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

I was born to meet you.EXILE SHOKICHI86rank/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 YOUNAYEON87rank/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’S88rank/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.

Happy birthdayPUFFY89rank/position

PUFFY “Happy Birthday” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A pop number that can be a source of comfort in tough times.

It was released in 2011, the 15th anniversary of their debut.

PUFFY set lyrics to a warm, gentle melody line created in collaboration with a Swedish artist.

The lyrics, packed with the joy of spending each day like a special anniversary, small happinesses, and gratitude for the loved ones who are always by your side, are truly moving.

It’s a perfect song to give to friends, partners, or family on their birthdays—and also to listen to on your own birthday to find the courage to start a new year.

Happy birthday songkariyushi 5890rank/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.