According to the song's composer Tetsurō Oda, Izumi Sakai was singing "strangely," but it proved to be good.

Released at a time that is now seen as the beginning of Japan's post economic bubble era when the Nikkei 225 Index had shrunk in value by a third in only three years, "Makenaide" (Don't Give Up) became known as the theme song of the country's "Lost Decade."

While Sakai commented on the television show Music Station that it would encourage men taking examinations, many people said this song helped them cope with difficult issues such as school bullying.

[8] The duet received positive feedbacks from both the Mai Kuraki and Zard fans, the recording will be included in limited edition of studio album Let's Goal!

[9] The cover has been produced and arranged by Hiroshi Asai from instrumental fusion band Sensation.