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

MemoriesNiziU

NiziU 「Memories」 Dance Performance Video (One Take ver.)

Born from an audition show, NiziU has been captivating the world with their cute dancing and vocals.

Released digitally in February 2024, this track is an emotional pop song that blends the excitement and bittersweetness unique to spring.

It was chosen as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s “Uni Spring 2024,” and it was also announced that it will be included on the mini-album AWAKE.

The message—depicting the moment when everyday life with friends, once taken for granted, becomes an irreplaceable treasure at the milestone of graduation—is sure to resonate with students in the same situation.

Believing that bonds won’t fade even when you’re apart, it’s the perfect song to express your gratitude to your cherished friends!

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.

I wish you lots of happinessnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Sachi Are [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.

A heartwarming cheer song written and composed by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu, which drew attention as a newly penned piece.

Its positive message—encouraging us to find happiness in the little moments of everyday life—is like a prayer of “good fortune to you” for friends graduating and stepping into new environments.

Carried by Naniwa Danshi’s bright, refreshing vocals, this song reassures you that even when you’re apart, your hearts remain close, turning the sadness of parting into hope.

Included on the single “The Answer / Sachiare,” released in April 2022, it also served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV,” delivering a burst of energy every morning.

Why not gift it to cherished friends who feel a bit anxious about their new beginnings, as a way to gently nudge them forward with your familiar smile?

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.

BFFMrs. GREEN APPLE

BFF

The loneliness of being separated from a dear friend, and the wish to stay connected no matter what.

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “BFF” gently embraces those complex feelings.

Released toward the end of their July 2023 album “ANTENNA,” this track bears a title that means “best friend,” yet it goes beyond a simple friendship song, becoming a profound ballad that tenderly accepts distance and the passage of time.

When you want to reaffirm the bonds you share with your companions, give it a listen.

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.

Sakura rollFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Sakura Roll” Official Lyric Video

With the arrival of spring, the song that makes me want to listen is Masho Funatsu’s “Sakura Roll,” released in March 2021.

The title is a coined word that blends “sakura” (cherry blossoms) with a smartphone’s “camera roll,” a clever touch that layers the fleeting season with the enduring nature of memories.

This piece, graced by the soothing sound of acoustic guitar, features high school singer Ren on chorus; the overlap of their voices creates a beautiful harmony where warmth and wistfulness coexist.

The lyrics capture a contemporary feeling—the desire to etch fleeting moments into the heart like photographs—and gently resonate with those facing graduation or a new chapter in life.

It’s a highly recommended song to send with gratitude, while reflecting on days spent with friends or a loved one.