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Noriyuki Makihara’s Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Since his debut, singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara has won popularity with his clear, beautiful vocals and relatable lyrics.
While his love songs are widely loved, his poignant unrequited-love songs are especially well-regarded.
This time, we present a ranking of Noriyuki Makihara’s popular songs about unrequited love.
Noriyuki Makihara’s Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki1rank/position
This is the fifth single by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, known for his signature song “Donna Toki mo” (“No Matter When”) and for writing the massive hit “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” (“The One and Only Flower in the World”).
Used as the theme song for the TV drama “Kodomo ga Neta Ato de” (“After the Children Are Asleep”), it’s a number whose poignant melody resonates with Makihara’s distinctive, gentle voice and lyrics.
The story, which forces the protagonist to realize the importance and magnitude of the lover who has left, is something many men with similar experiences will likely relate to.
It’s a classic that represents the J-pop scene of the 1990s, vividly evoking the feelings one only recognizes after a loss.
Witch HazelMakihara Noriyuki2rank/position
This is a song from Noriyuki Makihara’s album “SELF PORTRAIT,” released on October 31, 1993.
At the time, he heard on the radio that “witch hazel,” an herb, was used as an ingredient in sunscreen, and he thought it would make a good title for a summer romance song.
Your backMakihara Noriyuki3rank/position
This song, “Kimi no Ushiro Sugata” (“Your Figure from Behind”), is included on Noriyuki Makihara’s 16th album, Personal Soundtracks.
He and the girl are just friends, and whenever they meet and part, he always watches her as she walks away.
He wishes she would turn around, but if she did, she might notice his feelings… and yet… It’s a song filled with that kind of frustrating, bittersweet emotion.
her boyfriendMakihara Noriyuki4rank/position
The world of unrequited love that Noriyuki Makihara depicts resonates with everyone’s hearts.
The protagonist’s complex feelings after falling for a friend’s lover come through in his warm, gentle vocals.
Released in April 1993, this song reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart and drew empathy from many listeners.
It’s a perfect track for anyone torn between friendship and romance.
You’ll surely be moved by the protagonist, who tries to protect a precious friendship while carrying a bittersweet love.
North Wind ~May it reach you~Makihara Noriyuki5rank/position
This is a song by Noriyuki Makihara released in 1992, depicting a man’s unrequited love along with descriptions of snow.
The portrayals of the very cold room and the increasingly intense snowfall are exquisitely wintry and captivating.
What’s more, the lyrics describe how he can’t speak well in front of the person he likes and how he wants to be the first to tell them that it’s snowing—feelings that many people who have experienced unrequited love will surely relate to.
LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki6rank/position
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.
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki7rank/position
Noriyuki Makihara, celebrated as one of Japan’s genius melody-makers, continues to create numerous heartfelt masterpieces.
Among his works, the song featured on his 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” is one that feels perfect for the season of departures and new beginnings.
Though not released as a single, many people may recognize it from appearances such as in NTT East Japan commercials—truly a hidden gem.
The lyrics, which reflect his own image of leaving home to chase his dreams, give courage to those just starting a new chapter in life and to everyone striving far from home.
With minimal leaps in pitch and a comfortable key, it’s easy to sing—making it a great choice for karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, where you can share warm feelings along with nostalgic memories.