Makoto Kawamoto Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

43102Kawamoto Makoto11rank/position

1/2 Makoto Kawamoto - Guitar [Rurouni Kenshin] Cover

Makoto Kawamoto made her major-label debut in 1996 with the single “Ai no Sainō” (The Talent for Love).

A native of Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture, she graduated from the local high school and from the piano program in the music department at a local university, making her a highly skilled artist.

In 1997, she released “1/2,” which was chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, and it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon singles chart.

Her image of singing while playing an acoustic guitar left a strong impression and went on to greatly influence later female singer-songwriters who perform with acoustic guitar.

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LOVE & LUNAKawamoto Makoto12rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto LOVE & LUNA

This is a coupling track to the 2nd single “DNA,” included on the 1st album “Makoto Kawamoto.” The guitar phrases and the flute make it a very cool song.

The lyrics and singing style also give a bold impression, which is really cool.

The repeated “LOVE & LUNA” melody has a sexy vibe and is truly lovely.

STONEKawamoto Makoto13rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto STONE

With her distinctive lyrics, melodic lines, and backing music, she truly deserves to be called a genius.

I imagine quite a few people end up getting hooked.

The more you listen to her songs, the more new discoveries you find; they always feel fresh, yet somehow evoke a sense of nostalgia.

fishKawamoto Makoto14rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto / fish — from the album “It’s a Little Thing”

This is a track included on the self-cover album “Futoshita Koto Desu.” The piano sound and Makoto Kawamoto’s voice go very well together, making it a very comfortable listen.

An early morning version has also been released, and compared to the piano-and-vocals rendition, it feels more pop and dreamlike.

Both are wonderful recordings, so try finding the one you like best.

gradationKawamoto Makoto15rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto / gradation (Official Music Video)

You can hear a side of her singing that’s a bit different from the past.

The freshness of her singing without playing guitar, paired with her unchanged voice, makes it a song that feels distinctly her—evoking a certain nostalgia even for those listening again after a while.

Her unique turns of phrase are still alive, creating an atmosphere that draws you into the charm of the song.

tuneKawamoto Makoto16rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto “tune”

The song itself feels like being inside her mind, with an expansive, cosmic sense of breadth and freedom.

As you listen, a strange sensation washes over you—both unsettling and comforting at the same time.

And yet it feels good.

Please give it a listen!

yakisoba breadKawamoto Makoto17rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto – Yakisoba Bread

A track included on a debut album that entered the Oricon charts at No.

1 and sold over one million copies.

The lyrics seem to depict the school life of what is likely a high school girl, carrying a slightly melancholy tone, and the title appears to refer to a lunch eaten alone.

The contrast with the song’s fast-paced arrangement is noteworthy.

yakisoba breadKawamoto Makoto18rank/position

yakisoba bread

This is a track by Makoto Kawamoto that captures a slice-of-life scene with her one-of-a-kind pop sensibility.

The rapid-fire wordplay that unfolds at a dizzying pace and the irresistibly catchy melody that sticks in your head after just one listen are truly captivating.

The song is included on her debut album “Makoto Kawamoto,” released in June 1997, which became a million seller.

The album, which also features the theme song for the anime Rurouni Kenshin, is known as a classic that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

If you listen to it when you want to feel the small joys and bittersweet moments tucked into a hectic everyday life, it might just make your heart feel a little lighter.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the sparkle of ’90s J-pop.

CaramelKawamoto Makoto19rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto - Caramel

A track included as the third song on the second album.

The lyrics give off a somewhat dark vibe.

While the song has a cheerful feel that leaves an impression, it also showcases a different worldview.

If you haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen—you’ll get an even better sense of Kawamoto’s appeal.

Donut ringKawamoto Makoto20rank/position

Makoto Kawamoto “Donut Ring” (Cinematography/Director: Masafumi Sanai)

This is a track included as the ninth song on her first piano-and-vocal self-cover album, “Futoshita Koto Desu,” by an artist who usually sings while playing guitar.

It’s a song where her knack for catchiness and choice of words ride the piano and slip pleasantly into your ears.

The euphony of the melodic phrasing is remarkable.