Noriyuki Makihara Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Let’s hold hands and go home.Makihara Noriyuki50rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara - Let's Hold Hands and Go Home - Solo Acoustic Performance

A bittersweet love song about gazing at another girl during a date, which your partner notices and gets sulky about.

Don’t worry—I love you, so please cheer up, the singer pleads.

It’s a track by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, included on the 1997 album “Such a Lovely Place.” Despite its stylish turns of phrase, the song conveys a down-to-earth sincerity—just what you’d expect from him.

Given the theme of the lyrics, it may resonate especially well with students.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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All of the YouthMakihara Noriyuki51rank/position

All About the Young ~Makihara Band Session~

This song, a cover by one of Japan’s leading singers of a classic born from a rock band, conveys profound respect for the original with its straightforward, faithful arrangement.

The singer’s overwhelming vocal prowess fully brings out the beauty of the melody and the strength of the lyrics.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Let’s hold handssakushi sakkyoku: Makihara Noriyuki52rank/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 Noriyuki53rank/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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Are You OK?Makihara Noriyuki54rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Are You OK?” (Music Video) [24th Single] (2001)

Released in 2001, this is Noriyuki Makihara’s 24th single.

With a musical-style arrangement and a cheerful swinging rhythm, it’ll make you want to start dancing.

In the music video, Makihara himself energetically pounds the keys and even breaks into some light, lively steps.

CowboyMakihara Noriyuki55rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “COWBOY” (Music Video) [14th Single] (1996)

This is an autumn masterpiece by singer Noriyuki Makihara, who has earned tremendous support for his moody style and consistent performance.

While it features a sound imbued with melancholy, it also offers a depth that makes it recommendable even for high school students.

Hey…Makihara Noriyuki56rank/position

Noriyuki Makihara Hey… with lyrics

I think it’s pretty rare for the word “die” to appear so straightforwardly in a song.

Many people probably assume that songs dealing with life and death are, as expected, dark and heavy.

But Makihara Noriyuki—better known as Makki—created an outlier with his song “Hey…”.

He sets a theme that tends to feel somber to a bright, up-tempo melody that nudges you toward a more positive outlook.

Even the title “Hey…” carries a bittersweet lightness, as if casually calling out to someone who has passed away.

It’s a song that makes the image of someone trying to hold back their tears—“I won’t cry”—feel all the more lonely.