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

GIFTMr.Children1rank/position

Mr.Children「GIFT」Music Video(Short ver.)

A grand, heart-stirring ballad is perfect for those once-a-year emotional moments.

The 32nd single by Mr.Children, one of Japan’s leading rock bands, released in July 2008, was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s broadcast of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

Its beautiful melody, colored by strings, and its warm, all-encompassing sound are deeply moving.

The song celebrates the importance of a brilliance that can’t be seen, yet resides in everyone.

It’s the perfect track for expressing gratitude that might feel a bit embarrassing in everyday life.

HAPPYBUMP OF CHICKEN2rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN『HAPPY』

For a birthday song dedicated to someone special with whom you’ve shared both joyful and difficult times, I recommend “HAPPY.” This track was released in 2010 by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN.

It features band instrumentation reminiscent of UK rock and showcases a distinctive melodic line.

The song is filled with warm messages that offer hints for living life.

Motoo Fujiwara’s husky and emotional vocals are sure to resonate.

It’s a rock number recommended for those who want to use a birthday as an opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude.

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mutō

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Birthday Songayaka3rank/position

Ayaka / “Birthday Song”

This is a song whose gentle vocals by Ayaka and simple melody resonate with the heart.

It’s included on the album “Rainbow Road,” released in April 2015, and was also used in the commercial for CHOYA Natsuume by Choya Umeshu.

The tones of the toy piano and glockenspiel, along with the children’s chorus, create a warm atmosphere.

The lyrics convey messages of love and blessings for the other person, expressing gratitude to someone celebrating a birthday.

This piece is perfect as background music for celebrating a loved one’s birthday.

Using it for birthday posts in Instagram Stories or Reels will help make a special day feel even more wonderful.

The day you were bornSakushi: Nasu Akiko / Sakkyoku: Makirika4rank/position

Image song for the Love Song Grand Prize written by Mom, “The Day You Were Born.”

This is the theme song for the 2010 project “Love Songs Written by Moms,” led by composer Makirika and photographer Kana Takemoto.

With lyrics penned by mothers of newborns, the words evoke memories of a baby’s earliest days and resonate directly with the heart.

The simple, warm sound is also lovely.

On your child’s first birthday, why not listen to this song and take a moment to renew your feelings of gratitude for them?

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KOH-1

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Birthday songAAA5rank/position

Birthday song

This is a recommended song for when you want to convey your congratulations and gratitude to someone special through a gentle, heartfelt performance.

It’s a track by the co-ed performance group AAA, included on their 33rd single “777 ~We can sing a song!~,” released in July 2012.

The song is a heartwarming pop number that straightforwardly expresses gratitude for someone’s very existence.

The members’ gentle vocals blend into a beautiful harmony that’s sure to move you.

The single featuring this track also won the Excellence Award at the 54th Japan Record Awards.

Flashy party tunes are great, but precisely because it’s a once-a-year special day, why not quietly share your feelings with this song?

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYDREAMS COME TRUE6rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY (from ATTACK25 TOUR 2014 Live Ver.)

When it comes to DREAMS COME TRUE’s birthday songs, this is the one, right? This track, included on the album “MAGIC” released in December 1993, never fails to put you in a happy mood.

The heartfelt wish to be the very first to celebrate right after the date changes comes through so clearly.

The handclaps and chorus-centered sound really heighten the bubbly excitement.

If you sing this for a surprise for a friend, it’s sure to liven up the moment and make them happy!

Happy birthdayKetsumeishi7rank/position

Happy birthday

If it’s a friend’s birthday, you want to celebrate loudly and with happy energy, right? This song by Ketsumeishi is the perfect birthday anthem that really lifts your mood.

It’s a fan favorite featured on their album “Ketsuno Police 5,” released in August 2007.

It was also used as a theme for a Nippon TV program and in commercials.

The song doesn’t just celebrate birthdays—it carries a warm message about first thanking the parents who brought you into the world.

It also depicts the fun of partying, so it’s sure to get everyone excited! It’s a piece that will make a birthday with someone special an even more memorable occasion.