RAG MusicFriendship Songs
A lovely friendship song

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)

StarmineDa-iCE

Da-iCE / “Star Mine” Music Video
StarmineDa-iCE

It’s a thrilling dance tune that captures the sultry energy of the night and the sparkle of fireworks.

The cleverly crafted number-themed lyrics stick in your head, and Da-iCE’s overwhelming vocals and choreography pull you right in.

Released in August 2022 as a digital-only single, it’s the title track “Ima,” later included on the album “SCENE.” It won the Excellent Work Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards, and also made waves as the ending theme for NTV’s “Sukkiri” and through a collaboration with Kikkoman.

Move with the rhythm and your daily stress will just melt away.

Try the choreography that’s surpassed 600 million views on TikTok and charge yourself up for tomorrow!

Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE – Naughty Sun (Reiwa ver. Music Video)
Naughty SunORANGE RANGE

ORANGE RANGE is a rock band from Okinawa with numerous hit songs like “Shanghai Honey” and “Hana.” Released in July 2007 as their 17th single, this track boasts a fully summer-ready sound.

Chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~,” its provocative lyrics and up-tempo rhythm really fire you up.

The irresistibly danceable mixture rock makes it perfect BGM for workouts or for charging your energy in the morning.

It also topped the 2007 “Most Hype Karaoke Songs” ranking overall, making it ideal for blowing off steam by singing with friends.

It’s a song brimming with healthy energy—just listening to it will make you break a sweat.

Happinessarashi

ARASHI – Happiness [Official Music Video]
Happinessarashi

A perfect song for the new season, as if it gives you a gentle push forward.

Its light, upbeat melody and energetic sound lift the listener’s spirits.

The lyrics are filled with courage and hope for the future, delivering a refreshing feeling that makes you want to break into a run.

It also made waves as a drama theme song and has been loved by many fans since its release—a true classic.

When you’re uncertain about starting a new chapter in life, this music will surely guide you forward.

An up-tempo friendship song. Feel-good songs about friends (11–20)

Let’s smileyonige

This is a song that makes you feel happy, as if your luck might improve just by listening to it.

Since it was used as the CM song for au’s “Santaro Series,” which aired from December 2017, many of you have probably heard it.

This work is a yonige-style cheer song that combines the kindness of saying you don’t have to force a smile with the strength to keep looking forward.

Based on an American folk song, its familiar melody gently soaks into the heart.

When you’re feeling down or low on energy, it will quietly give you a nudge forward—a little charm to carry with you.

Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “Kimagure Romantic” [“Ikimonogakari no Minasan, Konnitsua!! 2024 ~You! Me! Everyone! Let’s Sing SHOW!!~ Yokohama Nijumaru Performance”]
Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari
@twice_tiktok_officialjp

𝙼𝚢 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝, 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝙾𝙽𝙲𝙴 💟 #BEAT_AX_VOL5#NAYEON#TWICE

♬ Kimagure Romantic – Ikimonogakari

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!

eek!!Hey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – eek!! [Official Music Video]
eek!!Hey! Say! JUMP

It’s a song characterized by a catchy, poppy melody.

It’s included on Hey! Say! JUMP’s album “H+,” released in November 2024.

With its light, upbeat rhythm and repeatedly cheerful phrases, you’ll find yourself wanting to sing along.

The music video is memorable too, featuring the members dancing in colorful suits on a comic book–style set.

The dance became a hot topic on TikTok, making it especially relatable for the social media generation.

It’s perfect as background music for parties and fun get-togethers.

Teenager ForeverKing Gnu

A powerful anthem that brilliantly captures the radiance and restlessness of youth.

Its driving melody, carried by a brisk rhythm, stirs the heart, and the determination to keep moving forward despite the anxieties and impatience of being young is deeply moving.

Featured on the album “CEREMONY,” this track was used in January 2020 as the commercial song for Sony’s WF-1000XM3 true wireless earbuds, with King Gnu’s distinctively original sound drawing wide attention.

The deftly interwoven piano and guitar arrangement vividly conveys the urgency and inner conflicts of people living in a time-pressed modern world.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you need a push—during morning commutes, on the way to school, or when racing to meet a deadline.