In every era, there are so many great songs that celebrate birthdays.
If you listen not only to the latest tracks but also to the gems from the good old days, you might make some new discoveries.
So this time, we’re introducing birthday songs released in the Showa era.
We’ve put together a wide-ranging list, from upbeat numbers perfect for celebrations to nostalgic tunes.
While few of them were A-side singles, you can enjoy hidden masterpieces by famous artists.
- Birthday songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke and dedicate to someone. Lovely songs for a wonderful birthday.
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- A moving birthday song to give on someone’s special day. A birthday song so heartfelt it could bring you to tears.
- Songs for birthdays you’ll want to listen to and give—birthday songs with lyrics that touch the heart
- Birthday songs recommended for women: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Brighten your special day with happiness! A birthday song born in the Reiwa era
- Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
- Recommended Japanese birthday songs to give on someone's birthday
- Songs to give for an 88th-birthday celebration (Beiju). Heartwarming classics and popular tunes.
- Songs to gift for longevity celebrations: heartwarming classics and popular tunes about life
- Background music for a birthday party. A roundup of recommended birthday songs
- Make your once-a-year special day dazzling! A birthday song born in the Heisei era
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
Chic celebratory song: Showa-era birthday songs (1–10)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEŌta Hiromi
A poignant song by Hiromi Ohta that tenderly portrays the loneliness of city life.
Released in November 1980 as the B-side to the single “Saraba Siberia Tetsudō,” its lyrics vividly evoke the era.
Scenes like celebrating a fifth birthday alone and buying a present for oneself convey the weariness of life in the city.
With a gentle folk-inspired melody and Ohta’s soft vocals, it’s a track that offers comfort to those striving in urban environments.
A heartwarming birthday song especially recommended for those who’ve just started living on their own or who are still adjusting to city life.
Birthday SongYagami Junko
A track included on the album “Sugao no Watashi,” released in April 1979.
It’s a heartfelt piece that reflects Junko Yagami’s warm personality.
The lyrics, filled with love and gratitude for someone special, offer a message that resonates with anyone celebrating a birthday.
Junko Yagami was immersed in music from an early age and began pursuing it in earnest during high school.
After winning at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest, she made her professional debut in 1978.
This song can be seen as an expression of her deep affection for music.
It’s a heartwarming number, perfect for gifting to a loved one on their birthday.
Your birthdayGARO
A popular song by GARO, a folk-rock group representative of the Showa era.
It carries a poignant longing for a cherished person to whom one said farewell in youth.
It topped the Oricon singles chart dated June 25, 1973, and sold a total of 452,000 copies.
The lyrics were written by Michio Yamagami, with composition and arrangement by Koichi Sugiyama.
Featuring GARO’s signature beautiful harmonies and melodies, it’s a touching ballad you’ll want to listen to on a loved one’s birthday.
A Lonely BirthdayKondō Masahiko
A song included on Masahiko Kondo’s album “Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku,” imbued with the nostalgic aroma of Showa-era idol pop.
The lyrics, themed around the loneliness of spending a birthday alone, leave a strong impression.
The poignant emotions woven by Takashi Matsumoto’s words and Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s composition resonate deeply.
Released in December 1981, this track is also featured on Kondo’s best-of album “MATCHY☆BEST II.” His clear, transparent vocals heighten the sense of solitude, conveying the feelings of a protagonist who can’t truly celebrate, even on their birthday.
It’s a comforting song for those who’ve experienced parting from someone important or who stand at a crossroads in life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYsadamasashi
A song by singer-songwriter Masashi Sada, who made his major debut as part of the folk duo Grape and has captivated fans for many years with his lyrical compositions and witty talk.
Included on a single released in February 1980, this number delves into themes of life and growth.
It was also used as the theme song for TBS’s Wednesday Drama series “Nazeka Hatsukoi • Minamikaze,” showcasing Sada’s versatile songwriting talent.
Carrying a positive message that encourages reflecting on one’s past self and taking a new step forward, it’s a moving piece that resonates with the heart.
Happy Birthday…to meYamashita Kumiko
This work was born as a birthday song to oneself.
It’s a track packed with Kumiko Yamashita’s charm, marked by a pop, glamorous vibe that really stands out.
The lyrics, which portray the loneliness and wistfulness of a birthday party, will likely resonate with many.
Tomoyasu Hotei’s refined arrangement is another highlight.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish yourself on a special day.
A high-energy rock number that we’d love for anyone celebrating a birthday to hear.
Two People’s BirthdaySano Motoharu
Masatoshi Sano’s song, known as a classic from the Showa era, sings about the importance of revisiting dreams and memories that are easily lost in everyday life.
Included on the album SOMEDAY, this pop-rock track was written and composed by Sano.
Characterized by a light, upbeat rhythm and melody, it captures both the excitement of a relationship just beginning with the first exchange of words and the dreams and memories woven into daily life.
Released in 1982 as Sano’s third studio album, SOMEDAY holds a significant place in Japan’s rock scene.
It’s a heartwarming number you’ll want to play when celebrating a birthday or recalling special moments with someone dear.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYGO-BANG’S
This song is included on GO-BANG’S’ major-label debut album “Gobanic Land,” released in May 1988.
Riding on a light, poppy melody, it conveys the joy of celebrating a birthday and feelings of gratitude.
Kaori Moriwaka’s distinctive vocals and energetic performance further enhance the song’s appeal.
The story that Kiyoshiro Imawano discovered the band also seems to have great significance in their career.
It’s a popular track often played live, known for firing up the audience.
It’s perfect not only as background music for a birthday party, but also for times when you want to express your appreciation to someone special.
Kittens of the Apple ForestIijima Mari
The song, born in 1983 as the ending theme for the anime “Spoon Oba-san,” captivates with Mari Iijima’s light, lively vocals and Takashi Matsumoto’s poetic lyrics.
Its fantastic world—featuring a party of kittens set in an apple forest—leaves a memorable impression.
Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s bright melody is loved by listeners of all ages, from children to adults.
It’s a classic that warms the heart, perfect for relaxing before bedtime or as background music for family time.
Happy Birthday in TearsShaneruzu
A heartrending birthday song from The Chanels.
It conveys the protagonist’s complex feelings after falling in love with a friend’s partner, set to a sweet doo-wop melody.
Masayuki Suzuki’s soulful vocals and the group’s signature harmonies truly resonate.
Released in 1982 as the B-side to the single “Weekend Dynamite,” this track is a profound work that depicts the ache of unrequited love, along with the hope and despair within it.
In contrast to the festive atmosphere of the birthday party, you can feel the protagonist’s inner turmoil.
It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling with love or feeling nostalgic for their youth.