A song themed around friendship. A track that conveys the importance of friends.
There are times in life when you’re saved by friends, and times when you argue with them—moments that make you feel just how big a part friends play in your life.
This time, we’ve gathered a selection of Japanese songs that sing about friendship.
Listening to these tracks, you may feel that it’s thanks to friendship that you’ve been able to help each other in tough times and overcome various hardships together.
Each song is wonderful, and they’ll help you once again appreciate how important friends are and how precious friendship is—so be sure to check them out!
These songs might even make you want to go see the friend who comes to mind as you listen.
A song themed around friendship. A track that conveys the importance of friends (1–10)
primary colorsYOASOBI
This is a heartwarming song themed around bonds between people and reunion.
Released by YOASOBI in July 2021, it was also used as NTT Docomo’s “ahamo” commercial song and resonated with many listeners.
The lyrics are sprinkled with colorful expressions, depicting the moment when three friends who had grown distant reconnect.
Blending narrative-rich lyrics with a light, catchy melody, it’s filled with YOASOBI’s signature charm.
It’s a recommended track for those hoping to reunite with someone important or wishing to cherish past memories.
Give it a listen when you want to feel the importance of friendship.
StoryAI
This is a song that weaves a heartwarming story of friendship.
AI wrote the lyrics herself, singing about the bonds with someone precious.
It conveys the value of a relationship in which people support each other through life.
Released in May 2005, the song resonated with many and stayed on the charts for an extended period.
It was also selected as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6, and is loved by a wide range of generations.
With AI’s powerful vocals and moving lyrics, this piece is perfect for times when you want to reaffirm your bonds with someone important or encourage someone in need.
PASSIONNEW!Sun Set Swish
It’s a passionate cheer song that gives you the courage to face tomorrow.
Performed by SunSet Swish from Osaka, this single was released in March 2008 and was used as the ending theme for the late-night drama RH Plus.
The dry tone of the acoustic guitar in the intro intertwines with the majestic orchestral sound, creating a sonic landscape that stirs inner passion.
It also drew attention for featuring a cameo appearance by actor Yusuke Kamiji in the music video.
Words of FarewellNEW!FLOW
Okuru Kotoba, a bold cover of Kaientai’s classic, reimagined with a driving, youthfully charged punk sound.
Released as an indie single in January 2003 by the five-piece mixture rock band FLOW, the track garnered explosive support, especially among young listeners of the time.
Its energetic performance and fiery call-and-response between the twin vocalists blow away the sorrow of parting.
It was also selected as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV, becoming widely beloved.
That dayNEW!WaT
This is a song that says, “Because of those days when we kept running toward our dreams, we are who we are now.” Performed by WaT, the duo of Eiji Wentz and Teppei Koike, the track was included as the B-side to their debut single “Boku no Kimochi,” released in November 2005.
The lyrics were written by both members, with composition by Koike, and it portrays, in a true-to-life way, the primal scenes of their street-performing days—train platforms and crowded streets.
Their determination to move forward despite their anxieties strongly conveys the bond they share with friends pursuing the same dream.
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A moving song that vividly portrays the light and shadow of youth.
Released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in April 2024, it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery.” Embracing a guitar-rock format, the track was created with the intention of returning to the band’s roots.
It skillfully captures both the brilliance of youth and the complex emotions behind it, resonating with many listeners.
Highly recommended for adults looking back on their younger days as well as those in the midst of their youth right now.
Listening to this piece will surely bring a dear friend to mind.
FlenjerNEW!Otsuka 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.