Noriyuki Makihara’s CM Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki1rank/position

Tohku Tohku

“Tōku Tōku,” included on Noriyuki Makihara’s 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” is said to have been written with his friends in mind.

The song was also used in a JA Bank commercial, which helped it become widely known.

He even released a self-cover in 2006, and it stands as one of his signature works.

The lyrics portray the resolve to work hard alone in a new place.

It might be a great song to send as encouragement to friends leaving their hometowns for school or work.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

Report a problem

Your backMakihara Noriyuki2rank/position

Your back

It was the commercial song for Attack Bio Gel’s “Twilight Soccer” and “Winter Truth” ads, which featured Takashi Sorimachi.

The track is included on Noriyuki Makihara’s 16th album, Personal Soundtracks.

It’s a warm love song that expresses an overwhelming amount of affection for someone you have a one-sided crush on.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki3rank/position

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

When you hear the name Makihara, the first song that comes to mind is, of course, “Donna Toki mo” (“No Matter What”).

Since its release in 1991, it has been used in dramas and commercials, making it a timeless classic.

While it’s a youth anthem, it also works perfectly as a party song to lift the mood when everyone gets together.

In that sense, it’s a perfect match for the image of Kentucky Fried Chicken—food that tastes even better when shared with friends.

By the way, it’s also famous for being covered by many Asian artists, including Andy Lau and Tracy Lin, among others!

Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki4rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo

Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo, the fourth single by Noriyuki Makihara released in 1991.

This song was used as the commercial jingle for Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari” in its release year, 1991, and again in 2008.

It’s such a strong CM (commercial) song that many people probably think of the ad as soon as they hear it.

It’s also become a staple winter tune—one you want to listen to as the season arrives.

While many winter-themed songs evoke coldness and loneliness, this track makes you look forward to winter and leaves you feeling refreshed.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Singing In The RainMakihara Noriyuki5rank/position

Singin’ in the Rain (Singin’ in the Rain, theme song)

Noriyuki Makihara’s “Singing in the Rain” is an American popular song.

It is also the theme song of the musical film of the same name, a classic beloved and covered around the world.

On a rainy day when going out feels like a chore, it might be nice to listen to various versions of “Singing in the Rain.”

MemoryMakihara Noriyuki6rank/position

Memory

This is a commercial that promotes Nivea Body’s Marshmallow Care, known for its irresistibly fluffy foam, through the presence of Asuka Saito.

It depicts her spreading the foam over her entire body, and the relaxed expressions and overall atmosphere of the visuals effectively convey a sense of softness.

The song that further accentuates the softness expressed in the imagery is Noriyuki Makihara’s “Kioku” (Memory).

The layered, digital-tinged sound is striking and, on its own, can feel tense; however, when combined with his gentle vocals, it creates a uniquely floating sensation.

It’s a piece that seems to express a grand worldview—one of connecting past memories to the future.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki7rank/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.

Apple blossomsMakihara Noriyuki8rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara - Apple Blossoms - LIVE

It was released in 2011 as Noriyuki Makihara’s 41st single.

The song was written specifically for the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen Shin-Aomori Station opening campaign “MY FIRST AOMORI,” and its release date coincided with the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck the Tohoku region, which is the setting of the commercial.

For people in Tohoku, it is also supported as a song of reconstruction.

The Promised PlaceMakihara Noriyuki9rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara - The Promised Place

This is the commercial song for “Knorr.” It’s a piece Mr.

Makihara provided to CHEMISTRY, and he also took part in the chorus.

They asked for something with the feel of a traditional song, and that’s how this track was created.

Throughout, it consistently conveys the message of not giving up on your dreams.

It’s a song of hope.

GREEN DAYSMakihara Noriyuki10rank/position

Green Days (Noriyuki Makihara) cover by Mana Nagao

A song by Noriyuki Makihara that served as the theme for the drama “Wishing on a Cow: Love & Farm” and was also used in a collaborative commercial with Toyota’s compact car Ractis, created in conjunction with the drama.

Its repetitive, simple melody makes it very easy to sing.