Masaki Makihara’s famous and popular songs
Noriyuki Makihara is a singer-songwriter who has been a major force in the J-POP scene since the 1990s, and his songs continue to be loved to this day.
His music is captivating for its relatable lyrics about love and everyday life, paired with stylish, cool arrangements.
And when talking about his appeal, you can’t overlook his singing voice.
His beautifully soaring high tones are impressive enough to wow you after just a brief listen.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of his classic tracks.
From timeless favorites to hidden gems, be sure to give them a listen.
Makihara Noriyuki’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (1–10)
You are my treasure.Makihara Noriyuki
It’s included on his third album, “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” (“You Are My Treasure”).
Since the song shares the same title as the album, you can tell it was a track Noriyuki Makihara felt very strongly about.
There are plenty of songs about realizing you like someone, but noticing that the other person likes you—and turning that into lyrics—is rare.
You could say, “This is Makky Magic at work!”
LOVE LETTERNEW!Makihara Noriyuki
It’s a deep-cut album track that was never released as a single, yet it enjoys immense popularity among fans.
It’s a bittersweet unrequited-love song about someone who’s leaving for far away, marked by four-on-the-floor piano and an arrangement that feels both light and wistful, evoking the scenery seen from a departing train.
The overall vocal range spans F#3 to A4, with the bridge (C section) reaching the highest and most climactic notes.
The melody line is simple, so even those unfamiliar with the song can pick it up quickly.
Its coming-of-age vibe makes it easy to sing at karaoke without feeling heavy.
Highly recommended.
Two WishesNEW!Makihara Noriyuki
It’s a song that reflects Makihara’s signature lyrical world—rather than a flashy love song, it cherishes the small moments of everyday life—and it’s a heartwarming track that wishes for the simple daily happiness shared with a loved one.
It has a good groove, so if you sing it rhythmically, both your chest voice and falsetto should come out comfortably.
Matching the timing is important; when your body’s groove and the moment you release your voice snap into place, your voice will come out naturally without needing to belt.
Also, be mindful of quickness, and try singing with a slightly accented attack at the start of each phrase.
Let’s hold handsNEW!Makihara Noriyuki
This song was written in September 2011 for the project “Te wo Tsunagou Daisakusen,” which aimed to bring smiles to areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Its warm lyrics center on themes of bonds and kindness, and the project’s official website publishes the lyrics and sheet music.
The song itself has a bouncing rhythm and a light feel, so it’s best to sing it in a way that doesn’t get too heavy.
Try moving your body as if lightly bouncing upward while you sing.
It might also work to toss off the word endings, as if flicking them away.
three peopleNEW!Makihara Noriyuki
A heartwarming masterpiece based on a true story, included on the album “You Are My Treasure.” It’s a song of youthful memories that portrays living together with a slightly older couple and hopes for the future, and it remains a long-standing favorite among fans.
The overall vocal range is C#3–A4, with relatively calm lines in the verses and pre-chorus, then a slight rise in range from the chorus.
For the low notes, make sure not to let the resonance drop too much—focus on resonating in the head.
If that’s difficult, try raising your hand toward your head and aim your voice at your hand.
Keeping your attention upward will naturally lift your eyebrows, too.
MILKMakihara Noriyuki
In the lyrics, sometimes MILK refers to actual cow’s milk, and other times it appears as a metaphor for warmth and affection, and it’s that ambiguity about MILK that makes me think, “That’s nice.” That’s Makihara’s magic.
A girlfriend and someone who seems to be a mother also appear, but what comes through in common is a kind of “affection” that goes beyond love.
Every line of the lyrics evokes a realistic, everyday life—it’s a wonderful song.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldMakihara Noriyuki
A smash hit by SMAP that needed no explanation or reviews.
With this song, SMAP swept every award there was.
The SMAP version where all five members sing different parts is great, but the version performed solely by Noriyuki Makihara himself is also fantastic! Makihara’s vocals feel as if they adjust to the listener’s ears; rather than simply enjoying a song, it feels like a powerful message is being delivered.
It’s now even included in school textbooks—a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the Japanese heart!
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
It’s the kind of exciting track that makes you think, “How does he always manage to write such catchy hooks?”—I bet plenty of artists envy that talent.
There’s even a lyric about giving his girlfriend both a short-sleeve and a long-sleeve shirt because he wants to be with her across the seasons… it’s definitely the sort of thing that tugs at a girl’s heart.
It’s a song that, if anything, makes the more goofy side of Noriyuki Makihara look cool!
The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki
This is a self-cover of “THE GIFT,” a song provided to the British group Blue in 2003.
Its lyrics, which remind us of the happiness that comes from making someone else happy and of things we’d forgotten, are deeply moving.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Last Present: The Last Summer Living with My Daughter.”
her boyfriendMakihara Noriyuki
This track is characterized by a sound that feels like a fusion of Black music and pop.
The lyrics, which focus on falling for a girl who’s actually a friend’s girlfriend—along with the feelings of an unrequited love and the frustration of being powerless to change it—are also a standout.