Background music for a birthday party. A roundup of recommended birthday songs
At family and friends’ birthday parties, a birthday song is absolutely essential, right?
You can sing it when the cake appears or play it as party background music—it’ll shine in all kinds of moments.
But when it comes time to pick songs, you might find yourself thinking, “I can’t come up with any good ones!” or “I can’t think of enough tracks to run as BGM.”
So in this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of recommended birthday songs that work not only as the main celebratory tune but also as party background music.
It’s also a great idea to create a playlist of just your favorites from the songs introduced here and use it as BGM.
We hope this helps you choose the perfect tracks.
- [Also great as video BGM] A birthday song to give a friend on their birthday
- Disney songs recommended for birthdays!
- [Birthday Songs] A collection of birthday songs you can choose from to match the person and the occasion
- Songs for birthdays you’ll want to listen to and give—birthday songs with lyrics that touch the heart
- [Party BGM] Introducing popular and latest tracks that are guaranteed to get the crowd going
- Songs to gift for longevity celebrations: heartwarming classics and popular tunes about life
- Make your once-a-year special day dazzling! A birthday song born in the Heisei era
- [For Gifts and Video BGM] A Song for Celebrating the 60th Birthday (Kanreki)
- Brighten your special day with happiness! A birthday song born in the Reiwa era
- Recommended Japanese birthday songs to give on someone's birthday
- [1st Birthday] Perfect songs for kids’ celebrations—great for birthday parties and videos
- A popular TikTok song to send to someone special on their birthday
- A moving birthday song to give on someone’s special day. A birthday song so heartfelt it could bring you to tears.
Party-Popping Birthday BGM (71–80)
BIRTHDAYOku Hanako
Oku Hanako’s “Birthday” is a song that celebrates birthdays while also conveying gratitude and encouragement.
It’s included on her 2009 album “BIRTHDAY.” With its bouncy, bright pop melody, it’s perfect for everyone to sing together at a friend’s birthday party.
The lyrics express appreciation for the miracle of meeting and being able to share such a joyful moment, as well as the heartfelt message: I’ll always be by your side—keep doing your best.
How about giving it to a friend who’s always working hard at their job, studies, and everything else?
BirthdayAmuro Namie
The perfect BGM to brighten up a birthday party is Namie Amuro’s “Birthday.” Included on her 2015 album _genic, the song is written entirely in English.
The lyrics, told from the perspective of the birthday person, are packed with the feeling of “Today, we’re going all out to celebrate!” It’s highly recommended as BGM for parties or videos in the sense of giving that full-on celebration from the friends’ side.
Just like the lyrics say—if only for today—let’s celebrate in style!
Happy BirthdayMiyagishima Mami
Mami Miyagishima’s “Happy Birthday,” with its strikingly beautiful piano intro, is highly recommended as a song to gift to a father, mother, or other loved ones, thanks to its slow tempo and calm atmosphere.
In particular, the lyrics about “falling into self-loathing and ending up hurting you” are likely to resonate with someone you may have lashed out at during a rebellious phase.
It’s also in an easy-to-sing key, making it a perfect choice to perform at karaoke on someone’s birthday!
Happy Birthday To YouKodera Kenta
This is a gentle, upbeat birthday song by singer-songwriter Kenta Kodera.
With a simple sound that evokes a fresh, breezy atmosphere, it feels like the lyrics’ message is brought even more to the forefront.
The storyline lyrics—depicting friends planning together to celebrate someone’s birthday—are also appealing, conveying a pure sense of fun.
It’s a tender song that communicates the happiness of being able to celebrate a birthday and the wish to keep building happiness in the days to come.
Happy happy birthdayMayo Okamoto
This is a birthday song by Mayo Okamoto, released in 2002.
Many of you have probably heard it, right? It was written specially for NHK Educational’s “Minna no Uta,” so it’s a memorable song that people of many generations have listened to.
The straightforward celebratory message in the lyrics makes it a song that brings happiness.
Mayo Okamoto’s songs are also recommended because they’re easy to sing, so it’s a great choice to practice and perform for your friends!
Explosive Birthday Festival♡Hamano Haruki
This is a bright, pop song that sings of love and gratitude for someone special on their birthday.
Created by Haruki Hamano and released in March 2024, it features a catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics that lift the listener’s spirits.
Its upbeat, energetic vibe makes it perfect as background music for a birthday party.
It has also been used as the ending theme for the TV show “Owarai 4-Panel Party Rorororo.” How about sending this song to a cherished friend as a token of your appreciation? It’s sure to become a wonderful birthday memory.
Happy b-dayShonan no Kaze
Shonan no Kaze, the Japanese reggae group, always, without a doubt, shares their energy with us! A friend’s birthday isn’t about love or romance—none of that matters.
Let’s just hype it up! So, let’s pick this track from the album “Shonan no Kaze ~2023~”! It’s a song with nothing but happy vibes, perfect for looping forever.
And that’s all you need—that’s just right for a birthday!