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Arai Yumi’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]
Speaking of Yuming, she’s now a singer who represents J-pop, but during her earlier stage name “Yumi Arai,” her songs—like Hikōkigumo and Kageriyuku Heya—had a somewhat different feel, with many tracks on the darker side.
It’s said there are still many die-hard fans of her Yumi Arai era even today.
Whether you prefer today’s Yuming or the Yuming of the past, be sure to check the ranking.
Yumi Arai’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Message of RougeArai Yumi1rank/position
Even as the era names shifted from Showa to Heisei to Reiwa, Yumi Matsutoya—known as Yuming—has continued to thrive as one of Japan’s top artists.
Rouge no Dengon is a song from when Yuming was still known as Yumi Arai.
It showcases her talent in turning a classic film and TV trope—“leaving a note on the mirror with lipstick”—into a light, catchy melody.
Since it’s also the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s smash-hit film Kiki’s Delivery Service, it’s a familiar tune even for young children.
When you sing it at karaoke, enjoy it together across generations!
If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi2rank/position
After its release in 1974, the song gained renewed attention in 1989 when it was used as the ending theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.
With its gentle atmosphere and Yumi Arai’s soothing vocals, it’s a warm piece that seems to ease the listener’s heart.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of those works that becomes a hot topic every time it airs on TV.
Among the insert songs, “Wrapped in Gentleness” stands out for its short and simple lyrics, and its melody isn’t very complex, making it easy to remember—so perhaps some people find themselves humming it for a while after watching it on TV.
contrailArai Yumi3rank/position
The story of a boy drawn on a white slope reflects Yumi Arai’s inner landscape from her youth.
With a clear, crystalline voice and beautiful piano lines, she gently sings of a longing for the heavens and a parting from the earthly world.
Inspired by feelings for a classmate from her elementary school days, the piece takes flight on a fragile yet refreshing melody, brimming with the radiance of life and hope for liberation.
Released in November 1973 as the title track of the album “Hikōki Gumo,” it drew renewed attention in 2013 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises.” It is a gem of a song that tenderly supports those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, as well as young people standing at a crossroads in life.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi4rank/position
As a towering classic among graduation songs, this track by Yumi Matsutoya has long continued to stay close to the hearts of many.
Released to the public in 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, it later became a celebrated piece when she released a self-cover on her album COBALT HOUR.
Rather than depicting a graduation ceremony itself, the lyrics evoke the ache of flipping through old photos as an adult, reminiscing about days of youth and the unchanging image of someone dear—something that really tugs at the heart.
It was also featured in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial in 2007, so many people have likely heard it.
When you feel a little wistful about how you’re changing, or want to bask in nostalgia, why not spend a relaxed moment listening to this song?
Blue airmailArai Yumi5rank/position
A female singer-songwriter with a wide musical range who enjoys overwhelming support from men and women in their 50s and 60s, Yumi Arai—better known as Yumi Matsutoya.
Among her songs, one I especially recommend for women in their 50s is Aoi Airmail.
This piece is a gentle ballad that portrays thoughts of a lover far away.
With its relaxed rhythm, I think it’s very easy for women in their 50s to sing.
The vocal range is also narrow, making it a comfortable choice for late-night karaoke.
An Afternoon Spent Watching the SeaArai Yumi6rank/position
Even though it’s been over 40 years since this song was released, the Dolphin restaurant that appears in the lyrics is still bustling with pilgrims visiting the sacred site—truly a classic.
If you don’t listen closely, it sounds almost a cappella, with hardly any backing track audible.
With just soda water and a paper napkin—such simple props—Yuming manages to evoke a profoundly deep heartbreak.
She really is a genius.
December RainArai Yumi7rank/position
This song, which captures the loneliness of winter and the bittersweet longing for a love that has passed, is a gem that represents the early work of Yumi Arai.
Released in October 1974 and included on the album MISSLIM, it features a restrained band performance as its foundation, while the beautiful choral work by Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki leaves a strong impression.
There is even an anecdote that Yamashita agreed to join the recording on the condition that he handle the chorus arrangement.
Set against a winter scene of December rain, a quiet nostalgia for days that will never return rises to the surface.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to softly by a window streaked with cold rain, when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of the past.
Darkening RoomArai Yumi8rank/position
A masterpiece by Yumi Arai that poignantly portrays lovers facing a breakup, depicted through the shifting scene of a room from dusk to nightfall.
The solemn arrangement featuring a pipe organ and the gospel-style chorus by an all-star lineup—including Hi-Fi Set and Tatsuro Yamashita—further accentuate the pain of parting.
Released in March 1976, the song reached No.
10 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.
43 on the year-end chart.
It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced the farewell of a loved one.
Departing AutumnArai Yumi9rank/position
Singer-songwriter Yumi Arai has been active at the forefront from the 1970s to the present.
This song, included on the classic album MISSLIM released in October 1974, closes the record and is a perfect fit for the autumn air.
Its poetic worldview, which overlays a fading romance with the end of the season, leaves you feeling a touch sentimental as you listen.
The sophisticated arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya and the otherworldly sound featuring Tatsuro Yamashita and others are a perfect match.
The album MISSLIM reached No.
8 on the weekly charts.
Why not immerse yourself in the beautifully melancholic atmosphere of this work on a long autumn night?
Rainy StationArai Yumi10rank/position
“Ame no Station,” which Yuming released when she still had the surname Arai, is said to be set at Nishi-Tachikawa Station.
The season is the rainy monsoon.
Her ex-lover already has someone new.
She says, “Don’t remember me for that person’s sake,” yet when she stands at the station filled with their memories, she can’t help but think he might be there.
It’s a work that depicts such shifting emotions with a trembling delicacy.