Mariko Nagai's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

A lie I told myselfMariko Nagai8rank/position

Mariko Nagai “The Lie I Told Myself”

Lies aren’t just about deceiving other people.

As the title of this song suggests, there are times when we tell them to ourselves, too.

Haven’t you ever suppressed your true feelings and just gone with the flow? This song carries a message to stop sacrificing yourself like that, and I imagine many people who listened to it back then found encouragement in it.

You could call it an anthem that especially resonates with women.

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Hane Keisuke

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOUKobayashi Akiko, Nagai Mariko, Remi, Karashima Midori9rank/position

Merry Christmas To You_Akiko Kobayashi, Mariko Nagai, Remi, Midori Karashima

The title track included on the 1989 Christmas song compilation album “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU.” This song is performed by four of the album’s participating artists—Akiko Kobayashi, Mariko Nagai, Remi, and Midori Karashima—singing together.

Over a gentle accompaniment, their beautiful voices blend into a splendid harmony, giving the song a sparkling, quintessentially Christmas-like beauty.

Many of you may have listened to this album frequently back then, don’t you think?

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Hane Keisuke

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There are days when I want to cry.Mariko Nagai10rank/position

Mariko Nagai - There Are Days I Want to Cry

The 17th single by Mariko Nagai, released in July 1992.

She had broken through with “Miracle Girl” and was known for her bright image, but after the ballad “ZUTTO” became a hit, she began taking on a variety of songs.

“Nakitai Hi mo Aru” may have been a bit heavy for a pop song, but it’s a tearjerker meant to be listened to closely.

It peaked at No.

20 on the Oricon charts and sold 50,000 copies.

Today, at last, I will change my heartMariko Nagai11rank/position

Mariko Nagai “Today I’ll Change My Heart”

This is a hidden gem performed by Mariko Nagai, included in the omnibus release “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU” from November 1989.

With lyrics penned by Nagai herself, the song delicately portrays a bittersweet crush on a man she always sees on the same train.

The lyrics convey the frustration of being unable to confess her feelings despite truly liking him, along with the protagonist’s resolve to make a fresh start and finally express her heart on Christmas Day—evoking a universally relatable flutter of first love.

The brilliant strings and horn section, composed by Katsuki Maeda and arranged by Takayuki Negishi, perfectly capture the exhilaration of the season.

Blending warmth with poignancy, this song is a Christmas recommendation for anyone who wants to cherish the feeling of being in love.

YAWARAMariko Nagai12rank/position

Yawara opening 3

At the time, the theme song was sung by top singer Mariko Nagai.

The theme songs for this anime were unusual in that they changed every short cour, and Miki Imai also performed one.

I realize anew how amazing this anime is.

The songs are easy enough for men to sing as well, so why not give them a try?

Even after graduating, even after saying goodbye, even from afarMariko Nagai13rank/position

Mariko Nagai – Even If We Graduate, Even If We Say Goodbye, Even From Afar

Starting with what seems like a bright anecdote—being the only one grinning widely in a graduation group photo—this song is actually a bittersweet number about a love that was never confessed.

With lyrics penned by Mariko Nagai, it vividly portrays a powerful feeling that doesn’t fade even after graduation and goodbyes, and every listen brings back the sights of those days in sharp detail.

Released in February 1993 as the B-side of a single and later included on the March 1993 album “OPEN ZOO,” it’s a hidden gem.

Why not listen to it when you’re anxious about walking separate paths and possibly never meeting again, yet still want to believe in an unchanging bond? Alongside the sweet-and-sour memories of youth, it will gently warm your heart as you set out on a new journey.