by the surrounding atmosphere, expressed through distinctive wordplay and a rhythmic sound.

As the title “Reunion” suggests, it evokes a future where we meet again after walking our own paths—a perfect song for graduation season.

Released in June 2021 as a collaboration with the online RPG PSO2: New Genesis, it also drew attention as a Spotify TV commercial song.

The track is included on the album “Nobishigusa Korite Himagoi.” It’s an ideal number for those who want to send positive energy to friends—fighting in our own places even when apart, and someday meeting again with smiles.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?