Popular Birthday Song Rankings [2026]

Tears on My BirthdayHOUND DOG76rank/position

HOUND DOG: Tears of a Birthday

A ballad released in September 1982 by HOUND DOG, a rock band emblematic of the Showa era.

Its lyrics tell a heartrending story of breaking up with a lover on one’s 20th birthday, and Kohei Otomo’s powerful vocals make it a classic that resonates deeply.

The lyrics, expressing the fragility of youth and the pain of heartbreak, struck a chord with listeners.

The track fuses the band’s signature simple yet energetic rock sound with a distinctly Japanese kayō-rock sensibility.

It remains a live favorite and an indispensable song among fans.

A gem of a love song that speaks to the heart, it’s recommended for anyone who has experienced parting with someone precious or who feels nostalgic for their youth.

The Sunlit PathKobukuro77rank/position

Kobukuro – Sunlit Path

Kobukuro’s songs, filled with gentleness and warmth, are perfect for celebrating a child’s first birthday.

Characterized by arrangements that convey a sense of beat within a relaxed tempo, the beautiful harmonies of flute and clarinet resonate with the heart.

Released in June 2014, this piece was written as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Black President.” Its lyrics convey the happiness found in everyday life and the importance of human connections, mirroring the feelings of guardians watching over their child’s growth and helping create a heartwarming first birthday celebration.

To the futureayaka78rank/position

Ayaka / To the Future Music Video

Many of you are probably already excited to see what kind of adults your children will become.

In that spirit, we recommend listening to “Mirai e” (“To the Future”).

This song was created by Ayaka as the theme for the “Docomo Mirai Museum” commercial.

It sings of children’s bright futures and a mother’s deep love.

With its gentle, slow-tempo ballad style, it could also be enjoyed as a lullaby.

Incidentally, Ayaka is said to have written the lyrics while recalling her own childbirth experience.

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yamamoto

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Happy BirthdayQ;indivi Starring Rin Oikawa79rank/position

Happy Birthday

This sparkling, radiant track is a happy tune that elevates the celebratory mood.

It’s a number released under the name Q;indivi Starring Rin Oikawa, with music producer Yusuke Tanaka leading Q;indivi and Rin Oikawa on vocals—her crystal-clear voice is absolutely lovely! The album Happy Celebration, which includes this song, was released in December 2010 and made waves by topping the dance chart even before its release.

Filled with pure feelings of celebrating someone special, this piece is a perfect BGM choice for a stylish birthday video.

Use it for a surprise for a friend, and they’re sure to love it.

Embraced by loveSuperfly80rank/position

Superfly “Embraced by Love” Music Video

You may want to celebrate someone’s 60th birthday, but sometimes it’s hard to meet in person because they live far enough away to require a flight, or they’re not in the best health.

In times like that, how about making a celebratory video using this song? It’s a gentle, resonant ballad that sings about gratitude and wishing happiness for the life ahead, and the lyrics even mention being apart—so I think it’s a perfect fit.

If you give them a video filled with many happy moments from those long 60 years, I’m sure it will make them very happy!

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sasashina

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