Japanese Pop Friendship Songs Ranking [2026]

CHARMWANIMA1rank/position

WANIMA「CHARM」（OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A song by WANIMA characterized by a powerful punk-rock sound and an uplifting message.

Included on their major-label first album “Everybody!!,” released in January 2018, it was also used in commercials for Kikkoman and “Juken ni in Jelly.” The lyrics convey a sense of connection that transcends the bond and distance between the band and their fans.

Teaching the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to have the courage to move forward even in difficult times, this track is recommended for those who want to reaffirm friendship and bonds.

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN2rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

The song I want to listen to while reflecting on a friend I’m parting ways with is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”).

The lyrics, written by Motoo Fujiwara as he thought of characters from works he loved since childhood, convey a clumsy yet warm sense of friendship, and the grand sound incorporating trumpet is sure to resonate deeply with men as well.

Released in February 2011 as their 19th single, this track moved many as the theme song for the film “Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Angel Wings.” It’s a song that wraps up the anxieties of a new departure and gently nudges you forward.

Even if you end up walking separate paths, it makes you believe the time you shared won’t disappear—a masterpiece filled with kindness.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi3rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

A song that captures the bittersweet moments when you suddenly remember a friend you’ve grown apart from, and the unfading bond you still share.

Singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu personally approached actor Masaki Suda, saying, “This song wouldn’t have worked without him,” which led to this collaboration.

It’s included on the 2017 album BOOTLEG, and portrays two people who spent their childhood together, then grew up and went their separate ways, yet continue to think of each other.

The near-miss scenes in the music video also convey that even with distance between them, their hearts remain connected.

It’s the perfect friendship song for April, when new beginnings can bring sudden loneliness—ideal for those who want to remember a former best friend and find courage.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK4rank/position

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

An emotional rock number by ONE OK ROCK that sings of an unbreakable bond with friends who are striving toward their dreams.

It’s included on the album “Zankyō Reference,” released in October 2011, and is also known as the ending theme for the TV program “To the Top of the Earth — Fumita Kuriki’s New Challenge.” This song reminds us that even if we take different paths, the days we spent together remain an unfading treasure.

As new chapters begin, some may feel anxious about being apart from friends.

But our hearts are always connected.

When you want to cheer on friends doing their best in their own places with a “Don’t give up,” this song will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Best FriendKiroro5rank/position

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

When you want to express gratitude to a best friend, many people first think of this signature song by Kiroro.

It’s a ballad in which vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro conveys her heartfelt thanks to her partner, Ayano Kinjo.

The lyrics, which reflect the warmth of their relationship, gently resonate with listeners and bring to mind their dearest friends.

Released as a single in June 2001, it became beloved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” In 2016, it was also used as the ending theme for the film “The Good Dinosaur,” and it continues to be cherished across generations.

It’s an excellent choice for weddings, either as a song from the bride to her friends or from friends to the bride.

Whether performed as part of the entertainment or played during the send-off from the reception, it will fill the venue with a moving, heartfelt atmosphere.

Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu6rank/position

Friend ~Time of Departure~ (Subtitled with Lyrics)

A song by Yuzu that sings of gratitude to friends and an unshakable bond no matter what happens.

It was arranged for chorus as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 80th NHK National School Music Competition and was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

At graduation ceremonies, students express their thanks to many people, including teachers and family.

Among them, many feel especially deep gratitude toward their friends.

Even while feeling uncertain about what lies ahead after graduation, let’s remember the times we spent together and all do our best! It’s a song that all graduates can share those feelings with.

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Dear BrideNishino Kana7rank/position

Kana Nishino “Dear Bride” MV (Short Ver.)

When you want to offer a heartfelt “congratulations” to a friend who’s getting married, the perfect choice is the single Kana Nishino released in October 2016.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV show Mezamashi TV and winner of that year’s Japan Cable Radio Awards, this work is a classic wedding song that portrays the bond between women.

Its lyrics, which bless the bride as she steps into a new future while expressing a touch of loneliness and an unchanging friendship, never fail to stir the heart with every listen.

It’s said to have been created during a period when many of her friends were getting married, and that authentic emotion is part of its charm.

Play it during a letter-reading performance or when you and friends exit the reception floor, and the venue will surely be wrapped in warm tears.

It’s a song you’ll definitely want to gift to a dear best friend as she embarks on a new chapter.

RPGSEKAI NO OWARI8rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「RPG」

It’s a grand piece that evokes images of the cosmos, the galaxy, and Earth.

Set to a dreamy, lyrical sound, it tells a highly narrative story about life as an epic adventure.

Released as a single in May 2013, it was also used as the theme song for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!.

In 2019, it was featured in a Toshiba TV commercial and is also included on the album Tree.

With messages of bonds with friends and strong resolve, it’s a recommended listen when you’re about to take a new step forward or want to enjoy it together with dear friends.

TwinsCHiCO with HoneyWorks9rank/position

Twins / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

A heartwarming song wrapped in a gentle melody that embraces the bond between best friends, expressing friendship in straightforward words.

It lovingly portrays the everyday moments between girls—chatting excitedly about romance, or sharing laughs even after tearful arguments.

Released in August 2017, this track was used as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime “PriPri Chi-chan!!”.

It’s a recommended song for conveying gratitude not only to your best friend, but also to a sister who feels like a best friend.

My friend — from here on out, forever…Ketsumeishi10rank/position

Ketsumeishi “My Friend ~ From Here On Forever…”

A sparkling, wistful, and beautiful song that seems to capture every irreplaceable moment with friends.

There are things only those who have laughed until they cried, overcoming hardships and sorrow together, can truly understand.

Summer, in particular, is a season when we create so many memories.

With a simple, beautiful melody and lovely lyrics sprinkled with thoughts of friends, this song brings back all kinds of memories just by listening.

Put it on and enjoy a summer full of laughter and tears.

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