Popular Birthday Songs [Japanese Music Ranking]

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki43rank/position

Era – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

A masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima, renowned for its profound insight and hope-filled lyrics.

Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at a Yamaha-sponsored contest.

In 2007 it was selected as one of the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in 2010 it was used as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama—testament to its enduring popularity over many years.

The simple performance style of singing with just one guitar highlights the power of the lyrics.

It’s a perfect song to present at a celebration for someone at a turning point in life—looking back on the journey so far and sending hopes for the road ahead.

Happy Birthdayyamazaru44rank/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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY♪Kasai Shunsuke45rank/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.

Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya46rank/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?

Birthday SongOchiai Wataru47rank/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.

Song of JoyDREAMS COME TRUE48rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – Song of Joy (from URAWAN 2016 Live Ver.)

This song is filled with warm love and hope, celebrating the birth of a new life.

The baby’s sun-bright eyes and radiant smile are expressed through a melody and vocals that resonate in the heart.

Included on DREAMS COME TRUE’s album “SING OR DIE,” released in November 1997, it was also used as the theme song for Nagoya TV’s information program “Up♪” and in commercials.

This piece is recommended for families celebrating their child’s first birthday.

As a memorable song compiling photos and videos of a year of growth, it will beautifully color that special milestone.

MiracleGReeeeN49rank/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.