Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

Uguiutakariyushi 5841rank/position

Kariyushi58 “Uku i Uta”

Ukiuita, released by Kariyushi58 in 2008, is a song that lets you send a passionate cheer to friends who are giving their all in a new environment from spring.

No matter what anyone says, I’ll keep supporting you, and no matter what hardships come your way, you can absolutely overcome them! So don’t lose heart no matter what happens—keep running straight toward your goal! The song is filled with hope for the future and trust in your friends, promising to laugh together again when your dreams come true someday.

If you want to straightforwardly tell a friend “Do your best,” this song is highly recommended!

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Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru42rank/position

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Wataru Ochiai, whose warm voice and down-to-earth words resonate with many listeners.

Perfect for graduation season, “Tomodachi Yakarane” is a friendship song written in unpretentious language with a touch of Kansai dialect.

Its warm message—that even if you’re apart, the relationship doesn’t end—helps ease the sadness of parting.

Released as a digital single in February 2022, the song was also chosen as the tie-up track for Tokyo Dome City Attractions’ spring event “Welcome, Graduates 2023.” The lyrics, sprinkled with concrete memories from student days, are sure to awaken each listener’s own recollections.

How about giving it to a friend who’s graduating to convey your unchanging bond?

Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi43rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

Elephant Kashimashi’s 34th single was also used as the commercial song for House Foods’ “Ukon no Chikara.” It’s a number that delivers the message—through Hiroji Miyamoto’s powerful vocals—that while work can be tough and trying, we’ll keep pushing forward.

Released in November 2007, the track feels like both a pep talk to someone and a reminder to oneself, making it a perfect song to give you a boost before heading to work.

It has been performed frequently at live shows and on television programs, continuing to offer hope and encouragement to many people.

The Day I Became a JewelBUMP OF CHICKEN44rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “The Day It Became a Jewel”

It is included on the album “Butterflies,” released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in February 2016.

The song was also featured in a Calpis Water commercial.

With its refreshing arpeggio intro and uplifting chorus, it leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics, which depict everyday, ordinary moments turning into something special, resonate deeply.

It is a song that stands beside those who have experienced parting with someone important or who carry a sense of loss, affirming those emotions while giving them the strength to move forward.

We againSG45rank/position

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

This song conveys gratitude to a dear friend through a gentle, warm melody and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

With SG’s signature delicate expressiveness, it beautifully captures both the sorrow of parting and the anticipation of reunion.

The days of carefree laughter and the many memories shared together are portrayed with grace, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

Released in April 2021, it became a massive hit—especially among younger audiences—garnering 150 million views.

Starting in November 2024, it was also featured in CalorieMate’s exam-season support commercial, earning praise for the strength of its message.

When you want to express thanks to cherished companions—at graduations, farewell parties, and more—why not send this one song?

BEST FRIENDGReeeeN46rank/position

Best Friend

A heartwarming number featured in the TV commercial song for Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute.

The lyrics, which speak to enduring friendship and the importance of companions who support each other even when apart, are sure to resonate with many.

The song, released in March 2013, was later included on the album “Iine! (´・ω・`)☆.” It was also used as a walk-up song by a professional baseball player.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to when parting from dear friends at times like graduation—a track that reaffirms an unchanging bond.

FriendHilcrhyme47rank/position

Hilcrhyme 'Tomo yo' Music Video

This song by the hip-hop duo Hilcrhyme—known for hits like “Shunkashūtō (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)”—was released in June 2011 as part of the single “no one.” It conveys a straightforward message to a friend who shared their youthful days, intertwining a touch of bittersweet nostalgia for the past with heartfelt warmth in wishing happiness for a companion stepping into the future.

It’s a theme anyone can relate to, making it a perfect piece to celebrate a loved one’s new beginning.

FriendKetsumeishi48rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Tomodachi”

This is a classic song by Ketsumeishi that wishes happiness for a friend leaving their hometown to pursue dreams and goals.

Parting with friends you’ve grown up with is lonely, but supporting those who choose their own path is an important role too.

Even if you live far apart, friendship doesn’t change, and you can always rely on each other when needed.

As it looks back on many shared memories, this song reaffirms that unshakable bond.

Released as a single in February 2002, the track is also included on the landmark album “Ketsuno-Police 2” and was used as the ending theme for the TV program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.”

Beloved daysyangusukinii49rank/position

Young Skinny – Oh, Beloved Days [Official Music Video]

It’s a song by Young Skinny themed around youth and friendship.

Its charm lies in the poetic depiction of growth, change, and how we face the past from a young person’s perspective.

Feelings you couldn’t understand before become clear to you now—haven’t we all had that experience? It’s included on their major-label first EP, “If We Could Find Happiness in Anything,” released in September 2023.

Listen to it with your friends, and it’s sure to deepen your bonds.

It’s also a perfect track for anyone looking to fire up the excitement at a sports day or school athletics festival.

Bestieyuka50rank/position

Bestie

Please consider gifting this straightforward friendship song—one that gently says, “You can always come back”—to a dear friend! It’s a track by Yuka, a singer-songwriter from Osaka, released digitally in September 2022.

It was later included on her major-label album “messy bag,” released in 2023.

The down-to-earth lyrics pair perfectly with Yuka’s bright vocals, creating a song that resonates with everyone.

It also drew attention for its music video, which was made from fan-submitted clips.

It’s the perfect song to celebrate a friend at a wedding reception or to express the gratitude that’s hard to say in everyday life.