Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi29rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Nakama” Full Ver.

While it does look back on memories with friends and the days we spent together, what makes this song interesting is that it isn’t the classic friendship anthem about “the fun times with friends.” Instead, it reflects on how we supported each other when we were hurt, and how we encouraged one another—conveying a sense of kindness and warmth.

Perhaps remembering moments with friends that weren’t necessarily joyful is also important for recalling why we are still friends today.

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kappamaki

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Bye, my friendbokula.30rank/position

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

A rock band from Hiroshima, bokula.

delivers a track packed with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth.

The lyrics, which portray everyday moments with friends and the preciousness of irreplaceable time, will give a powerful push to a young man setting off on a new path.

Included on their second mini-album, “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022, the song has garnered wide support, surpassing 1 million views on YouTube.

It’s also known for winning the China Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards, cementing its strong reputation.

With a driving, uplifting sound that blows away the sadness of parting, it’s perfect for karaoke, arms around your friends as you sing along.

Believe that you’ll meet again with a smile someday, and send it as a cheer to a dear friend.

Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad31rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Dash Through the Memories

Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Ora-tachi no Kyōryū Nikki,” I felt this track resonates with anyone who grows through repeated meetings and farewells.

Released digitally in June 2024 and closing out the album “ghosts,” it carries the message that every day that has passed connects to who we are now.

In the lyrics—Tomomi Shiiki’s first to be written with “someone else” in mind—there’s a kindness that embraces not only the happy moments but even sorrow.

It’s a warm number that tells us the time spent with that precious “you” becomes the strength to move into the future.

When you want to reaffirm your gratitude for friends and family, or when you’re feeling a bit unsure of yourself, listening to it will surely give you a push forward!

To my dear youInoue Sonoko32rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – To My Precious You

“To My Precious You,” sung by singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue from Kobe, is also a song you’ll want to dedicate to a friend! Its bubbly, smile-sparking pop melody lifts your spirits just by listening.

Her cute, energetic vocals will boost your mood, too.

It can feel a bit embarrassing to say to your best friend, “Let’s stay friends forever,” but with a song that pours out all that love like this, you can express your feelings honestly!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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HarukaYOASOBI33rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A moving work spun from the story of a mug that has watched over someone’s half a lifetime.

In YOASOBI’s music-led tale, the mug sometimes illuminates life’s milestones and at other times gently embraces small moments of growth.

Everyday scenes sprinkled throughout vividly reflect the bittersweetness of partings and growing up that everyone experiences.

Released in December 2020, this work is based on Osamu Suzuki’s novel “Tsuki Ouji” (Moon Prince).

It has also been featured as the commercial song for Takara Tomy’s LCD care toy “Puniruns” and as the image song for “Art Aquarium 2021 — Hakata: Festival of Goldfish,” garnering support from a wide audience.

It is a song that stays close to those who have parted with a cherished memento or who are facing a farewell with someone dear.

My friend—now and forever…Ketsumeishi34rank/position

Friend(s), from here on and forever... / Ketsumeishi

On graduation day, taking a moment to look back on the memories and bonds you’ve shared with friends is truly irreplaceable.

Released in April 2016, this song by Ketsumeishi is a perfect friendship anthem for just such a scene.

Written as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Fast Asleep! The Great Assault on the Dreaming World,” it resonates with vows to remain friends for decades to come and a message of supporting each other in tough times.

From its piano intro that builds with strings to a chorus that surges with feeling, the arrangement creates a sense of uplift worthy of a new beginning.

Even children anxious about parting ways will, upon hearing this song, find their feelings transform into a firm belief that “we’ll always be together from here on out.”

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS35rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ final single “Arigatou” is perfect for anyone who simply wants to tell their friends “thank you.” In school life, we go through lots of joys and sorrows with our friends, laughing and crying together each time.

This song expresses gratitude to those friends who have supported each other along the way.

Even if you stumble after graduation, recalling the bonds and memories from back then will give you strength.

It’s not just a song about graduation being sad and saying thank you—it’s a track that carries a determination to keep doing your best, holding the memories so far close to your heart.

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SAKI

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