Masaki Makihara’s famous and popular songs

The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara The Thing I Wanted Most 2004 Nippon Budokan

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.”

STRIPE!NEW!Makihara Noriyuki

STRIPE!

This beloved winter classic by Noriyuki Makihara—familiar to many as the CM song for Alpen’s “Alpen Winter Fair”—was released in 1998! From the intro, shimmering synthesizer tones ring out, vividly conjuring the contrast between pure white snowy landscapes and bright blue skies.

Makihara handled the lyrics, composition, and arrangement himself, and his pop sensibility—turning even winter’s chill into a thrilling sense of excitement—is nothing short of genius.

The chorus opens up the view all at once, overflowing with a sense of freedom, making it the perfect track for the slopes, whether you’re skiing or snowboarding.

Also included on the album “Cicada,” this song continues to shine as the ideal in-car BGM on your way to winter leisure.

MemoryMakihara Noriyuki

Memory / Noriyuki Makihara cover with lyrics, Nivea Kao commercial song, included in “Design & Reason.”

I used to hear it often as the commercial jingle for Kao’s Nivea hand cream.

The lyrics, which seem to be inspired by hand cream, fit perfectly and the song comes together as a light, typical Makihara pop tune.

The affectionate story, evoking the feeling of hands that once touched and connected with one’s mother, is simply lovely.

It’s a fresh track packed with the feelings of “thank you” and “I look forward to our continued journey together.”

North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “North Wind ~May It Reach You~” (MV) [6th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara/Kitakaze - kiminitodokimasuyouni

Released in 1992 as the sixth single.

The music video is so young (lol)! Beyond the lyrics, the choral intro and the sounds of bells and organ evoke a winter romance.

For a time, Noriyuki Makihara even named it as his favorite work.

No.1Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No.1” (Music Video) [8th Single] (1993)

This was the eighth single, released in 1993, and as the title suggests, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In 2015, it was chosen as the theme song for the film ‘My Love Story!!’, and after a full 22 years, a self-rearranged version by the artist was used.

The bright, Latin-style melody matches the lyrics about happy love, making you feel naturally cheerful and almost want to start dancing.

four-leaf cloverMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara – Four-Leaf Clover [Music Video]

It’s the theme song for the drama “Going My Home.” At the time he composed it, Noriyuki Makihara was in Ireland for a TV shoot, and the piece was crafted as a Celtic-style song featuring Irish elements.

With its flowing 6/8 time, grand melodic line, and deeply resonant lyrics, it’s a quintessential Makihara masterpiece with his world on full display.

SPYMakihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “SPY” (Music Video) [12th Single] (1994)

This is one of Noriyuki Makihara’s signature songs, “SPY,” released in 1994.

It’s also well known for being the theme song of the TV drama Otoko Girai.

Centered on men and women caught up in the whirlwind of romance and the thrill of romantic mind games, the song’s edgy lyrics and melody are irresistible.

A remastered version has also been released, so be sure to give that a listen as well.

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Itō Yūta

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