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

Happy Birthday to You15rank/position

Happy birthday to you [Happy Birthday to You] with vocals

“Happy Birthday to You” is such a classic birthday song that it’s fair to say everyone, young or old, knows it.

In fact, the song has a very long history: it originated as a parody of “Good Morning to All,” composed in the United States around 1893.

Its simple melody, easy enough for small children to sing, is perfect for birthday parties at nurseries and kindergartens.

Don’t forget to include the birthday child’s name in the final line of the lyrics!

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Happy Birthday to you youYUI16rank/position

YUI Happy Birthday to You with Lyrics

This is a classic song by singer-songwriter YUI for celebrating birthdays.

The melody is incredibly catchy, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself humming along.

The lyrics depict fun scenes like blowing out candles and making a toast, while also conveying a warm promise for the future—to stay together even through tough days.

The track is included on the acclaimed album “CAN’T BUY MY LOVE,” released in April 2007.

YUI’s cute vocals and the bright, buoyant sound will make any celebration even more lively.

It’s perfect not only for surprise performances for a special friend or partner, but also as party BGM or a song for everyone to sing together at karaoke.

Happy Birthday To YouOfisharu Higedan Dism17rank/position

Happy Birthday To You

Every time we celebrate a birthday, many of us may feel that we’re a little different from the adults we imagined we’d be as children.

This song gently stays close to that slightly sentimental feeling.

Rather than building to a flashy high, it offers quiet encouragement, giving you a push to say goodbye to your timid self and make a fresh start.

The track is included on the 2016 mini-album “MAN IN THE MIRROR.” Why not gift it to a dear friend—or to yourself?

HAPPY BIRTHDAYMONGOL80018rank/position

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

MONGOL800’s “Birthday Song” is a track that straightforwardly expresses the joy of celebrating a birthday.

Released on April 7, 2000, it was included on the album “GO ON AS YOU ARE.” Its lyrics convey a positive attitude toward growing older and the happiness of being celebrated by loved ones, delivering a simple yet heartfelt message.

Also used as the theme song for NHK General TV’s “Tsurube no Kazoku ni Kanpai,” this piece is perfect not only for those celebrating their own birthday but also for anyone who wants to celebrate someone special.

Be sure to give it a listen—its warm sound encapsulates the musical style of MONGOL800, an Okinawa-based band.

My Little RoseHirai Dai19rank/position

Hirai Dai / My Little Rose (Lyric Video)

A song like a love letter that Dai Hirai dedicated to his beloved child.

It conveys the joy of becoming a parent, the worries, and the deep love, all set to a gentle melody that celebrates a child’s birth.

Released digitally in September 2022, the track is said to even include the baby’s first cry.

It’s a warm piece that lets you feel the preciousness of new life and the bonds of family.

Perfect for expressing gratitude to someone special or for listening together as a parent and child.

Highly recommended for those raising children or eagerly awaiting the birth of their own.

Happy BirthdayNishino Kana20rank/position

Kana Nishino – Happy birthday

It’s a song packed with heartfelt birthday wishes.

Kana Nishino’s warm vocals gently wrap feelings of gratitude for someone special.

The lyrics convey the bonds with friends and family and the joy of having met, resonating closely with listeners.

Included on the single “We Don’t Stop,” released in May 2014, it’s perfect for birthday parties and surprise moments.

It also makes ideal BGM for celebrating on Instagram Stories or Reels—a track that conveys your feelings to the birthday person.

HappinessAI21rank/position

AI – Happiness

This is a renowned R&B-style song that portrays a chain of hope and happiness.

Released in December 2011, it was inspired by a drawing made by a child that AI saw during a meeting.

With its strong, heartfelt message, the song was featured in Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign from 2011 to 2015, bringing a warm atmosphere to many.

Included on the album “INDEPENDENT,” it became highly popular, earning Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Reminding us that happiness is always close by, this track is perfect as background music for a video gift on a friend’s birthday.

If you send it while reflecting on the precious moments you’ve shared and conveying your feelings for them, it’s sure to make them happy.