Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

together; along with; bothWANIMA11rank/position

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A rock number packed with fiery messages that make you want to reaffirm your bonds with friends has arrived from Kumamoto.

Brimming with WANIMA’s forward-looking energy, the song also reflects their feelings about the earthquake that struck their hometown of Kumamoto.

Released in August 2016 as the CM song for NIVEA Kao’s “8×4,” this track powerfully sings of the courage to face hardship and the bonds with those we hold dear.

Well known as a staple at WANIMA’s live shows—where it sparks massive sing-alongs with the audience—it was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2017.

This piece is a moving choice for occasions like graduation ceremonies and farewell parties, where friendships are renewed.

It’s the perfect song for farewells with friends, times of temporary separation, or moments when you want to look back on treasured memories with close companions.

Best FriendNishino Kana12rank/position

Kana Nishino “Best Friend” [Track on 15th Anniversary ‘ALL TIME BEST’]

A heartwarming number by Kana Nishino that conveys gratitude to a best friend in a straightforward way.

It really reminds you of the friend who’s always been on your side, no matter what.

Released as a single in February 2010, it’s also included on the album “to LOVE.” Since it was chosen as the official campaign song for DOCOMO’s “Ganbare Jukensei ’09–’10,” many people are sure to remember it.

Written with her own friends in mind, this piece is perfect as a message from the bride to her friends—or from friends to the bride.

It portrays an unchanging bond even when apart, making it a great recommendation for two people whose lives will change with marriage.

If you play it as background music for a performance or while reading a letter, it will surely wrap the entire venue in warm emotion.

DREAMShimizu Shota13rank/position

Shota Shimizu “DREAM” MV

It’s a rousing anthem that sings of the burning conviction that you can strive toward your dreams because you have friends who support your heart.

In tough times, you can’t help but picture the face of the friend who encouraged you by your side.

Set to a driving, exhilarating sound, this work portrays gratitude to those who matter and the strong bond that makes you feel you can do anything together; it was released as a single in January 2014 and was also used as the ending theme for the drama “The Mysterious Transfer Student.” The music video, which captured the real everyday lives of young people chasing their dreams, was also memorable.

It’s a heartwarming song that reaffirms the value of friendship and bonds—one you’ll want to dedicate to friends striving toward their goals.

StoryAI14rank/position

AI – Story

A memorable ballad featuring AI’s powerful yet gentle husky voice.

The moment the piano intro begins, you can imagine the entire venue being enveloped in a moving atmosphere.

It conveys a deep love and desire to support someone precious, and it’s a song that makes your heart swell every time you listen.

Released as a single in May 2005, it was a long-running hit that stayed on the charts for over 20 weeks.

It’s also well known for being used as the ending theme for the Japanese version of the film Big Hero 6.

This piece is popular for wedding performances and as BGM when the bride leaves the reception to change outfits.

Why not gift it to a friend who’s always been by your side, along with your heartfelt thanks?

Bond.haji→15rank/position

Hazzie – Bonds.

When a new chapter of life begins and you suddenly feel lonely or anxious, HAZZIE→’s song is one that reminds you you’ve got friends by your side.

Released as a single in 2016, it was featured as the ending theme for the TV program “Yojidesu,” among others.

The music video stars real-life best friends, showing them writing messages to each other on a basketball and a baseball.

In plain, heartfelt words, it captures the precious time they’ve shared and the gratitude they couldn’t always express when they clashed.

Its warm message—that hearts stay connected even when you’re apart—gently encourages anyone starting something new.

When you want to reaffirm an unchanging friendship, why not send this song to a dear friend?

We AreONE OK ROCK16rank/position

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

With its powerful message and hope-filled lyrics, this song resonates deeply with young listeners.

While grappling with conflict over society’s judgments and prejudice, it carries a strong resolve to cherish one’s true self and keep moving forward.

Included on the album “Ambitions,” it has been highly acclaimed since its release in January 2017.

On NHK’s “18-sai Festival,” ONE OK ROCK and a thousand 18-year-olds created a one-time-only performance that produced a moving, unforgettable moment.

Paired with group gymnastics, it becomes a piece that expresses the importance of teamwork and the spirit of striving toward a shared goal.

It serves as an excellent BGM that unites youthful energy and inspires the courage to face challenges.

You are my friend.Hirai Ken17rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Kimi wa Tomodachi' MUSIC VIDEO

Whether in happy times or hard ones, just having someone by your side warms the heart.

Gently singing about the importance of such an irreplaceable friend, this is the single released in May 2004 as Ken Hirai’s 21st overall.

Serving as the theme song for the drama “Wonderful Life,” it features lyrics that resonate by reflecting joy and sorrow like mirrors and portraying a relationship of mutual support.

Its soothing R&B rhythm and warm melody will quietly nestle close to the listener’s heart.

Especially when you feel a bit anxious starting a new chapter in life, why not listen to this song, think of a dear friend, and express your gratitude?

one’s true feelingssumika18rank/position

sumika / Honne [Music Video] *Theme song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Championship

A cheering song that stays close to the days of youth and gently wraps the bonds among friends! This is a track by sumika, released in January 2021 as the support song for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

With a refreshing touch, it portrays young people who, even while carrying setbacks and regrets, encourage one another and strive forward together.

Included on the album “AMUSIC” and featured in a TV commercial for Aisin Corporation, this song warmly supports not only students devoted to sports, but everyone who throws themselves wholeheartedly into something—be it a school festival, a club activity, or any passionate pursuit.

secret base 〜What You Gave Me〜ZONE19rank/position

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

This is the third single by the rock band ZONE, who made their major debut with the catchy slogan “Bandle,” a fusion of band and idol, and are now revered as legends by many girls’ bands.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Kids War 3: “Don’t Mess With Me,” it marked a turning point for the group: although ZONE had previously used instruments only as props, this was the first time they performed live.

Its bittersweet story that depicts the childhood memories everyone holds dear resonates along with its catchy melody.

An emotional work themed around the end of summer and friendship, it was released in August 2001 and became a huge hit, with cumulative shipments surpassing one million copies.

ReunionRADWIMPS20rank/position

Reunion

A song from RADWIMPS’ album “X to O to Tsumi to” that straightforwardly tells you, “I don’t need a definition of the word ‘friend’—I’m just happy to be with you.” Released in December 2013, the album reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart, and this track—pre-released in November 2013—is a fan favorite.

It portrays the miracle of a chance encounter and a bond that transcends logic, along with a strong sentiment that says, even if this isn’t called friendship, that’s fine.

It encourages you to believe that the strongest relationships are those that connect heart to heart without titles or formal promises.

If you hope to laugh together like this with people you meet in a new environment, definitely give this song a listen.