Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi1rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya continues to shine at the forefront of Japan’s music scene.

Released in 1994, this song—also known for being written as the theme for the NHK morning drama of the same name—enjoys nationwide popularity.

With its memorable piano melody, it depicts the bittersweet longing and hope of waiting for the warmer seasons.

It’s perfect for adding color to scenes of dancing cherry blossoms or stories that dwell on someone dear.

Hello,my friendMatsutōya Yumi2rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

It’s a classic song that, alongside late-summer imagery, conveys a heartfelt longing for someone one can never meet again.

Released as a single in July 1994, it is widely cherished as one of Yumi Matsutoya’s signature works.

It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “A Summer with You,” and remains etched in many people’s memories.

Contrary to its title, which sounds like a greeting for a reunion, the song quietly embraces the pain of loss and portrays a protagonist who holds dear the memories of days gone by.

Its forward-looking message—seeking a sliver of hope even within sorrow—resonates deeply.

It’s a companion for nights when you remember someone important and let the tears fall softly.

Darkening RoomMatsutōya Yumi3rank/position

Yumi Arai - A Darkening Room (from 'The Love of Japan, and Yuming.')

The lyrics sorrowfully depicting a breakup with a lover really strike a chord.

It’s a song by Yuming (Yumi Matsutoya), released in 1976 as her seventh single.

It’s a popular piece that has been covered by many well-known musicians, including Elephant Kashimashi.

Perhaps it’s Matsutoya’s vocals and lyrics that make you feel as if you’re witnessing the scene right before your eyes.

The world of the song seems to slip straight into your heart.

It’s one of those timeless masterpieces of Japanese music.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

contrailMatsutōya Yumi4rank/position

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

This is a song by Yumi Matsutoya, released in November 1973 as the B-side to the single “Kitto Ieru,” and then, about two weeks later, as the title track of an album.

Forty years later, in 2013, it was featured as the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Wind Rises, bringing it renewed attention.

Hikōki Gumo was reportedly inspired by a classmate from elementary school who suffered from muscular dystrophy and passed away young.

The lyrics “Longing for the sky, that child ran off” convey a wish for a friend who endured illness to be freed from all pain and live happily.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi5rank/position

Surf Heaven Ski Heaven / Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku (2022 Ｍix)

Known by the nickname “Yuming,” singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs, from her own original works to tracks she’s written for others.

Her song “Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku,” included on her 10th album SURF & SNOW, was used as the theme song for the film Take Me Out to the Snowland.

Its lyrics, which heighten the anticipation of winter’s snowy landscapes, set hearts dancing alongside an urban ensemble.

Despite never being released as a single, it has become a staple winter song and stands as a representative number of the 1980s.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Wind Across the PierMatsutōya Yumi6rank/position

Wind Crossing the Pier — 2004 Zushi Marina Last Live

This is the 12th single by Yumi Matsutoya, featuring a poignant melody set to a Latin-style arrangement.

At the long-running concerts held at Zushi Marina, this song was performed as the finale every time.

It is a timeless classic that embodies nostalgia and never fades with the passing of time.

pen pal correspondenceimase×Matsutōya Yumi7rank/position

[imase × Yumi Matsutoya] Correspondence (Music Video)

This is a cross-generational collaborative song created as part of the 60th anniversary project for audio equipment maker BOSE.

Next-generation artist imase and Japanese music legend Yumi Matsutoya completed the track in a relay format, like exchanging letters.

Released in May 2025, it features a modern yet nostalgic sound that fuses bossa nova rhythms with string tones.

Listening to it reaffirms the warmth of analog communication that stands out precisely in this age of social media.