RAG MusicFriendship Songs
A lovely friendship song

Friendship songs to give on a birthday: a lovely roundup of tracks that help you reaffirm your bonds

When celebrating a friend’s birthday, these days many people make and give a birthday video, don’t they?

A video that shares messages along with past photos is sure to make them happy.

That said, a lot of people get stuck on what song to choose for the background music when making a birthday video.

So in this article, we’ll focus specifically on friendship songs among the tracks you might want to give for a birthday!

For birthdays, songs that express everyday gratitude are recommended, and there are also tracks with lyrics that straightforwardly celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Be sure to find the songs that suit you and your friends!

Friendship songs I want to give on a birthday (1–10)

I won’t forget the days with you.Te ga kuriimu pan

I won’t forget the days with you / Hands like cream bread (close to you / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]
I won’t forget the days with you.Te ga kuriimu pan

This is a ballad by Te ga Cream Pan that gently weaves together cherished memories with friends and wishes for the future.

While carefully depicting everyday scenes and the times you supported each other, it sings of an eternal bond.

The clear vocals and gentle piano tones create a warm song that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2022, the piece was selected as the opening theme for TBS’s Drama Stream series “Papa to Musume no 7-kakan” (Seven Days of a Daddy and His Daughter), garnering widespread empathy.

It’s a perfect song to gift as a slideshow of treasured photos, or when a heartfelt farewell approaches—such as graduation or moving away.

The lyrics, filled with affection for friends, are sure to reach the recipient’s heart.

FRIENDS!!!imase

【imase】FRIENDS!!!(MV)
FRIENDS!!!imase

A groovy, catchy pop song that celebrates the beauty of friendships that never change with time.

Blending Shingo Kubota’s sophisticated arrangement with imase’s light, breezy vocals, this piece gently sings about the awkward small talk of seeing an old friend after a long time, the kind of bond that lets you remain innocently childlike no matter how many years pass, and the precious ties that last a lifetime.

Released in February 2025 as the theme song for the collaborative project “Everyone’s Concert” by the live communication app Pococha and Yamaha Corporation, it also features an epic special video created with over 120 performers alongside imase.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you reunite with a best friend after a while or when you’re looking back on memories with cherished companions.

Happy BirthdayFujimaki Ryota

Ryota Fujimaki’s solo number “Happy Birthday,” from Remioromen, is a song that expresses gratitude for a dear friend who’s always by your side.

It was included as a B-side on the single “ing,” released in 2014.

The calm, simple melody conveys the feeling of wanting to honestly express thanks—at least on this special day—even if it’s a bit embarrassing.

It’s a song filled with warm sentiments: wanting to celebrate someone important properly and hoping to stay close for a long time to come.

Friendship Songs to Give on a Birthday (11–20)

Happy BirthdayNishino Kana

It’s a song about a small group of friends throwing a birthday party.

The lyrics convey just how fun the party is.

With its up-tempo beat, listening to it puts you in a bright, cheerful mood.

It’s probably a popular birthday song among young women.

The track is included on the 2014 release We Don’t Stop.

Happy Happy Birthday!!naniwa danshi

It’s a fun birthday song filled with friendship and gratitude.

The scenes of preparing a surprise party and the joy of everyone celebrating together are conveyed through Naniwa Danshi’s refreshing vocals and catchy melody.

With harmonies that highlight each member’s individuality and a bright, pop rhythm, this track is perfect for reaffirming bonds with someone special.

Featured on Limited Edition 1 of the album “+Alpha,” it was released in June 2024.

It’s recommended as background music for gift videos or for scenes at a surprise party.

An ideal song for those who want to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday with heartfelt sincerity.

Because we’re friends.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – Because We’re Friends (Music Video)
Because we're friends.Ochiai Wataru

A song distinguished by its warm, gentle vocals that tenderly envelop the farewell to a cherished friend.

Released by Wataru Ochiai in February 2022, this piece has also become popular as a graduation song.

Gratitude for the days spent together, the loneliness of setting out on a new path, and the hope of meeting again are depicted alongside the soothing tones of piano and acoustic guitar.

It has gained attention on social media, and more people are humming it at graduation ceremonies and at moments of parting with friends.

This track is recommended for those who want to express feelings they can’t put into words before saying goodbye to a dear friend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

A gem of a love song that delicately captures the bittersweetness of unrequited love through the once-a-year special day of a birthday.

The loneliness of not receiving a “Happy Birthday” from the one you like, and the hope that today you’ll finally find the courage to confess your feelings, press upon the heart alongside a beautiful melody.

back number’s February 2019 single was selected as the theme song for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love,” produced by Takeshi Kobayashi.

It’s also perfect for those looking for a track to use as BGM at a dear friend’s birthday party or in a surprise video.

When you want to convey your feelings through music, this is a song you’ll want to keep close to your heart.