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

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?

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?

We’ll go togetherSnow Man

Snow Man「Weʼll go together」Music Video YouTube Ver.

Graduation season brings the excitement of a new environment along with the sadness of parting from familiar friends.

This song, included on Snow Man’s 10th single released in February 2024, gently accompanies those wavering emotions.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Sensei, Sayonara,” starring group member Shota Watanabe.

Its warm melody evokes hope even within heartache, and its strong message—let’s keep walking forward together—strikes a chord.

It seems to tell us that even if we’re separated, the time we shared won’t disappear, and we’ll always be friends.

Why not send this song, which gives you the courage to face forward despite anxiety and inner conflict, to a dear friend as a token of gratitude?

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.

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.

Loved oneFOMARE

FOMARE “The One I Love” Official Music Video

This song by FOMARE, a rock band from Takasaki, Gunma, channels their overflowing feelings for the places and people they love in a straightforward way.

With a driving band sound, it powerfully sings of the preciousness of everyday life we once took for granted and of bonds that remain unchanged even when we’re apart.

Released in June 2021 and later placed as the opening track on the album “midori,” the song also drew attention as the CM song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uniharu 2022.” It’s a perfect track for graduates who want to express gratitude to friends, teammates, and the places that supported them.

As listeners leave their familiar days behind and step into a new world, the song offers a warm cheer to gently push them forward.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band whose members are also expanding their careers as actors.

Released in 2021 as their 14th single and used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success,” this track drew attention as a co-written piece by vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu.

The lyrics express gratitude to the important people who always support us and the sense of security that comes from having a place to return to—sentiments that resonate with graduates facing both anxiety and anticipation.

The lively shuffle beat, inspired by a marching song, may give you the courage to take a new step forward.

How about listening to this classic, also included on the album “TRIANGLE,” on the day of your departure?