Noriyuki Makihara Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

THE END OF THE WORLDMakihara Noriyuki1rank/position

THE END OF THE WORLD Noriyuki Makihara with lyrics

Makihara Noriyuki’s “THE END OF THE WORLD” vividly conjures before my eyes two people walking side by side in the rain, caught in a forbidden love.

Among the couples who look ordinary on the city streets, there may be many who carry circumstances like these.

The way they kiss in the dark and whisper “I love you” in small voices suggests the guilt of an affair, yet there’s no sign that they intend to end the relationship; it even feels as if they mean to continue it until the time comes.

What path will they follow from here?

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yuri

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I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki2rank/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.

SPYMakihara Noriyuki3rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “SPY” (Music Video) [12th Single] (1994)

This song is told from the perspective of a man who’s been cheated on and discovers the truth.

Noriyuki Makihara’s “SPY” is his 12th single, released in 1994.

It’s a sad love song where, after spotting his girlfriend in town, he tails her on a whim and ends up witnessing her cheating on him.

The chorus initially sounds very positive, but gradually that positivity comes across as bravado, transforming into a desperate cry from the heart.

By the time it ends, it feels like you’ve watched an entire drama—an emotionally charged, story-driven, sorrowful track.

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utatane

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PENGUINMakihara Noriyuki4rank/position

PENGUIN Noriyuki Makihara with Lyrics

Noriyuki Makihara is a singer-songwriter with many fans of all genders, known for his heartrending love songs and relatable lyrics.

The song “PENGUIN” is a standout track with an intriguing title from his 2006 album “UNDERWEAR.” Don’t we all have those “unforgettable conversations,” where we casually remember a chat from long ago with someone we loved or used to like? Trivial exchanges that the other person has probably forgotten, yet for us they remain precious memories.

It’s a song filled with bittersweet emotion—give it a listen and see what the title really means.

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utatane

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At all times.Makihara Noriyuki5rank/position

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

The lyrics are striking in how they seem to tell us that being true to ourselves is something admirable.

Even when I feel down after being rejected or criticized, remembering this song quickly lifts my spirits.

Noriyuki Makihara’s gentle high-tone voice is also soothing.

I want to keep valuing my true self as I go through life.

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kinoshita ayaka

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Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki6rank/position

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

Makihara Noriyuki—fondly known as “Makkī”—is an indispensable figure when talking about the music scene of the 1990s and a genius singer-songwriter whose name is etched in Japanese music history, leaving behind many timeless songs.

His naturally smooth, unadorned, and expansive voice that reaches listeners’ hearts directly; melodies that are not swayed by passing trends; and lyrics that superbly capture vivid scenes and shifting emotions through simple word choices—his talent is universally acknowledged.

Among his many classics, the 1991 release “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is relatively easy to sing, and the signature high notes typical of Makihara are somewhat restrained, making it a good recommendation for those who struggle with high registers.

Be mindful of the shuffle rhythm, and take care to stay on pitch!

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KOH-1

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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.