Noriyuki Makihara Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Firefly ~I Will Go On Living~Makihara Noriyuki43rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara 'Firefly ~ I Will Keep on Living' PV video viewing/listening lyrics

A motivational song by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara.

Centered on fireflies living their summer to the fullest, it’s a track brimming with strength and hope for life.

Makihara’s gentle yet powerful vocals give you courage.

The lyrics, which never forget hope in living, may move you to tears.

Happy DanceMakihara Noriyuki44rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara Happy Dance

Released in 1998 as the 20th single, it became the weather theme song for TV Asahi’s “News Station.” Its lively castanets evoke a gypsy flamenco, making it a passionate dance number.

Although it’s a song about a heartrending farewell, you can picture someone dancing with a touch of bravado, determined to seek out new happiness.

NGMakihara Noriyuki45rank/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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No.1Makihara Noriyuki46rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No.1” (Music Video) [8th Single] (1993)

This was the eighth single, released in 1993, and as the title suggests, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In 2015, it was chosen as the theme song for the film ‘My Love Story!!’, and after a full 22 years, a self-rearranged version by the artist was used.

The bright, Latin-style melody matches the lyrics about happy love, making you feel naturally cheerful and almost want to start dancing.

RainMakihara Noriyuki47rank/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.

Singing In The RainMakihara Noriyuki48rank/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.”

An angel descended upon a hopeless me.Makihara Noriyuki49rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara - “An Angel Came Down to This Hopeless Me” (MV) [15th Single] (1996)

As a pop song creator, it’s no exaggeration to say he’s reached a master-craftsman level.

There’s nothing to fault in the narrative quality of his lyrics.

His songs compel you to read the words.

He says he writes the poem first and then composes the music—at that point, he’s a genius.

This song is written from a man’s perspective about male insensitivity.

It’s endearing, as if you can hear him saying, “Don’t be so angry—please forgive me.”