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

I walked home across the birthday cake.Chatmonchy36rank/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.

BIRTHDAYkururi37rank/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.

Thank youikimonogakari38rank/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.

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?

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru40rank/position

Hikaru Utada – A Bouquet for You

This song was used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan,” marking Hikaru Utada’s return to activity in April 2016.

It’s said that she wrote it for her mother, but given the title “Hanataba wo Kimi ni” (A Bouquet for You), it also makes a great birthday song.

Feelings of gratitude that words alone can’t express are conveyed through its gentle, warm melody.

A birthday is not only a time for celebration, but also a perfect opportunity to say “Thank you for being born.” By layering the feelings you’re usually too shy to say onto this song, you can create an unforgettable, moving moment.

It’s a heartwarming ballad that helps you reaffirm the bond with someone special.

Happy Birthdayyamazaru41rank/position

Yamazaru “Happy Birthday” Short Ver.

A heartwarming birthday song that sings gratitude for being born.

The refreshing, melodious voice of singer-songwriter Yamazaru resonates deep in the heart.

Meeting someone special may itself be a miracle.

This is a song that conveys such gratitude in a straightforward way.

Released in October 2016, it is also included on the best-of album “Cho Aikotoba -THE BEST-.” As his other songs gained media attention, this track also reached many listeners.

It’s sure to beautifully color any moment, especially when you’re planning a surprise.

Let this song deliver the “thank you” that’s hard to say in everyday life.

MiracleGReeeeN42rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

A warm, heartfelt song that directly expresses gratitude and love for someone special.

Released in May 2008 as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES,” this track has a strong connection to the world of baseball, having been used for high school baseball entrance marches and as walk-up music for professional players.

Its sincere message pledging love that endures over time, combined with an upbeat yet emotionally rich melody, creates a harmony that gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

The sentiment of celebrating a meeting as a “miracle” and treasuring the days walked together as a “trace of our journey” is sure to resonate with everyone.