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Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]
We’ll present the latest top 100 Japanese friendship songs all at once, ranked by view count from highest to lowest! It’s a collection of timeless tracks that remind you of the value and gratitude of friendship—why not listen while thinking about your dear friends? The playlist is updated weekly.
Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
CHARMWANIMA1rank/position
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.
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN2rank/position
This is a song by BUMP OF CHICKEN that was chosen as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels.
Released as a single in February 2011, it was later included on the album RAY.
The intertwining tones of gentle acoustic guitar and strings convey a sense of warmth.
The lyrics delicately express feelings for a friend who has been separated, movingly singing about meetings and farewells, and the preciousness of how someone’s presence continues to live on within you.
Looking back on the days spent together, it’s recommended as a friendship song to be sung together at important milestones like graduation ceremonies.
Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi3rank/position
A song that captures the bittersweet moments when you suddenly remember a friend you’ve grown apart from, and the unfading bond you still share.
Singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu personally approached actor Masaki Suda, saying, “This song wouldn’t have worked without him,” which led to this collaboration.
It’s included on the 2017 album BOOTLEG, and portrays two people who spent their childhood together, then grew up and went their separate ways, yet continue to think of each other.
The near-miss scenes in the music video also convey that even with distance between them, their hearts remain connected.
It’s the perfect friendship song for April, when new beginnings can bring sudden loneliness—ideal for those who want to remember a former best friend and find courage.
C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK4rank/position
An emotional rock number by ONE OK ROCK that sings of an unbreakable bond with friends who are striving toward their dreams.
It’s included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011, and is also known as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth — Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” This song reminds us that even if we take different paths, the days we spent together remain an unfading treasure.
As new chapters begin, some may feel anxious about being apart from friends.
But our hearts are always connected.
When you want to cheer on friends doing their best in their own places with a “Don’t give up,” this song will surely give you a gentle push forward.
Best FriendKiroro5rank/position
Kiroro’s “Best Friend” gently sings of gratitude for a dear friend and an unchanging bond.
Released as a single in June 2001, it became widely known as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Churasan.” Chiharu Tamashiro’s warm vocals and Ayano Kinjo’s piano melodies tenderly resonate with listeners’ hearts.
Expressing feelings for a best friend who always stands by your side, this song has long been cherished as a friendship anthem at graduation ceremonies and choir competitions.
It’s a heartwarming track that colors those irreplaceable moments spent with friends.
Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu6rank/position
It’s a song that makes you want to sing along with friends.
It’s a track by Yuzu, who started with street performances in Yokohama and have been active in Japan’s music scene for many years.
Released in September 2013 as their 38th single, this work resonates with many as a message song to a friend who’s going far away.
It was also chosen as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition’s junior high division, so many people may have sung it in music class.
In addition, it was broadcast on NHK’s program “Minna no Uta.” Graduating and moving on to different paths comes with anxiety, but the message that hearts remain connected even when apart gives a powerful push from behind.
It was originally written after the Great East Japan Earthquake for their tour staff, giving it a sense of deep bonds.
It’s a perfect song for situations like chorus competitions or graduation ceremonies, where you sing with feelings for your friends.
Dear BrideNishino Kana7rank/position
When you want to offer a heartfelt “congratulations” to a friend who’s getting married, the perfect choice is the single Kana Nishino released in October 2016.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV show Mezamashi TV and winner of that year’s Japan Cable Radio Awards, this work is a classic wedding song that portrays the bond between women.
Its lyrics, which bless the bride as she steps into a new future while expressing a touch of loneliness and an unchanging friendship, never fail to stir the heart with every listen.
It’s said to have been created during a period when many of her friends were getting married, and that authentic emotion is part of its charm.
Play it during a letter-reading performance or when you and friends exit the reception floor, and the venue will surely be wrapped in warm tears.
It’s a song you’ll definitely want to gift to a dear best friend as she embarks on a new chapter.