Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy81rank/position

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

A song by Vaundy that sings about recalling the days when one held dreams as big as a kaiju and striving to reignite that passion.

Through a song once hummed by someone dear in the past, the protagonist sets out to reclaim the dreams, hopes, and childlike innocence they had nearly forgotten, all unfolding alongside a captivating melody.

Released as a digital-only single in May 2020, the track rapidly gained popularity after being performed at the end of 2022 on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its call-and-response style, which unites performers and audience, makes it an ideal choice for school and cultural festivals.

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO82rank/position

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

An encouraging song by SHISHAMO that sings about the anxiety and setbacks we feel in life, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics that say even when it’s painful and you want to cry, there’s a hero whose very presence gives you the strength to live.

Surely you, too, have your own hero—someone who makes you think, “I can do my best for them!” This track was included on the album SHISHAMO 4, released in February 2017, and was also featured in a DOCOMO commercial.

It’s a perfect song for those struggling at school or striving toward their dreams.

With its powerful yet warm melody, it will give you the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.

All of the YouthFujifaburikku83rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

When it comes to Fujifabric’s classic anthem of youthful punk, this is the song.

Released in January 2008, it features lyrics that capture the bittersweet feelings at summer’s end and a melody that resonates deeply.

It deftly expresses the complex emotions of young people and has won many hearts.

Loved by a wide audience, it has been used as an insert song in the drama “SUMMER NUDE” and even included in high school music textbooks.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone wanting to relive their youth—or those in the midst of it right now.

The more you listen, the more it beautifully evokes both nostalgia and freshness at the same time.

THE GIFTHirai Dai84rank/position

Dai Hirai / THE GIFT (Music Video)

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Dai Hirai.

Like the moon and the Earth, even if they’re not always side by side, friends are beings who illuminate each other—this song reminds us of that.

The gentle melody woven by acoustic guitar and piano feels like a “gift” from treasured friends.

Released as a single in February 2019, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration, and is included on the acclaimed album THE GIFT.

When you’re parting from dear friends due to graduation or a job transfer, why not send them this piece? It quietly conveys the unspoken wish: “Stay well until the day we meet again.”

Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster85rank/position

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

Little Glee Monster’s second single, “Seishun Photograph,” released in 2015.

The title alone evokes that quintessential feeling, and the lyrics spotlight themes of graduation and friendship.

Centered on photographs as its motif, it’s a perfect song to use as background music for a movie dedicated to friends.

It’s an upbeat and cute friendship anthem, yet the lyrics hide little traps here and there that might bring a tear to your eye.

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