Classic songs about friendship. Recommended popular tracks.
This is a playlist of classic Japanese songs in which words like “friend,” “friends,” or “friend” (furendo) appear in the title or friendship is the main theme.
From million-selling hits to hidden gems, it’s packed with friendship songs performed by renowned artists.
Masterpieces that sing about friendship. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Dear.aNEW!chanyu i
A heartwarming number by Chanyu-i that sings of gratitude to an irreplaceable best friend and a bond that will never change.
It conveys honest feelings toward a friend—someone even more precious than a lover.
Originally released in December 2020, a band arrangement version came out in 2022 and was used as an insert song for a segment on ABEMA’s “High-Teen Bible.” It was written at the request of a best friend during the artist’s early childhood education student days, and the story of how it resonated widely on social media is lovely, isn’t it? This work reminds us anew of the importance of friends who stay by our side in both joyful and difficult times.
Friend’s SongNEW!berii guddoman
A passionate number by Bring Good Mann that sings about friendship and bonds that don’t change, even when you’re apart.
The trio’s powerful harmonies and unpretentious words seem enough to blow away any anxieties about a new chapter in life! The lyrics carry a fiery message to a friend you rarely get to see, promising to accept both their complaints and their true feelings.
It’s included on the April 2018 album “SING SING SING 6,” as well as the best-of compilation “BEST BEST BEST.” This track also fired up the venue as the theme song for the “ABC Food & Smile Fes.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with a dear friend at the start of spring’s new beginnings—one that makes you want to shout, “How’re you holding up?!” to a friend fighting in a new environment.
You are my friend.NEW!UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
A signature ballad by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN that gently brings you closer to someone dear, with warmth like spring sunlight.
Featured near the end of their February 2013 album “CIDER ROAD,” this piece showcases a calm ensemble—distinct from their trademark high-speed rock—that’s part of its charm.
Through the act of calling someone’s name, it conveys a message of opening a slightly timid heart and reconnecting, making it perfect for this season of new encounters.
Rather than flashy words, vocals that feel palpably warm will surely give you a reassuring push.
Give it a listen when you want to be honest with someone important to you.
My friendSpoon
A song about friendship by Spoon that portrays the future potential of a vocalist representing the new generation and a beautiful worldview.
It’s a piece you can enjoy smoothly and refreshingly, with a rich melody line whose dynamic nuances you can truly feel.
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
It’s a moving ballad whose lyrics speak to the warmth of having someone precious by your side and ask what you can do for that person.
This song makes you realize that everyday life, which seems so ordinary, is actually an irreplaceable treasure.
Its message—that even if you’re apart, your hearts remain connected—will surely give you courage! Released in August 2014 as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon,” it has since become one of Motohiro Hata’s signature works.
His gentle yet powerful voice will softly stay by your side.
It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to express gratitude to someone special, or for occasions like weddings.
Why not listen while thinking of the person who is like a “sunflower” to you?
Run Through the MemoriesMy Hair is Bad
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!
best friendSG
A song by SG that I want to give to a dear friend.
As the title suggests, it’s a warm message song themed around the bond with a friend deeply connected at heart.
Life brings many partings—graduations, turning points—but this song straightforwardly sings about an unchanging friendship despite distance, and the hope of meeting again.
Released as a single in March 2022, it resonated with many people, ranking high in LINE MUSIC’s real-time music video charts.
Known for “Bokura Mata,” SG penned this track in his own words, offering not only the sorrow of parting but also the courage to look ahead.
It’s perfect as BGM for graduation season, as well as for times when you want to express gratitude that’s hard to say, or when you’re thinking of a friend far away.
FlenjerOtsuka Ai
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to cheer up a friend who’s feeling down, or when you want to cut loose together and laugh it off.
It was released in April 2006 as the 11th single.
Since it was used as the CM song for Toshiba mobile phones and as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sports Urugusu,” many people probably heard it often at the time.
The title is a unique coined word that combines “friend” and “sentai hero.” It’s a track packed with Ai Otsuka’s signature wordplay and a passionate embrace of friendship.
Until we meet againHirai Dai
A heartwarming ballad that portrays departure and the hope of reunion.
Dai Hirai, known for his refreshing surf-music sound, released it as a single in 2015.
It was later included on the album “Slow & Easy.” Set to gentle acoustic instrumentation, the song carefully weaves together the sorrow of parting and the wish to meet again with a tender “see you,” slowly seeping into the listener’s heart.
It’s a perfect companion for moments of separation—like graduation or job transfers.
It also fits when you want to look back on memories with friends and express your gratitude.
Friend ~ If you smilemiwa
A song where miwa portrays friendship in down-to-earth words: memories of laughing together, the bittersweet thought that you might drift apart someday, and still wanting to say “I like you” and “thank you.” It’s included on her first album, guitarissimo, released in April 2011, which debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.
Though not a single, it’s remained a live staple.
The gentle, acoustic guitar–centered sound and her clear, airy voice quietly nestle close to the listener’s heart.
The charm of this piece lies in its delicate distance—something that can be read as friendship or romance.
Perhaps that’s why it feels right to hear during seasons when relationships waver—graduations, moves, changes in life.
If someone special comes to mind, try humming along together.