Popular Birthday Song Rankings [2026]

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki64rank/position

Era – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

A masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima, renowned for its profound insight and hope-filled lyrics.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at a Yamaha-sponsored contest.

In 2007 it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in 2010 it was used as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama—testament to its enduring popularity over many years.

The simple performance style of singing with just one guitar highlights the power of the lyrics.

It’s a perfect song to present at a celebration for someone at a turning point in life—looking back on the journey so far and sending hopes for the road ahead.

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya65rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

This song portrays the preciousness of human encounters, bonds, and living together.

With lyrics by Mariya Takeuchi and music by Takatsugu Muramatsu, it was created as an insert song for the latter half of 2008’s NHK morning drama series “Dandan.” It expresses gratitude for being born, being raised, and being able to meet others, and it asks about the meaning of life and the value of living.

Since its release in September 2014, it has also been cherished as wedding background music and a graduation chorus piece.

Why not listen to it when you want to convey your appreciation to someone important or to celebrate a milestone in life?

Happy happy birthdayMayo Okamoto66rank/position

Hapi Hapi Birthday / Happy Birthday - Okamoto Mayo

Mayu Okamoto’s “Hapi Hapi Birthday” is the perfect song for a child’s first birthday party.

Its gentle vocals and heartwarming melody celebrate your child’s birth and let the whole family share in the joy.

The lyrics, filled with love and gratitude for someone special, will resonate with parents as well.

Since it’s a familiar song that aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it’s also recommended as background music for a commemorative video, or to play during entrances and exits at the party.

With wishes for your child’s growth, let’s all sing “Happy Birthday” together!

Song of JoyDREAMS COME TRUE67rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Song of Joy (from URAWAN 2016 Live Ver.)

This song is filled with warm love and hope, celebrating the birth of a new life.

The baby’s sun-bright eyes and radiant smile are expressed through a melody and vocals that resonate in the heart.

Included on DREAMS COME TRUE’s album “SING OR DIE,” released in November 1997, it was also used as the theme song for Nagoya TV’s information program “Up♪” and in commercials.

This piece is recommended for families celebrating their child’s first birthday.

As a memorable song compiling photos and videos of a year of growth, it will beautifully color that special milestone.

MiracleGReeeeN68rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

A warm, heartfelt song that directly expresses gratitude and love for someone special.

Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES,” this track has a strong connection to the world of baseball, having been used for high school baseball entrance marches and as walk-up music for professional players.

Its sincere message pledging love that endures over time, combined with an upbeat yet emotionally rich melody, creates a harmony that gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

The sentiment of celebrating a meeting as a “miracle” and treasuring the days walked together as a “trace of our journey” is sure to resonate with everyone.

Only by livingKiroro69rank/position

Kiroro – Live to the Fullest (Music Video)

This song is perfect for a first birthday, celebrating children’s growth and the bonds of family.

Released in July 2006, it gently sings about the preciousness of life and the importance of love.

The lyrics, filled with the bond between parent and child and hope for the world that lies ahead, will resonate deeply with families welcoming their child’s first birthday.

Wrapped in Kiroro’s warm vocals, why not look back on cherished memories with your little one, with heartfelt gratitude for their birth?

To youkurisu haato70rank/position

Chris Hart – To You

When it comes to the perfect song for a first birthday party, Chris Hart’s piece is the one.

Its warm vocals and heartfelt lyrics are truly captivating.

It beautifully conveys gratitude toward loved ones and the joy of discovering the meaning of life.

Released in 2015, the song was also used as the theme for the drama “The Strongest Duo: Kyoto Prefectural Police Special Investigation Unit.” On this special day celebrating your child’s growth, it’s a song the whole family can listen to together and share the emotion.

It will surely become a wonderful memory.