Noriyuki Makihara’s Graduation Songs, Entrance Ceremony Songs, and Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki1rank/position

Tohku Tohku

Have you ever had moments when scenes from your hometown or the faces of old friends suddenly come to mind? This work is filled with the desire to show friends living far away that you’re shining where you are now.

Created by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, it’s a famous song included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” released in June 1992.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it enjoys outstanding popularity and recognition, and it has remained beloved across generations—being used, for example, in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.

While carrying the loneliness of not being able to attend a class reunion, the lyrics express a resolve to chase dreams in a new city—sure to gently encourage those moving to Tokyo for school or work.

It’s a song to listen to when you’re thinking of someone important and taking a new step forward.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki2rank/position

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

Makihara’s biggest hit and a song that truly feels like “a Makihara tune.” There’s even an anecdote that when he wrote it, Makihara himself felt it was “not very inventive” and didn’t have much confidence in it.

Hits are a mysterious thing.

Amid the timid lines scattered through the lyrics, the chorus, which boldly declares something like “I want to keep being myself no matter what,” is exhilarating.

It has that gratifying sense of voicing the vague unease everyone carries in their hearts.

It’s an uplifting track that cheers on new beginnings—like the slightly anxious start of spring and school entrance ceremonies.

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki3rank/position

3gatsu No Yuki (2012 Remaster)

A song by Noriyuki Makihara that delicately captures the atmosphere of those few days just after the graduation ceremony.

It was included on the album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka,” released in September 1991, the same record that features the smash hit “Donna Toki mo.” The title is striking, evoking the lingering traces of winter that suddenly drift down like snow in a season meant to be heading toward spring—mirroring the fleeting chill that visits a heart trying to move forward.

Its lyrics, where affection for the days spent with friends intersects with the resolve to step out on separate paths, carefully scoop up the emotions that waver at life’s turning points.

Everyday imagery—like the lanes of a bowling alley—helps summon each listener’s own memories.

It’s a perfect track not only for those about to graduate, but also for anyone who wants to look back on their youthful days.

Sakura MelodyMakihara Noriyuki4rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara – Sakura Melody [Music Video]

Set to gentle piano tones, this song sings of the season of farewells and new encounters.

Noriyuki Makihara’s delicate vocals resonate closely with those facing graduation.

Included on the March 2022 album “Bespoke,” this piece is a self-cover of a song he originally provided to Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu.

In the season of fluttering cherry blossoms, it’s a track that gives you the courage to take a new step while holding dear your memories and gratitude.

Listen to it during graduation ceremonies or times of departure, and it will surely touch your heart.

Let’s hold handssakushi sakkyoku: Makihara Noriyuki5rank/position

"Let's Hold Hands" Movie

“Te o Tsunagō” (Let’s Hold Hands), written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, was created as part of the “Let’s Hold Hands Project” after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

In the video, a variety of characters are shown holding hands.

Isn’t it rare to see so many beloved characters for children all appear and hold hands together like this? This song, which sings about the importance and kindness of holding hands and becoming friends, carries a message we want to pass on to children today.

It’s a song we want to sing with care.

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tsukada moe

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The One and Only Flower in the Worldsakushi sakkyoku: Makihara Noriyuki6rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

SMAP’s smash hit “The One and Only Flower in the World.” Written and composed by Noriyuki Makihara, the song was included on the 2002 album “SMAP 015/Drink! Smap!” and released as a single the following year.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi” (The Way I Live), starring group member Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.

The lyrics convey that even if you don’t come in first in competitions or contests, each person is a unique and irreplaceable presence.

The choreography showcased in the chorus is very simple, so try giving it a go while you sing!

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SAKI

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