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Translation: ok, but it's a little bit different...
It's really hard to organize great birthday parties these days, with all the different influences from media and friends. The good news is that these same things allow us to draw from many great resources! So on to the good stuff...
For younger people, it's true, birthdays really aren't celebrated in Japan except Shichigosan Seven-Five-Three birthdays. Even then it's not a birthday celebration like American might do, so much as a religious rite. So, here are some ideas. For the girls into newer Japanese style, take a look at some new Japan fashion magazine (FRUiTS, ViVi, Elle Japan) and maybe find some cool style from there to dress up in for the party. Kids of all ages seem to like anime, and a great one for girls is Kareshi Kanojou no Jijyou (KareKano = His and Hers Circumstances) because it's a cute love story. A cute band we always liked is called Judy & Mary, and another famous Japanese band is KinKi Kids (it's the names, not a bad word!). You can also give gift bags with cute chopstick (make sure they're pointed, not flat-end), chopstick holder, a small paper packet with Japanese coins (get these from bank or an airport) for luck (really for New Years heh), maybe soap and candles with Japanese words, a stiff pretty fan (everybody has one in summer, pink and orange are good girl colors), and maybe Japanese snacks or candies. Be sure to have plenty of Ramune (Japanese soft drink) for a summer party or Genmai-cha (popcorn green tea, very good for young girls) for a winter party!
As for older girls or if she's interested in older Japan, dress is very important. Make sure you have yukata for summer parties or appropriate kimono for winter or 20-year-old parties. Some very famous older singers are Hibari Misora (most famous and a beautiful voice!), Hokosawa Takashi (very famous enka singer), Fuse Akira (well known but not my favorite), and Sakamoto Kyu (my favorite, listen to "Ue o muite arukou" "I look up as I walk"). There's one more who was famous even in America but I never listened to her, lol! Traditional dances and activity can be found on this site, as well as recipes for some appropriate foods. Traditionally a girl would go to the shinto temple to pray for luck, health, wealth, and longevity, but we don't have many of those here and you're probably not shinto anyway! So, to be traditional, you can take some time to be dressed up and pray at whatever religious place you attend for these things. The most important thing to a traditional "party" is that the birthday girl is *not* the guest of honor, but her guests are! Her most important role is to act as hostess for the entire event. This can be hard, but very very rewarding.
I hope this helps anybody who wants to organize a Japanese party, whether modern influenced or more traditional. Good luck, and have fun with your parties!
Additional ideas: cranes and candy sticks are traditional symbols of longevity, the whole point of celebrating a birthday!
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