Noriyuki Makihara Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The dog loves ice cream.Makihara Noriyuki50rank/position

Dogs love ice cream Makihara Noriyuki × COLD STONE CREAMERY

“Dogs Love Ice Cream,” with its funny animated music video, is a track by the genius singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara—an artist who has left his mark on music history—included on his 2011 album “Heart to Heart.” The lyrics, penned with Makihara’s characteristic warmth and tasteful word choice, depict a joyful slice of life surrounded by many dogs, so vividly that the scenes come to mind just by reading them.

The elegant horn section and rollicking piano add to the fun, making it a perfect song to listen to in the summer while playing with your pet, just as the lyrics suggest.

The music video mentioned at the beginning was created by illustrator and film director Yutaka Kuroki, and is a collaboration with Cold Stone Creamery.

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KOH-1

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I can hear a song of prayerMakihara Noriyuki51rank/position

I tried singing Noriyuki Makihara’s “I Can Hear a Prayer Song”~♪

Noriyuki Makihara’s “Inori no Uta ga Kikoete Kuru” (The Prayer Song Can Be Heard), written and composed by him, is included on the 2007 album “I Used to Think Sorrow Was No Use at All.” It’s sung over a lively, tropical-style rhythm.

This video isn’t by the artist himself, so if you want to hear the real thing, please try searching for it on Dailymotion.

The One and Only Flower in the Worldsakushi sakkyoku: Makihara Noriyuki52rank/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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Firefly ~ I will keep on livingMakihara Noriyuki53rank/position

Firefly ~ I Will Go On Living

With a warm, gently enveloping voice that conveys universal messages, Noriyuki Makihara’s songs resonate deeply.

Like a firefly glowing softly in the dark, the lyrics portray the strength to live with quiet hope in one’s heart, seeping deeply into the listener’s soul.

On an autumn night when you feel the ache of longing for someone, the gentle melody may feel all the warmer.

Released in February 2008 as his 38th single, this work was also used as the theme song for the film “KIDS” and in commercials.

It’s a warmly comforting number that gives you a gentle push when you’re lost in life or need strength for tomorrow.

Firefly ~I Will Go On Living~Makihara Noriyuki54rank/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 Noriyuki55rank/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.

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.