[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.
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- [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
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- 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 friendship (71–80)
Another BirthdayAnri
Anri’s “Another Birthday” is popular as a slightly nostalgic birthday song.
Many people probably remember celebrating their birthdays while listening to this song back in the day.
When you think of birthday songs, you might imagine tracks that just repeat celebratory phrases, but this one has deeply relatable lyrics, so it still feels fresh and wonderful even now.
birthdayKumaki Anri
If you’re from Kansai, you’ve probably heard this song before: Anri Kumaki’s “Tanjoubi” (“Birthday”).
It’s the theme used in the segment that introduces babies born that day on the evening information program Kansai Joho Net Ten!, which airs in the Kinki region.
When you want to express the gratitude you feel every day—messages like “Thank you for being born” and “Thank you for being with me”—along with birthday wishes, this song is perfect.
Its moving melody and gentle vocals might just bring you to tears.
Happy Birthday Song
Speaking of songs that celebrate birthdays, how about that one tune everyone thinks of? It’s a simple, heartwarming classic that delivers a straightforward “congratulations” while calling out the name of your special someone.
Because the melody is so gentle and easy for anyone to hum along to, your celebratory feelings come across naturally.
The song has old roots; it’s said that the lyrics and sheet music were first published in a songbook in 1912.
And of course, it’s famous for Marilyn Monroe’s performance dedicated to President John F.
Kennedy in May 1962, which is remembered as a historic moment.
In recent years, it’s become easier to use in films and videos, making it a perfect track for background music when creating surprise clips on YouTube Shorts.
Happy BirthdayBulan Sutena
A pop number sung by Bulan Sutena that bursts with a celebratory mood right from the intro.
It’s a warm track filled to the brim with happy feelings, wholeheartedly celebrating a loved one’s birthday.
Released as a digital single in April 2023 by Bulan Sutena—who is also active as an actress—the song has become popular as background music for social media videos.
Within its compact two-minute runtime, it packs her clear, radiant vocals and an up-tempo sound.
It seems like the perfect fit for surprise videos for friends or as BGM for lively party scenes.
It’s an ideal birthday song that suits moments when everyone wants to celebrate together with excitement.
Best FriendNishino Kana
If you want to express overflowing gratitude to your best friend, Kana Nishino’s 2010 track “Best Friend” is highly recommended! The lyrics are filled with appreciation for a best friend who’s always by your side supporting you—sometimes even more than family or a partner—and with the belief that your bond will stay strong forever.
It’s also perfect as background music for a video looking back on your memories together.
Use this song to create a day full of congratulations and thanks for your beloved best friend!
BIRTHDAY SONGPRINCESS PRINCESS
Among J-POP birthday songs, one of the most famous is PRINCESS PRINCESS’s “BIRTHDAY SONG.” You still hear it on TV and radio, so even younger people have probably heard the chorus.
With its universal lyrics celebrating birthdays, it’s perfect for people of any age.
The melody is easy to remember, and it’s a karaoke classic, so be sure to sing it to help celebrate.
I walked home across the birthday cake.Chatto Monchī
This is the first track from their fourth full-length album, YOU MORE, released in 2011.
Though the girl band disbanded to much regret, their songs never lose their shine.
With a characteristically Chatmonchy-cute title, an addictive tempo, and a slightly mysterious lyrical world, it draws you right in.
It’s the perfect birthday song for a girl to give to her girlfriend.
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 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!
Happy birthdayAina ji Endo
Aina The End, a former member of the girl group BiSH and now an active solo singer-songwriter, created the birthday song “Happy Birthday.” It’s an up-tempo track that samples handclaps, making it perfect for livening up a birthday celebration.
The warm lyrics, which convey the beauty of life, are another highlight.
Listening to it might make a birthday feel even more special.
