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

Happy BirthdayNishino Kana21rank/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.

HappinessAI22rank/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.

From your momHatsuda Etsuko23rank/position

Etsuko Hatsuda 'From Your Mom' Solo Performance – Daughter! Happy 12th Birthday!

“From Your Mama” is Etsuko Hatsuta’s debut single, released in 2009.

It’s a song in which a mother’s love for her child is conveyed through gentle music and straightforward lyrics.

Hatsuta, a mother of two herself, writes of the swelling affection during pregnancy, the stumbles and regrets of inexperienced parenting, and the way she grows stronger little by little, coming to love her child from the bottom of her heart.

A baby’s first year—turning one—is truly special.

As you look back on this past year, let this song help you reaffirm your love for your child.

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sasashina

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Only the number of starsMayumiinu24rank/position

Only as many as the stars – by Mayumiinu

Sung by Mayumiinu, a singer who has worked on numerous commercial jingles, this song is perfect for conveying a mother’s feelings of “Thank you for being born” to her child.

If it sounds familiar, that’s because it was used in a Moony commercial! The lyrics overflow with love from start to finish, and as you listen, you’ll likely find your own child even more precious.

For a first birthday, the scenes of mother and baby depicted in the lyrics may resonate especially well.

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Hane Keisuke

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BirthNakajima Miyuki25rank/position

Miyuki Nakajima “Birth” / Uotaka Michiru

Here’s a birthday song especially recommended for those leading busy lives or going through a rough patch: Miyuki Nakajima’s “Tanjou” (“Birth”).

Released in 1992 as her first double A-side single along with “Maybe,” it was even included in school textbooks.

There are times when the hardships that befall us leave us unsure of who we are.

In moments like that, the song’s message—“Thank you for being born”—really hits home.

It’s a moving birthday song with the power to soften feelings of despair and the pain of hitting a wall.

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KEI

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Birthday Songyuka26rank/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?

BIRTHDAYOku Hanako27rank/position

Okuno Hanako_Birthday (with lyrics)_Piano accompaniment

Oku Hanako’s “Birthday” is a song that celebrates birthdays while also conveying gratitude and encouragement.

It’s included on her 2009 album “BIRTHDAY.” With its bouncy, bright pop melody, it’s perfect for everyone to sing together at a friend’s birthday party.

The lyrics express appreciation for the miracle of meeting and being able to share such a joyful moment, as well as the heartfelt message: I’ll always be by your side—keep doing your best.

How about giving it to a friend who’s always working hard at their job, studies, and everything else?

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SAKI

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BatonKobukuro28rank/position

Kobukuro “Baton” Image Movie

Kobukuro’s “Baton” is a song that beautifully portrays the connection of life.

Its warm melody and heartfelt lyrics make it perfect for celebrating a child turning one.

The line “Someday, you too will have a time to pass it on to someone” conveys a love that flows from parent to child and into the future.

Released in April 2018, the song was also used in an Ono Pharmaceutical commercial.

Playing it as background music at a birthday party or in a video can make this important first milestone even more memorable.

Why not listen together as a family and let your thoughts turn to the future ahead?

May it be filled with kindnessJUJU29rank/position

JUJU 'So That It Overflows with Kindness'

This is a rock ballad by JUJU overflowing with gratitude and kindness toward a loved one.

Its gentle, enveloping melody captures the subtle emotional shifts of realizing the preciousness of a life nurtured in the womb and seeing the world in a new light.

Also featured in a Nissan Cube commercial, the song was released in February 2009 and ambitiously reached the top 10 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is included on the albums “What’s Love?” and “BEST STORY ~Love stories~,” and has been covered by many artists.

It’s a deeply moving track, perfect for savoring feelings of gratitude for a precious life that has come into this world.

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya30rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

This song portrays the preciousness of human encounters, bonds, and living together.

With lyrics by Mariya Takeuchi and music by Takatsugu Muramatsu, it was created as an insert song for the latter half of 2008’s NHK morning drama series “Dandan.” It expresses gratitude for being born, being raised, and being able to meet others, and it asks about the meaning of life and the value of living.

Since its release in September 2014, it has also been cherished as wedding background music and a graduation chorus piece.

Why not listen to it when you want to convey your appreciation to someone important or to celebrate a milestone in life?