Noriyuki Makihara Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The Magic of DecemberMakihara Noriyuki36rank/position

12gatsu No Maho (2012 Remaster)

It’s a song that leaves a strong impression with its narrator, single-mindedly inviting someone out in the hope of conveying the warmth of a winter city.

Layering quintessential winter scenes—white breaths in the cold, the glow of street trees—it uses the word “magic” to express a clumsy yet unflinchingly sincere love.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s debut album “Kimi ga Warau Toki Kimi no Mune ga Itamanai You ni” in October 1990, this track is positioned as an origin point for the later lineage of winter-themed songs.

Its warm arrangement—melding strings and bell tones into a breezy band ensemble—perfectly complements lyrics so straightforward they’re almost embarrassing.

It’s a number you’ll want to hear when quietly seeing out the year while looking back on the months gone by.

NGMakihara Noriyuki37rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara NG with lyrics

A debut single by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, who has released countless well-known masterpieces such as his signature song “Donna Toki mo” and “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” which he wrote for SMAP.

Released on October 25, 1990, alongside his first album “Kimi ga Warau Toki Kimi no Mune ga Itamanai You ni,” the track is memorable for its intro that carries a wistful atmosphere.

While Makihara himself has said that “as the title suggests, its sales were NG,” you can already feel that his distinctly bittersweet worldview and gentle melodies were firmly in place from his debut.

It’s a hidden gem that marked the start of a rare singer-songwriter who would later dominate the J-pop scene.

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Hoshino Takashi

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I’m still alive.Makihara Noriyuki38rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara 'I'm Still Alive' (MV) [16th Single] (1996) Noriyuki Makihara / Mada Ikiteru yo

Released in November 1996, this single by Noriyuki Makihara is a playful track that cleverly turns the rumors circulating at the time on their head.

Its newspaper-style cover design is striking, and the lyrics blend humor with a strong message.

As the year draws to a close, it carries a powerful yet warm affirmation of one’s presence—“I’m still here.” The song conveys a determination to keep looking forward despite hardships, making it perfect for reflecting on the year at the end of December.

Even if things didn’t go well this year, listening to this track will likely make you think, “I’ll do my best next year.” It’s a number that makes you want to cheer yourself on amid the reflective atmosphere of year’s end.

playing hookyMakihara Noriyuki39rank/position

Zuruyasumi

It’s one of Noriyuki Makihara’s signature hit songs, themed around “playing hooky,” something many working adults can relate to.

The song portrays the feelings behind skipping work or school without a reason, including a sense of loneliness.

The tempo is relaxed, so it seems like a song you can sing calmly.

Since there are spots where the pitch rises at the ends of phrases—a Makihara hallmark—try to produce those lightly without forcing it.

If you strain, you’ll end up pushing with your throat, so simply lifting your facial muscles or raising your eyebrows can help you stay relaxed.

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Kubota Mami

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Two WishesMakihara Noriyuki40rank/position

Futatsuno Negai

It’s a song that reflects Makihara’s signature lyrical world—rather than a flashy love song, it cherishes the small moments of everyday life—and it’s a heartwarming track that wishes for the simple daily happiness shared with a loved one.

It has a good groove, so if you sing it rhythmically, both your chest voice and falsetto should come out comfortably.

Matching the timing is important; when your body’s groove and the moment you release your voice snap into place, your voice will come out naturally without needing to belt.

Also, be mindful of quickness, and try singing with a slightly accented attack at the start of each phrase.

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Kubota Mami

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RainMakihara Noriyuki41rank/position

Rain Noriyuki Makihara / Senri Oe 'Rain' covered by Makki

This is a cover of a Senri Oe song.

Amid the whirlwind of Being-era hits, this is the ultimate tag team of two 90s J-POP male singers who could rival anyone at singing love songs outside the Being camp.

It’s impossible to choose between their voices—I just can’t pick one.

It also made me wish Oe would cover Makihara’s songs.

TWO MOONSMakihara Noriyuki42rank/position

TWO MOONS

It sings about the difficulty of being honest in love.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara from Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, included on his fifth album, “PHARMACY,” released in 1994.

His gentle voice is soothing to the heart.

Be sure to listen to it as a couple—you’ll surely be wrapped in a romantic atmosphere.

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Araki Jakkan

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