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

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi31rank/position

Cheers

This is a renowned song that has continued to resonate with many as an anthem celebrating life’s new beginnings.

Originally released in September 1980 on the album “Kampai,” it vividly depicts a celebratory scene lit by candlelight and carries a warm message of encouragement for a friend taking their first step forward.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals deliver hope and courage for the future.

In 1988, it was re-recorded and released as a single, becoming a major hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In the early 1990s, it was also featured in commercials for Kirin Lager Beer, further boosting its recognition.

To this day, it remains a timeless song passed down through the years, often chosen to convey heartfelt feelings to loved ones at important milestones in life, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

White lilies on my birthdayFukuyama Masaharu32rank/position

Masaharu Fukuyama – Pure White Lilies for Your Birthday (Full ver.)

A singer-songwriter Masaharu Fukuyama’s song that celebrates special days with poignant lyrics and a soothing melody.

Released in April 2013 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Tonbi,” the piece centers on family bonds and the relationship between parent and child, expressing gratitude from a child to a parent.

It also reflects Fukuyama’s own feelings toward his father, conveying a deep sense of love.

The white lily’s language of flowers—purity and gratitude—symbolizes the affection for someone celebrating a birthday.

It’s a heartwarming ballad perfect for special occasions like birthdays and weddings, when you want to express thanks to someone important.

Birthday SongOtsuka Ai33rank/position

Birthday Song

This is a song whose warm piano and harmonica tones resonate in the heart, leaving you with a very gentle feeling.

The children’s voices heard in the intro create a cozy, at-home atmosphere.

The track was released by Ai Otsuka in December 2005 and was also used as the ending theme for the TBS program “Samaazu-shiki.” It’s a special song that has grown together with fans through live performances, and there’s a lovely story from September 2007 when a surprise was staged after fans spontaneously began to sing.

Alongside words that bring back memories of when we were little, the straightforward message that there is a light that protects you sinks deep into the heart.

It’s perfect as background music for a growth record video of someone special or for a surprise video to say thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY♪Kasai Shunsuke34rank/position

[MV] Shunsuke Kasai / HAPPY BIRTHDAY♪

Singer-songwriter Shunsuke Kasai, who’s drawing attention for his warm melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Released in 2019, this work is a heartwarming number themed around birthdays.

It sings about birthdays as a day to give thanks for being born and to the parents who gave you life, carrying a message that resonates deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which remind us of gratitude we often forget, are perfect as background music for spending precious time with family and friends.

Wrapped in Kasai’s gentle vocals, it’s a song that lets you savor the special feeling of a birthday.

Someone’s birthday again todayAozora Mame35rank/position

*GUMI × Hatsune Miku* It's Someone's Birthday Today Too *Sora Mame*

A refreshing yet slightly bittersweet Vocaloid song in which a birthday message to a loved one is sung.

Created by Aozora Mame, also known as the author of “Yoru Allergy,” it was released in 2015.

Like a letter addressed to a close friend from school days, it conveys a straightforward feeling of gratitude: thanks to meeting you, I am who I am today.

As the title suggests, every day is someone’s birthday—meaning every day is a very special day.

This wonderful birthday song gently jolts us into recognizing that seemingly obvious truth.

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BirthdayKaty Perry36rank/position

Katy Perry – Birthday (Official)

When you want to throw a full-on birthday celebration with disco vibes, Katy Perry’s track is just the ticket.

Included on her 2013 album Prism and released as a single starting in April 2014, it’s a buoyant dance number.

On the surface it’s a happy birthday anthem, but it also playfully hints that “the best present is me,” adding a flirty, grown-up twist.

The song even topped Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart, making it a perfect pick for party moods.

Why not use it to add humor and make a loved one’s birthday an unforgettable day?

I walked home across the birthday cake.Chatmonchy37rank/position

Chatmonchy “I Walked Home Across a Birthday Cake” Music Video

For a birthday, a day when everyone feels something special, the perfect song to add a touch of emotion is Chatmonchy’s “I Walked Home Across the Birthday Cake.” Its melody blends overflowing joy with a hint of bittersweetness, resonating with many listeners.

The lyrics carry a gentle, heartwarming message alongside hope for growing older, making it an ideal birthday song to give to a friend or a lover.

Each listen delivers a melody that echoes deeply in the heart, beautifully coloring memories of a special birthday.

This song, which tenderly makes you feel love with each passing year, is also perfect for honestly conveying your feelings to someone important.

BIRTHDAYkururi38rank/position

Quruli – BIRTHDAY

A masterpiece born in the Heisei era, this is a track that adds a festive touch to any birthday.

Created by Quruli under the influence of The Who and The Beatles, it was released in February 2005.

Its sound evokes 1960s rock, paired with Shigeru Kishida’s delicate lyrics.

The distinctive bass and the mid-song chorus leave a strong impression, and it’s said to be one of the more technically demanding songs in Quruli’s catalog.

The promotional video features actress Mikako Ichikawa, making it visually enjoyable as well.

Play this song at a birthday party or on a special anniversary with someone important, and it’s sure to create wonderful memories.

Only by livingKiroro39rank/position

Kiroro – Live to the Fullest (Music Video)

This song is perfect for a first birthday, celebrating children’s growth and the bonds of family.

Released in July 2006, it gently sings about the preciousness of life and the importance of love.

The lyrics, filled with the bond between parent and child and hope for the world that lies ahead, will resonate deeply with families welcoming their child’s first birthday.

Wrapped in Kiroro’s warm vocals, why not look back on cherished memories with your little one, with heartfelt gratitude for their birth?

Thank youikimonogakari40rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A moving song filled with a heartwarming message.

Released on May 5, 2010, it was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gegege no Nyobo.” Packed with Ikimono-gakari’s charm, the piece is characterized by lyrics and a melody that express gratitude.

Boosted by its synergy with the drama, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The lyrics, imbued with thankfulness, also resonate as a message you might want to send to someone special on their birthday.

It could be nice to gift this song for a birthday or anniversary and use it to convey feelings that are hard to say out loud.