Karaoke Popular Songs Ranking of Noriyuki Makihara [2026]

chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki8rank/position

chicken rice

The classic song “Chicken Rice,” which became a nationwide hit.

With Hitoshi Matsumoto fully taking on lyric writing for the project, and the fact that it was a concept piece, it generated a huge buzz at the time.

In this work, his partner Masatoshi Hamada participates as the main vocalist.

Since Hamada is not a professional singer, the vocal line has been crafted to be very simple and easy to sing.

The pitch does jump up and down a bit, so make sure to firmly memorize the vocal line.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Hungry SpiderMakihara Noriyuki9rank/position

Hungry Spider – Noriyuki Makihara (PV)

Written as the theme song for the drama “Labyrinth” starring Atsuro Watabe, it features a dark, mature worldview that likens loneliness and affection to a spider.

This single, which also includes an English version, marked a new frontier for Makihara.

With a fairly wide vocal range of C#3 to C5 and a good sense of tempo, it’s recommended to really ride the rhythm when singing.

The range isn’t consistently high, so you should be able to sing most of it in chest voice.

For the occasional falsetto parts, if you match the timing as you produce the sound, they should come out smoothly and feel good to sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

MILKMakihara Noriyuki10rank/position

Milk

MILK, included on the album SELF PORTRAIT, is a beloved track that dedicated fans know well.

It’s a song that resonates deeply when you’re struggling or feel like you’re about to give up.

The album, released in 1993, is full of great songs and reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The lyrics portray a friend who gently embraces the protagonist, who has even begun to feel insecure about the one thing they were confident in.

The key sits a bit on the higher side where Makihara’s fresh, vibrant vocals shine, but it suits a soft singing style—so definitely give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

her boyfriendMakihara Noriyuki11rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Her Lover” (Music Video) [7th Single] (1993) Noriyuki Makihara / Kanojo no Koibito

A song from April 1993, it marked a sudden shift in Makihara’s sound toward a more mature vibe.

Written, composed, and arranged by Makihara himself, it’s also included on his fourth album, “SELF PORTRAIT.” It’s a classic with an adult atmosphere that portrays, from a male perspective, the aching feelings of falling for a close friend’s girlfriend.

The overall vocal range is D#3–A#4, and since the A section sits quite low, be careful not to let your pitch drop too much.

Keep the resonance placement consistent, with both the head and chest resonating well.

Try guiding with your hands or focusing your gaze to help maintain it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Snow in MarchMakihara Noriyuki12rank/position

Snow in March (Live)

This is a coming-of-age ballad capturing a spring scene twenty days after graduation.

With a gentle melody and tender vocals, it expresses young people’s anxieties and hopes about change, as well as the fleeting time spent with dear friends.

Amid an unseasonal snowfall, the image of walking shoulder to shoulder with friends is portrayed in a way that resonates deeply.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka.” released in September 1991, this piece is captivating for its calm, warm poetic worldview.

It is a classic you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring, a song that offers solace to those facing life’s turning points and harboring feelings about the changing days.

KiteMakihara Noriyuki13rank/position

Kite

It’s a warm, uplifting song that evokes the image of flying a kite in the clear winter air.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album released in November 2007, “I Thought Sadness Was of No Use,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for the TV drama Good Doctor.

The lyrics feature motifs like “headwind” and “thread,” symbolically expressing the courage to face difficulties and the bonds with loved ones.

With melodies and words that resonate deeply, it won the Japan Gold Disc Award for Best Karaoke Song.

It’s a wonderful choice to sing when gathering with hometown friends and relatives at New Year’s, sharing hope and determination for the year ahead.

Wish Upon the SnowMakihara Noriyuki14rank/position

Yukini Negaiwo

A perfect piece for winter that gently sings of “the warmth of loved ones.” It’s the 10th single released by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara in November 1993, a single cut from the album SELF PORTRAIT, and it was used as TBS’s winter campaign song.

The charm of this work lies in its tender lyrics, which view Christmas as a day to feel connected to others.

The emotionally rich arrangement—piano and strings woven over a medium-tempo melody—feels wonderfully comforting.

Sing it at karaoke, and the memories of Christmas from those days will quietly come back to life.