Arai Yumi’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]

Message of RougeArai Yumi1rank/position

Lipstick Message / Rouge No Dengon (2022 Ｍix)

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

Embraced In Softness / Yasashisa Ni Tsutsumareta Nara (2022 Ｍix)

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.

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yuri

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contrailArai Yumi3rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Vapor Trail (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

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

Graduation Photo 2022 [NEW] Yumi Arai

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

Blue Airmail Envelope / Aoi Airmail (2022 Ｍix)

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.

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Ryo

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An Afternoon Spent Watching the SeaArai Yumi6rank/position

An Afternoon Spent Watching the Sea

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

December Rain / Jyunigatsu No Ame

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.