Noriyuki Makihara Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki1rank/position

Tohku Tohku

This piece is distinguished by a warm melody that gently embraces the feelings of those who have left their hometowns.

In this song, Noriyuki Makihara weaves his thoughts for friends far away, portraying the universal desire to stay connected despite the distance, and it tenderly resonates with listeners.

It was included on the June 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” and later drew renewed attention when it was used in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.

The song expresses the wish to have people back home see how one is striving in a new place, while celebrating the importance of unchanging bonds amid personal change.

It is sure to strike a deep chord with those starting a new chapter in life or those who have experienced being separated from dear friends.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki2rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

This is one of Noriyuki Makihara’s signature songs that everyone has heard at least once.

Packed with a positive and powerful message, it gives courage to many listeners and empowers them to face life’s challenges.

Released in June 1991, the song became a massive hit, surpassing one million sales in just six months.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in the spring of 1992, and it continues to be loved by people of all ages.

It’s the perfect song not only for those who want to sing it at karaoke, but also for anyone who needs encouragement or wants to live true to themselves.

The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki3rank/position

The Thing I Wanted Most by Noriyuki Makihara♡

“The Thing I Wanted Most” is a self-cover that Noriyuki Makihara released in 2004 with new Japanese lyrics for “THE GIFT,” a song he originally provided to the British group Blue.

It was used as the theme song for the NTV drama “Last Present: The Final Summer Living with My Daughter.” The song beautifully conveys human kindness, and its lyrics leave you with a warm feeling.

The piano performance carries a powerful, gospel-like intensity, offering many standout moments.

Be sure to listen with a focus on the piano!

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Hamada Takuya

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I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki4rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A gem-like ballad that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the hope of taking a new step forward.

Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle vocals tenderly envelop the protagonist’s complex feelings as they struggle to accept a breakup with their lover.

While carefully depicting the loneliness and confusion felt in everyday life, it also resonates with the positive resolve hidden behind the words “I won’t fall in love anymore.” Released in May 1992, the song was used as the theme for the drama “After the Children Are Asleep,” reaching No.

2 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.

7 for the year.

It’s a song that stands as emotional support, accompanying you through the healing process of a broken heart.

Tearful ChristmasMakihara Noriyuki5rank/position

namidano Christmas

If you’re looking for a Christmas song that’s heartbreakingly sad and will make you cry, this is the one.

Noriyuki Makihara’s “Namida no Christmas” (“A Tearful Christmas”) tells the story of a man who gets his heart broken right before Christmas.

The lyrics open with him spotting his ex-girlfriend in town, spending the holiday with her new partner.

The cheerful, blissful atmosphere of Christmas contrasts with the protagonist’s lingering feelings for his ex, soaking into you right down to your core.

The saxophone that comes in during the interlude and toward the end sounds achingly emotional, as if mirroring the state of his heart.

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Hane Keisuke

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LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki6rank/position

NORIYUKI MAKIHARA LOVE LETTER

Do you know the hidden gem by Noriyuki Makihara that portrays a faint, letter-bound first love? Centered around an undelivered love letter, it delicately captures the emotions of a protagonist seeing off someone dear who is leaving for a distant job.

The imagery—twilight at the station and scenes along the tracks—feels so vivid it tightens the listener’s chest with a poignant ache.

The song was included on the album UNDERWEAR, released in October 1996, and was later used as the theme for NTT East’s corporate commercial “Mother,” featuring Yui Aragaki.

This piece rekindles the unspoken kindness we couldn’t put into words and the bittersweet memories of youth.

It’s a song to savor, especially for those who’ve experienced a springtime parting or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki7rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

Sakura Melody is a song that gently offers a heartwarming melody for new beginnings.

Originally written by Noriyuki Makihara for Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, it also appears as a self-cover by Makihara on his album Bespoke.

The lyrics reflect gratitude toward cherished friends and companions who will go their separate ways after graduation, while looking back on shared memories.

The calm yet powerful vocals evoke nostalgia and warmth, making it a track that many embarking on graduation or a new chapter in life can relate to.