Popular birthday songs: Japanese/J-POP artist ranking [2026]

I was born to meet you.EXILE SHOKICHI85rank/position

EXILE SHOKICHI / I Was Born to Meet You (from 2nd Album “1114”)

The birthday song “I Was Born to Meet You” is characterized by a melody and lyrics that resonate deep in the heart.

It begins with a gentle piano intro, and the heartfelt vocals stir your emotions.

The feelings woven into the tones heighten the joy of a birthday.

The lyrics express a deep sense of gratitude and blessings for a loved one that anyone can relate to, making it perfect as a surprise gift between partners or spouses.

Conveying words of thanks and messages of love through music will surely become an unforgettable memory.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUNAYEON86rank/position

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

This is a birthday song sung solo by Nayeon of TWICE.

Included on the album “IM NAYEON,” the song is a warm track filled with blessings and gratitude for someone special.

Carried by a gentle melody, Nayeon’s soft vocals resonate with the heart.

Released in June 2022, it sings of love for someone celebrating their birthday and the importance of the memories you’ve shared together.

If you use it in Instagram Stories or Reels, it could make a special day even more memorable.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYOKAMOTO’S87rank/position

OKAMOTO’S　『HAPPY BIRTHDAY』

If a run-of-the-mill birthday song just doesn’t do it for you, I recommend this track by OKAMOTO’S.

Produced with Shigeru Kishida from Quruli, it’s a stylish piece of rock ’n’ roll with a buoyant, irresistible beat.

While it captures the sparkling joy of a birthday, it subtly weaves in a bittersweet perspective on the limited time we have, giving it real depth.

Perhaps it’s precisely because it’s not all fun and games that the presence of someone special feels even more precious.

Included on the album “Let It V,” released in January 2014, the song also drew attention as the theme for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky Chocolate commercial.

It’s the perfect pick when you want to give a friend’s party a slightly more grown-up vibe.

treasurewacci88rank/position

wacci “Treasure” (Lyric Video)

It’s a coming-of-age song wrapped in a warm singing voice and gentle melody.

Released in August 2017 on the album “Nichijo Dramatic,” this celebrated track by wacci praises the wonder of meeting cherished people and the beauty of friendship.

It is also known for being used as speed skater Miho Takagi’s go-to song when she won the gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

Featuring a soothing piano tone and the warm vocals of wacci’s lead singer Yohei Hashiguchi, the piece is perfect as background music for a video gift on a friend’s birthday or as part of a surprise event.

It’s a highly recommended song for moments when you want to say “thank you” to someone special or look back on shared memories.

Happy birthday songkariyushi 5889rank/position

Happy birthday song

On birthdays, it’s customary to put as many candles on the cake as the person’s age and blow them out while making a wish.

As we get older, the number of candles might be a little disheartening (lol), but I think it also makes you feel refreshed, like a new year is beginning.

This is a wonderful song that expresses gratitude for the special person celebrating their birthday being born into this world, and cheers them on for the year ahead.

It’s a song that lets you imagine a happy birthday, so please consider sending it to someone important to you.

Happiness ~Since You Were Born~kerakera90rank/position

Kerakera – Happiness ~Since You Were Born~

Through the birth of a baby, this Kerakera number deeply awakens both the joy of becoming a parent and gratitude toward the parents who raised you.

Released as a single in May 2015, it drew attention as a collaboration song with the parenting brand “Tamahiyo.” It carefully portrays the emotions of holding your child for the first time and the parental love that makes even sleepless nights of crying feel precious.

We used to search for happiness somewhere out there, but this song reminds us that true happiness overflows in the everyday moments right in front of us.

A must-listen for moms and dads in the thick of child-rearing.

BirthdayFujifaburikku91rank/position

Birthday Fujifabric

Released by Fujifabric on November 9, 2005, this work features a warm vocal tone and memorable melody.

Its lyrics, filled with feelings for someone special, are perfect for celebrating a birthday.

Included on the album “FAB FOX,” the song was openly declared a favorite by Masahiko Shimura—the vocalist, lyricist, and composer—who passed away at a young age.

It’s a heartwarming birthday song you’ll want to give with gratitude to someone dear on their special day.

Whether for family, a partner, or friends, consider choosing this song to celebrate the birthday of someone important to you.