[Also great as video BGM] A birthday song to give a friend on their birthday
Your favorite friend’s birthday is coming up soon.
Some of you might be planning, thinking, “I want to do something surprising and make them happy!”
Working on something while imagining the look of joy on someone you like can be fun for you, too!
In this article, we’ll introduce “birthday songs you’ll want to give your friend on their birthday” and “friendship songs perfect for birthdays.”
They’re perfect for birthday party BGM or surprise videos!
Singing them at karaoke and giving that as a present could be great, too.
Use this as a reference and make it a wonderful birthday!
- A moving birthday song to give on someone’s special day. A birthday song so heartfelt it could bring you to tears.
- Popular Birthday Song Rankings [2026]
- [For friends or a significant other] Recommended birthday songs for high school students
- Songs for birthdays you’ll want to listen to and give—birthday songs with lyrics that touch the heart
- Recommended birthday songs for Instagram Reels. BGM for birthday videos.
- A gratitude song for friends. A thank-you song dedicated to someone special.
- Disney songs recommended for birthdays!
- [Birthday Songs] A collection of birthday songs you can choose from to match the person and the occasion
- Friendship songs to give on a birthday: a lovely roundup of tracks that help you reaffirm your bonds
- Wonderful K-pop Birthday Songs to Give on Someone’s Birthday [Korean Classics]
- Birthday songs recommended for women: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Birthday songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke and dedicate to someone. Lovely songs for a wonderful birthday.
- Recommended Japanese birthday songs to give on someone's birthday
Celebrate with friends. Birthday songs that deepen friendships (21–30)
GIFTMr.Children
A popular song that was used as NHK’s theme for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics broadcasts as well as in commercials.
Released in 2008 as Mr.Children’s 32nd single, it’s a message song that makes you reflect on what truly matters in life.
The time you spend worrying about and preparing for a friend’s birthday—that time itself might be the greatest gift to them.
Listening to this song makes you feel exactly that.
Happy Birthday to you youYUI
From the title alone, it’s clear at a glance that YUI’s “Happy Birthday to You You” is a birthday song.
This track is included on YUI’s second album, “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” released in 2007, and is also a very popular choice as a birthday song.
With YUI’s cute vocals and lyrics that suggest a surprise birthday celebration, it’s the perfect song for such a scene, isn’t it?
Happy Birthday SongMakihara Noriyuki
It’s a track from the 2001 release Home Sweet Home, and it seems to have been what led to providing songs for SMAP.
It’s wrapped in a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere that’s very typical of Makihara and fits the album’s worldview.
Not only does it work as a birthday song, it’s also an affirming number that stays by your side in tough times.
You can also feel a sense of pride, as if praising a friend who’s worked hard.
Put in all the feelings you don’t usually say, and celebrate your friend’s birthday to the fullest.
Hey, my friendMr.forute
This heartwarming song depicts the bonds of friendship and the importance of continuing to chase your dreams.
Included on the album “sweet life,” released in March 2021, the track expresses the invisible yet undeniable connection with friends through a powerful band sound.
The rhythmic guitar riffs and energetic drums combine to revive refreshing memories of youthful days.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the Twitter drama “Itadakeba, Totoshi.” released in September 2021, resonating with Gen Z listeners.
It’s a perfect pick for a surprise video for a dear friend’s birthday or as background music for a birthday party, so consider choosing it to help create lasting memories.
Happy Birthdaythe pillows
A perfect song to color a birthday: “Happy Birthday” by the pillows.
Its uplifting, resonant melody makes a special day even more dazzling.
Sawao Yamanaka’s clear vocals and the light, breezy rhythm are just the best.
The lyrics also weave in gentle questions about life.
Filled with positive energy throughout, it’s perfect as BGM for a birthday party or a surprise video.
Send it with gratitude for your friend’s special day—highly recommended.
Happy Birthdayyamazaru
A birthday song that sings of gratitude for being born.
The fresh, melodious voice of Yamazaru sinks deep into the heart.
Just meeting each other might itself be a miracle.
It’s a song that makes you want to share that feeling of thanks with your friends.
The music video, told like a story, is also very intriguing, and I’m sure it will beautifully color the moment when you’re planning a surprise.
Please try sending the feelings you can’t usually express—and your “thank you”—together with this song.
My Best FriendLittle Glee Monster
How about this song as a birthday tune for a girl friend you really love? Little Glee Monster’s “My Best Friend” isn’t a birthday song, but it’s a number that captures women’s friendship and those hard-to-describe feelings.
It’s sung from the perspective of a girl about her friend who’s being tossed around by her boyfriend, and for many women it’s pretty relatable.
It reminds you that, because she’s important to you, it’s crucial to express your feelings properly—and that kind of female friendship makes it a perfect fit for a birthday song, too.