An uptempo friendship song. A feel-good song about friends.
When you think of friendship songs, what kind of image comes to mind?
Many people might picture gentle, heartfelt ballads.
It’s true that there are lots of ballad-style songs that move you when you listen to them.
But there are surely people who want friendship songs that are upbeat and lift your spirits, too.
So in this article, we’ll introduce fast-tempo friendship songs.
Of course you can just listen to them, but feel free to use them for birthday videos, wedding performances, or as background music as well!
An upbeat friendship song. Songs about friends that lift your mood (1–10)
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.
usual membersNEW!riria.
Lilia’s song vividly captures the precious time spent with the usual crew and the sparkle of youth.
It’s a warm, emotional track that reminds us of the irreplaceable friendships built in the everyday moments.
You can’t help but feel that wishful ache—if only those times laughing with friends could last forever.
Released in October 2022, the song was featured in Universal Studios Japan’s “Escape the Usual Tonight” commercial.
Ryo Nagano’s slightly mature sound design amplifies Lilia’s down-to-earth lyrics.
It’s a number you’ll want to listen to in spring—when you’re meeting new companions and hoping to make many memories—while thinking of the dear friends who mean so much.
I won’t forget the days with you.NEW!Te ga kuriimu pan
At a dear friend’s wedding, I want to offer my congratulations while looking back on our memories together.
The perfect fit for such a warm moment is the single released in March 2022 by the singer-songwriter Tegakuriimupan.
The message of “I won’t forget,” which sings of the ordinary days we shared and our irreplaceable memories, resonates not only with romance but also with the deep bonds of close friendship.
The warm tone of the acoustic guitar and the gentle, conversational vocals are sure to fill the entire venue with emotion.
It’s perfect for tear-jerking moments—sing it after reading a letter to the bride as part of the entertainment, or use it as background music when leaving the hall with friends during the bride’s outfit change.
If it’s the two of usNEW!SUI
Set to a brisk band sound, sui’s song sings in down-to-earth words about the irreplaceable bond between “the two of us.” Released in October 2020, the track caught fire through reactions on social media and has since become familiar, being used in many videos.
Even on days filled with hardships and the cycle of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, if it’s with you, we can get through it.
It carries a warm yet powerful message: even if we fail, let’s start over from scratch.
The world that sui—just 17 at the time—portrays will gently encourage those who feel uneasy in new environments and those who wish to live supporting and being supported by dear friends.
Give it a listen while thinking of that best friend you want to stay with forever.
treasurewacci
A heartwarming number that portrays the anxiety and loneliness felt while chasing a dream, and the importance of friends who support each other in those moments.
Just believing you’re not alone can make you stronger, and the time spent together becomes the most irreplaceable treasure—this is the message woven into the song.
It will surely remind you of the bond with “the friends from those days.” The track is included on the album “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in August 2017.
Interestingly, it drew attention when Miho Takagi named it her “victory song” to listen to before competitions at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, which also led to a live performance on the TV program “Sukkiri.” It’s a perfect song for those striving toward their dreams or for teammates pushing each other to improve, such as in school clubs.
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.
Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa
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.
Above the cloudsKokoro no Suke
This piece is highly popular as a song that celebrates a deep bond with friends.
It’s a track Shinnosuke created around the theme of friendship with his longtime partner and producer, portraying a rival relationship that pushes both to grow.
The song is included on the EP “PURPLE,” released in August 2021, and it held the No.
1 spot on the Billboard JAPAN charts for four consecutive weeks.
It’s perfect for singing with friends at karaoke—why not crank it up and reaffirm that fiery friendship together?
Pon de SKY, Pon de STARDA PUMP
It’s a positive cheer song that gives you a push and tells you there’s nothing to fear.
Performed by the dance-vocal group DA PUMP, it’s included on their album “BACK 2 DA UNITY,” released in July 2025.
The track was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Asakusa Last-Boss Grandma.” Produced by m.c.A·T, its sound fuses reggae and Latin influences, and its uplifting lyrics boost your mood.
It’s perfect for those moments when you want to take a new step forward.
Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari
A happy tune by Ikimono-gakari that sings about the sweet-and-sour feelings of a girl who can’t be honest with the one she likes! Beneath her bold attitude, the protagonist is actually dying to see them, and that feeling comes through on an upbeat, bursting sound.
Released in December 2008, this track was used as the theme song for the drama “Celeb to Binbō Tarō” and is included on the classic album “My song Your song.” The cute choreography seen in the music video became a live-show staple, too! Around 2025, its fun spread to many people through social media.
When everyone copies the dance together, it creates a sense of unity in the venue and the excitement goes through the roof!