RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

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.

Noriyuki Makihara’s greatest and most popular songs (41–50)

PENGUINMakihara Noriyuki

PENGUIN Noriyuki Makihara with Lyrics
PENGUINMakihara Noriyuki

Love with someone who’s already involved, or romance at the workplace—even when we know it’s not allowed, we still fall; that’s what love is.

But sometimes the reason we feel happiness with someone is because we can see a future where the two of us are together.

When it’s a forbidden love, that future is hard to see.

Noriyuki Makihara’s “PENGUIN” is a song about a protagonist who has ended such a relationship and reflects on the past.

Even though the relationship is over, they look back knowing the love they felt then was real, and that ending it was the right choice.

Wanting to keep a romance beautiful, just as it was—this is a song I especially hope those people will listen to.

Noriyuki Makihara’s Classic and Popular Songs (51–60)

WowMakihara Noriyuki

Wow / I sang a song by Noriyuki Makihara
WowMakihara Noriyuki

Originally, it was a special song written for SMAP.

In the end, though, Makihara Noriyuki himself performed it, and it became known as a song that expresses gratitude for the wonder of birth.

It’s also a perfect song to send for the birthday of someone important to you whom you know well.

sparklingMakihara Noriyuki

Released in 2002 and beloved as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koi no Chikara,” this classic by Kazumasa Oda is covered by Noriyuki Makihara, known for his warm, gentle vocals.

The lyrics, which sing of emotional tremors and the sparkle of moments, quietly speak of hope and the power of love amid life’s uncertainties.

Makihara’s delicate, tender voice wraps the original song’s kindness in a fresh interpretation, evoking even deeper emotion.

It’s a song that gently nudges forward those embarking on a new beginning or finding themselves lost along the way.

THE END OF THE WORLDMakihara Noriyuki

THE END OF THE WORLD Noriyuki Makihara with lyrics
THE END OF THE WORLDMakihara Noriyuki

This is a track from Noriyuki Makihara’s 2008 album UNDERWEAR.

Sung in a warm, gentle voice, it portrays an affectionate couple.

Their forbidden love is depicted so naturally that you wouldn’t notice anything unusual unless someone said, “It’s not a normal relationship.” The world Makihara paints feels so real that just imagining what fate awaits these lovers—who have likely managed to keep their relationship secret from everyone—makes my chest ache.

Witch HazelMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara Witch hazel with lyrics
Witch HazelMakihara Noriyuki

This is a song from Noriyuki Makihara’s album “SELF PORTRAIT,” released on October 31, 1993.

At the time, he heard on the radio that “witch hazel,” an herb, was used as an ingredient in sunscreen, and he thought it would make a good title for a summer romance song.

I’m okay.Makihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara - I'm Okay (with lyrics)
I'm okay.Makihara Noriyuki

This is a track from Noriyuki Makihara’s second album, “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi wo Shimasu ka,” released in 1991.

It’s a very straightforward breakup song that portrays a man who, despite the pain of separation, tries to remain composed.

It’s a wonderful song, so please give it a listen.

Night of FireworksMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara’s “Hanabi no Yoru” is a love song that beautifully portrays an unrequited love.

The bittersweet lyrics, in contrast to the bright melody, skillfully depict his inner conflict toward the woman he longs for.

By likening love to the beauty and fleeting nature of fireworks, the song draws you in more and more with each listen.

Released in 2002, the track also incorporates experimental elements compared to his past hits—the combination of a samba-like rhythm with a minor-key melody feels remarkably fresh.