Yumi Arai Popular Song Rankings [2026]

I want to go back to that day.Arai Yumi21rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – I Want to Return to That Day (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

A classic by Yumi Arai that poignantly sings of longing for days gone by.

Released in October 1975, this song was used as the theme for the drama “Katei no Himitsu” (Family Secrets) and became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The lyrics delicately depict lingering attachment to the past and inner conflict.

Arai’s clear, translucent vocals and the simple yet deeply moving arrangement resonate profoundly with listeners.

When you want to look back on memories with someone special, be sure to give this song a listen.

I can surely say that.Arai Yumi22rank/position

I Know I Can Tell You / Kitto Ieru

Rina Uchiyama appeared in Asahi Soft Drinks’ Umacha commercials, and one of the ads that aired in 2002 featured Yumi Arai’s song “Kitto Ieru.” Many people likely remember the spot where the song plays over refreshing footage of Uchiyama playing badminton.

The track was released as a single in 1973 and is also included on the album Hikoki-gumo (A Flying Cloud).

The lyrics portray a woman who is about to confess a love she’s kept in her heart, and many listeners may relate to her mustering the courage to take that first step.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi23rank/position

Wrapped in Kindness — For Beginner Violinists

Singing and the violin are a perfect match.

If you’re looking for violin practice pieces, how about the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara”? Refreshing and, as the title suggests, filled with kindness and nostalgia, this piece has a simple melody that even beginner violinists can play.

For the opening leap, be sure to place your string crossings and fingerings accurately, and work on producing the sound so that the slurs are smooth.

If slurs are difficult, it’s fine to change the bow for now, but gradually practice to incorporate the slurs and get closer to the song’s image.

Studio Ghibli tunes are widely known, so there are many arrangement scores available for beginner instrumentalists.

It’s fine to go slowly—practice other pieces too and build up your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sai-kisaragi

Report a problem

Chuo FreewayArai Yumi24rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Chuo Freeway (Yumi Arai The Concert with old Friends)

Toyota’s 2011 commercial, Reborn “Departure,” featured Takuya Kimura as Oda Nobunaga and Takeshi Kitano as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, telling the story of them heading for Tohoku in a second-generation Crown.

The background music used in the ad was Yumi Arai’s “Chuo Freeway.” Written about the Chuo Expressway, the song’s gentle melody and tender vocals make it a perfect fit for a drive.

It also matches the ad’s Reborn theme, bringing back a classic masterpiece from 1976.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

as if nothing happenedArai Yumi25rank/position

Like Nothing Ever Happened — Yumi Arai “Like Nothing Ever Happened” Studio Live Recording

This is a track from Yumi Matsutoya’s fourth album, when she was performing under the name Yumi Arai, titled “The 14th Moon.” The most famous song on the album is “Chuo Freeway,” and it was released in 1976.

Although it isn’t a flashy song, it’s a hidden gem and was used as an in-film song in the movie “A Bride for Rip Van Winkle.” The lyrics—about cherishing and keeping what you’ve lost in your heart—leave a strong impression and suit those who have reached a certain age.

There’s a depiction of losing a beloved dog, so for those who have also said goodbye to a cherished pet, it may bring back fond memories and inspire them to continue living without ever forgetting their dog.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem