Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

We AreONE OK ROCK15rank/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 Ken16rank/position

Ken Hirai – You Are My Friend

A captivating song by Ken Hirai that expresses treasured memories with friends and irreplaceable moments through the warmth of purely a cappella music.

Through meticulous recording work, it achieves a rich, band-like sound.

Portraying the depth of friendship—empathizing with each other’s smiles and tears and supporting one another—through a gentle melodic line, the track was released in May 2004 and reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Wonderful Life.” This heartwarming piece is perfect for important occasions when you want to convey gratitude to friends—such as weddings, birthdays, and graduations—delivering a heartfelt “thank you.”

one’s true feelingssumika17rank/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〜ZONE18rank/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.

ReunionRADWIMPS19rank/position

Reunion

This RADWIMPS song imbues the vague concept of “friends” with a comforting warmth.

It delves deeply into the meaning of friendship, skillfully expressing both its fragility and its preciousness.

Included on the album ‘X to O to Tsumi to’ released in December 2013, the piece beautifully harmonizes Yojiro Noda’s delicate lyrics with an introspective sound.

The lyrics, themed around reuniting with friends, are filled with reflections on the value of friendship felt in everyday moments.

It’s a moving track that accompanies time spent with longtime companions or old friends you haven’t seen in a while.

Under the same skyayaka20rank/position

Ayaka – Under the Same Sky

Ayaka’s 2009 release “Minna Sora no Shita” conveys the message that no matter where you are or when it is, you’re never alone.

A friend who leaves their hometown in spring to try their best on their own may sometimes carry loneliness unseen by others.

The lyrics say that you can make anyone smile and that you have the strength to overcome any hardship—and above all, that you are not alone.

Those words will gently embrace the heart of a friend who feels lonely.

Since the sky connects us wherever we are, why not share this song with the message: if anything happens, you can always reach out to me?

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Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa21rank/position

Lord of Major / Precious Things

Released in 2002, Road of Major’s indie debut single is a quintessential youth punk anthem themed around friendship and bonds.

It delivers universal themes—meeting and parting with friends, supporting one another—through an energetic sound.

Remarkably, as an indie release, the song spent 19 consecutive weeks in the Oricon Top 10 and sold over 900,000 copies in total.

It’s also included on the album “ROAD OF MAJOR” and the best-of compilation “GOLDEN ROAD ～BEST～.” This track is perfect for anyone who has dear friends they’re connected to at heart, even when apart.

Listen to it during graduation season or at the start of a new chapter in life, and you’ll be reminded of the irreplaceable value of those connections.