Popular Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

CHARMWANIMA1rank/position

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A song by WANIMA characterized by a powerful punk-rock sound and an uplifting message.

Included on their major-label first album “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018, it was also used in commercials for Kikkoman and “Juken ni in Jelly.” The lyrics convey a sense of connection that transcends the bond and distance between the band and their fans.

Teaching the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to have the courage to move forward even in difficult times, this track is recommended for those who want to reaffirm friendship and bonds.

Feel meGolden Child2rank/position

[M/V] Feel me | 골든차일드(Golden Child)

This is Golden Child’s 3rd single, released in November 2023.

It’s a fast-paced track with lyrics that strikingly portray the group’s bond.

The song gives you strength to move toward the future, along with the trust and love among teammates that can only be built by spending time together.

It will resonate with the feeling of reassurance you get when friends are by your side.

You can also feel a hopeful message that spring will surely come, making it not only a great friendship song but also a recommended cheer-up anthem.

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KEI

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Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN3rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

Best FriendKiroro4rank/position

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

This is the 10th single by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa, released in June 2001.

Chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Churasan and performed at the 52nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, it has been loved across generations.

Written by vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro as a thank-you to pianist Ayano Kinjo, the song resonates with heartfelt emotions born from the two sharing joys and hardships since their high school days.

In 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for the Japanese-dubbed version of the film The Good Dinosaur.

With lyrics expressing gratitude to a friend who stays by your side, it’s perfect for graduation season.

Singing it at a graduation ceremony while reflecting on days spent with cherished friends is sure to stir emotions tied to those memories.

힘 내! (Way To Go)Girls’ Generation (Shōjo Jidai)5rank/position

Girls’ Generation 소녀시대 ‘힘 내! (Way To Go)’ MV

While the lyrics passionately celebrate friendship, there are also songs with a girly vibe.

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “힘 내! (Way To Go).” This track is by Girls’ Generation, who enjoy great popularity in Japan.

The song conveys a message to a dear friend, like saying, “Life is wonderful because you’re in it.” The melody feels poppy, so it seems perfect for moments when you want to get pumped up or as party background music.

The catchy dance moves are another highlight.

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yamamoto

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Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi6rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This work, which became a major talking point thanks to the miraculous collaboration between Kenshi Yonezu and Masaki Suda, is included on the classic 2017 album BOOTLEG.

It portrays two childhood best friends who, though they grow up and walk separate paths, continue to draw strength from each other’s existence.

The worldview, likened to the colors of the sky at dawn, makes you feel the un-fading strength of their bond, no matter how much time passes or how circumstances change.

When you feel a sudden loneliness amid days of passing by one another, or find yourself yearning to see an old friend, listening to this song will surely be there for your heart.

It’s a soul-stirring masterpiece that seems to bless the “now,” where each of us is living earnestly in our own place!

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK7rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.

While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.

Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.

Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.

As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!