Popular Birthday Song Rankings [2026]

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYDREAMS COME TRUE8rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY (from ATTACK25 TOUR 2014 Live Ver.)

When it comes to DREAMS COME TRUE’s birthday songs, this is the one, right? This track, included on the album “MAGIC” released in December 1993, never fails to put you in a happy mood.

The heartfelt wish to be the very first to celebrate right after the date changes comes through so clearly.

The handclaps and chorus-centered sound really heighten the bubbly excitement.

If you sing this for a surprise for a friend, it’s sure to liven up the moment and make them happy!

BirthdayAmuro Namie9rank/position

Birthday / (Live Edit)

Namie Amuro, who retired from the entertainment industry in 2018, remains one of those artists whose popularity never fades even after stepping away.

Her song “Birthday,” included on the 2015 album _genic, is—just as the title suggests—a birthday song.

Although the lyrics are entirely in English, it’s an ultra-bouncy party tune.

Rather than celebrating a friend, the song is about celebrating your own birthday yourself—and getting everyone around you in on it, too! Its message is about a new self and taking a fresh step forward.

If you’re good at English, why not use this song to celebrate a friend who’s become a “new version” of themselves?

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utatane

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If only you were here so I could hold you.miwa10rank/position

miwa 'If You Were Here So I Could Hold You'

This is a song like a letter to my beloved child who is turning one.

No matter what happens from now on, I’ll always be by your side… that’s what it means to be a parent, isn’t it? Along with words for my child, it feels like I’m reaffirming my own resolve and love as a new parent.

The journey from your birth to your first birthday surely wasn’t an easy one.

Even so, a child who shows us their growth every day is more precious than anything.

On this celebratory day, listen to this song and look back on the year you’ve walked together with your little one.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Happy BirthdayEXILE11rank/position

Happy Birthday / EXILE / Piano (Solo) / Beginner to Intermediate

“Happy Birthday,” included on EXILE’s fourth album “ASIA,” released in 2006 by the hugely popular group that dominated the J-POP scene from the 2000s onward, is a hidden gem of a birthday song that expresses simple feelings for a loved one.

With its Black contemporary-inspired sound, gentle vocals, and lyrics—and given that the original track is primarily accompanied by piano—it’s well-suited to being performed on piano alone.

There are quite a few accidentals, which may puzzle beginners, but the tempo is relaxed, so with repeated practice you should get used to it quickly.

By all means, try playing it while thinking of your special partner.

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KOH-1

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Birthday SongOchiai Wataru12rank/position

Wataru Ochiai – Birthday Song (Music Video)

This is a warm, celebratory song by Wataru Ochiai, an artist who delivers lyrics that speak straight to the heart.

Set to a gentle acoustic sound, the track reminds us that the presence of someone by our side is the greatest gift of all.

Its unadorned, straightforward words have the power to convey feelings to anyone.

Released in October 2019, it even topped the J-pop charts in Vietnam—no surprise that it’s loved across borders.

It’s perfect for giving to someone special—friends, family, or anyone dear—on their special day as a token of gratitude.

It also makes a wonderful BGM choice for a surprise video, sure to create a moving moment.

Birthday Songyuka13rank/position

Yuka “Birthday Song” Music Video

It’s one of Yuka’s signature celebration songs and a popular choice for birthday movie BGM! Within the birthday wishes, the song carries a warm message that affirms one’s very existence: “Thank you for being born.” It was originally included on the album “I am,” released in May 2020, and a newly arranged version came out in February 2022.

This was planned as the first installment of a three-month consecutive release.

It’s a perfect song not only for lovers and friends, but also for cherished family members.

How about gifting your “congratulations” by setting it to this gentle melody?

Happy BirthdayNishino Kana14rank/position

Happy Birthday

Kana Nishino’s birthday song is a perfect BGM to liven up a dear friend’s birthday in a festive way.

It depicts everything from the party preparations to the big moment.

Hearing the warm feelings of gratitude for having such a friend and the hope to stay close from here on is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Released in May 2014, the track still enjoys enduring popularity.

If you’re looking for BGM to play at a celebratory party, this song might be just the thing.

Capturing the joy of the occasion, it will make any birthday feel even more colorful.