Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

Thanks.DREAMS COME TRUE86rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Thank You. (from DWL 2011 Live Ver.)

Isn’t DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Thank You.” a song that, though powerful, gently lifts our spirits? It’s definitely a number you’d want to dedicate to a female friend who comforted you without a word and supported you.

You’ll relate to the lyrics that capture the casual conversations with you as you comforted me after my heartbreak, and it will no doubt strike a chord.

It’s great for reminiscing about your youth, or for singing together at karaoke with the girlfriends you spent those days with and getting fired up!

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Dear My FriendEvery Little Thing87rank/position

ELT tour 1998 Dear My Friend

A heartwarming pop tune by Every Little Thing that gently portrays the shifting dynamics of a close friendship.

As the two spend more time alone together, their confusion and anticipation are captured through a refreshing melody line and clear, transparent vocals.

Marked by a lively rhythm and catchy sound, this track was released in January 1997 and reached No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a recommended song for when you want to express your feelings to a dear friend or share the emotions of wavering between friendship and budding romance.

Hey, my friendMr.forute88rank/position

Mr. Fōrute – Hey, My Friend [Official Music Video]

A Mr.

Fōrte track that channels the unique radiance and bittersweetness of youth into a fast-paced rock sound.

It brings back memories of the days we laughed over silly things together and the preciousness of casual conversations.

The lyrics carry a warm message about unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.

Included on the 2021 mini-album “sweet life,” this song was also chosen as the theme for Nisshin Seifun Group’s Twitter drama “Itadakeba, Tōtoshi.” Just like making a promise to say “Let’s meet again,” playing it on drives or at get-togethers with your closest friends is sure to create the best memories.

budKobukuro89rank/position

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

A Kobukuro song that portrays themes of familial love, loss, and rebirth.

Acoustic guitars and strings are used effectively, and the performance is rich with emotion.

Released in March 2007 and used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” the track won the 49th Japan Record Awards and has become one of Kobukuro’s signature songs.

It’s a perfect choice to dedicate to friends at a wedding, as it offers courage to pursue dreams and celebrates the bonds with loved ones.

Sing it with heartfelt wishes for the bride and groom and a message that they can continue to rely on you, just as always.

MiracleGReeeeN90rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

A GReeeeN track whose lyrics call the encounter with a loved one a “miracle” and the days walked together a “trail,” stirring the heart.

Released as a single in 2008, it served as the theme song for the TBS drama ROOKIES, which centers on high school baseball, and swept Japan into a wave of emotion.

Its forward-looking message—that tomorrow can be easier to love than today—resonates not only with romance but also with friendships nurtured in new environments.

Expressing gratitude for a presence that makes you stronger just by being there, this song is sure to gently encourage anyone feeling anxious about a new life starting in April.

Chosen as the entrance march for the 2009 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, this classic is a recommended spring anthem for deepening bonds with new companions.