Masayoshi Makihara’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2025]

chicken riceMasatoshi Hamada / Noriyuki Makihara8rank/position

chicken rice

The classic song “Chicken Rice,” which became a nationwide hit.

With Hitoshi Matsumoto fully taking on lyric writing for the project, and the fact that it was a concept piece, it generated a huge buzz at the time.

In this work, his partner Masatoshi Hamada participates as the main vocalist.

Since Hamada is not a professional singer, the vocal line has been crafted to be very simple and easy to sing.

The pitch does jump up and down a bit, so make sure to firmly memorize the vocal line.

MILKNoriyuki Makihara9rank/position

Milk

“MILK,” included on the album SELF PORTRAIT, is a beloved track well known among fans.

It’s a song that really resonates when you’re struggling or on the verge of giving up.

Released in 1993, the album is packed with masterpieces and reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

The lyrics depict a friend who gently embraces the protagonist, who has come to feel anxious even about the one thing they were confident in.

The song sits in a slightly higher range that makes Makihara’s fresh, vibrant voice especially appealing, and it suits a soft vocal style—so definitely give it a try!

Wish Upon the SnowNoriyuki Makihara10rank/position

Yukini Negaiwo

A perfect piece for winter that gently sings of “the warmth of loved ones.” It’s the 10th single released by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara in November 1993, a single cut from the album SELF PORTRAIT, and it was used as TBS’s winter campaign song.

The charm of this work lies in its tender lyrics, which view Christmas as a day to feel connected to others.

The emotionally rich arrangement—piano and strings woven over a medium-tempo melody—feels wonderfully comforting.

Sing it at karaoke, and the memories of Christmas from those days will quietly come back to life.

Snow in MarchNoriyuki Makihara11rank/position

Snow in March (Live)

This is a coming-of-age ballad capturing a spring scene twenty days after graduation.

With a gentle melody and tender vocals, it expresses young people’s anxieties and hopes about change, as well as the fleeting time spent with dear friends.

Amid an unseasonal snowfall, the image of walking shoulder to shoulder with friends is portrayed in a way that resonates deeply.

Included on Noriyuki Makihara’s album “Kimi wa Dare to Shiawase na Akubi o Shimasu ka.” released in September 1991, this piece is captivating for its calm, warm poetic worldview.

It is a classic you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring, a song that offers solace to those facing life’s turning points and harboring feelings about the changing days.

GREEN DAYSNoriyuki Makihara12rank/position

GREEN DAYS

Noriyuki Makihara’s 36th single, “GREEN DAYS,” released in 2007, has been loved by a wide range of generations for its refreshing feel and strong message.

Its message—“Even if there are things you don’t understand or times you feel lost, we’re all in this together”—likely resonated with people going through their youth.

The pleasant melody is easy to hum, and among his songs it has relatively little variation in vocal range, making it easier for men to sing as well.

It’s also a song that’s easy to adjust the key for, so I’d especially recommend it at karaoke to those who feel intimidated by his songs!

Happy Birthday SongNoriyuki Makihara13rank/position

Happy Birthday Song

A song by Noriyuki Makihara overflowing with warm feelings of birthday celebration.

In contrast to his debut single “NG,” released in October 1990, this track is filled with a sense of blessing.

Its simple piano accompaniment and Makihara’s gentle vocals resonate comfortably, making you want to convey your gratitude to someone special through song.

It’s perfect for karaoke, featuring ease of singing and a warm vocal tone.

How about singing it as a surprise for a friend, partner, or family member on their birthday? Feelings that are hard to express in words can be conveyed honestly through this song.

Hungry SpiderNoriyuki Makihara14rank/position

Hungry Spider – Noriyuki Makihara (cover)

Noriyuki Makihara’s song “Hungry Spider” features a bright Latin rhythm driven by the percussive conga beat that lifts your spirits, making it a lively, fun track guaranteed to get everyone excited at karaoke.

The song was the theme for the TV drama “Labyrinth,” which aired starting in April 1999.