Yumi Matsutoya Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

contrailMatsutoya Yumi8rank/position

Contrail (Vapour Trail) – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

It’s a famous song sung by Yumi Matsutoya, the theme song of the film The Wind Rises.

In the commercial, only her lovely singing voice leaves an impression.

But when you listen closely to the entire song, the lyrics vividly portray the death of a young girl.

The girl’s soul, soaring high into the sky, races on as a beautiful contrail.

It’s not a direct message, but it allows you to feel the preciousness of life in your heart.

Snow’s waymarkerMatsutoya Yumi9rank/position

The Snowy Guiding Direction

This work left a strong impression on me along with the warm stew visuals from winter TV commercials.

It’s a classic ballad released digitally ahead of singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya’s December 2020 album, “Shinkai no Machi.” The song was written specifically for House Foods’ “Hokkaido Stew” commercial.

Even when you feel you might lose your sense of direction in a world of pure white snow, you can still clearly feel the presence of someone precious—portraying deep trust and love.

The characteristically dramatic melody and enveloping vocals that are so Yuming strike right at the heart.

It’s a song that makes you feel a warmth, as if a light is kindled in your heart just by thinking of someone, even in the bitter cold.

A piece to savor on a quiet snowy night while thinking of someone dear.

I want to protect youMatsutoya Yumi10rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – I Want to Protect You (WINGS OF LIGHT “THE GATES OF HEAVEN” Tour)

This is Yumi Matsutoya’s 17th single, released in June 1981.

Written as the theme song for the film “Nerawareta Gakuen,” it is known as a quintessential example of the canon progression in the history of Japanese pop.

Based in G major, it features a characteristic structure in which the progression cycles from I to VIII, and the use of slash chords weaves in a smoothly descending bass line.

Perfect for those who want to fully savor the comfort of a canon progression, or when you’re in the mood to be gently wrapped in tenderness.