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

Birthday SongOchiai Wataru43rank/position

Wataru Ochiai – Birthday Song (Music Video)

This is a warm, celebratory song by Wataru Ochiai, an artist who delivers lyrics that speak straight to the heart.

Set to a gentle acoustic sound, the track reminds us that the presence of someone by our side is the greatest gift of all.

Its unadorned, straightforward words have the power to convey feelings to anyone.

Released in October 2019, it even topped the J-pop charts in Vietnam—no surprise that it’s loved across borders.

It’s perfect for giving to someone special—friends, family, or anyone dear—on their special day as a token of gratitude.

It also makes a wonderful BGM choice for a surprise video, sure to create a moving moment.

day by dayYoshida Yamada44rank/position

Hibi / Yoshida Yamada [MUSIC VIDEO]

A song by YoshidaYamada that carefully depicts special moments found in everyday life.

Through the daily lives of an elderly couple, it gently embraces a range of emotions—joy and sorrow, love and parting.

Broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from December 2013 to January 2014, the piece sparked a strong response, with many on social media and by word of mouth calling it “a tearjerker” and “moving,” leading to multiple rebroadcasts.

It’s a perfect song to listen to when you want to reflect on cherished memories at life’s milestones or to celebrate longevity.

To youkurisu haato45rank/position

Chris Hart – To You

When it comes to the perfect song for a first birthday party, Chris Hart’s piece is the one.

Its warm vocals and heartfelt lyrics are truly captivating.

It beautifully conveys gratitude toward loved ones and the joy of discovering the meaning of life.

Released in 2015, the song was also used as the theme for the drama “The Strongest Duo: Kyoto Prefectural Police Special Investigation Unit.” On this special day celebrating your child’s growth, it’s a song the whole family can listen to together and share the emotion.

It will surely become a wonderful memory.

Happy happy birthdayMayo Okamoto46rank/position

Hapi Hapi Birthday / Happy Birthday - Okamoto Mayo

Mayu Okamoto’s “Hapi Hapi Birthday” is the perfect song for a child’s first birthday party.

Its gentle vocals and heartwarming melody celebrate your child’s birth and let the whole family share in the joy.

The lyrics, filled with love and gratitude for someone special, will resonate with parents as well.

Since it’s a familiar song that aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” it’s also recommended as background music for a commemorative video, or to play during entrances and exits at the party.

With wishes for your child’s growth, let’s all sing “Happy Birthday” together!

Tears SurpriseAKB4847rank/position

[MV full] Namida Surprise! / AKB48 [Official]

If you’re planning a surprise birthday party, make sure to use this song as the BGM! It’s a track by the beloved national idol group AKB48, released in June 2009 as their 12th single.

Set in a classroom, the heartwarming theme centers on friends working together to celebrate a birthday with a surprise.

The moment the synth brass and handclaps burst in during the intro, the party has already begun! You can practically see the look of surprise as the guest of honor appears, and the tears of joy that follow.

Use it to help create a once-in-a-lifetime memory as everyone celebrates a dear friend’s birthday together!

miracleUru48rank/position

[Official] Uru “Kiseki” YouTube ver. Theme song for TBS Friday drama “Kounodori”

Miracle, a song that celebrates the birth of a newborn life, deeply moves those who listen.

Uru’s clear, translucent voice gently embraces the lyrics that portray parental love and the struggles they’ve overcome, even through painful moments.

The song’s development, which evokes scenes from the drama, resonates like a heartfelt cheer for everyone facing the life-changing event of childbirth.

Not only for those who have already experienced birth, but also for those who are about to become parents, this song will be a treasure that forever engraves the memories of precious moments.

Listening while watching your child grow will surely make tender feelings overflow.

My beloved treasuretsuji ayano49rank/position

Ayano Tsuji “Beloved Treasure” Original Animated Movie

Created after Ayano Tsuji became a mother, this song is filled with deep love and gratitude for her baby.

Carried by gentle ukulele tones, the words “Thank you for being born” are repeated, celebrating the joy of accumulating all the “first” experiences with a child.

Released digitally in June 2018, the song was also chosen as the official theme for KTS Kagoshima TV’s “Smile Baby Project.” It’s a perfect track for parents whose child is turning one, and is also recommended for commemorative videos or as background music for birthday parties.