Karaoke Ranking of Popular Songs by Yumi Matsutoya [2026]

No-sideMatsutōya Yumi8rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – No Side (Audio/Lyric)

Written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, arranged by Masataka Matsutoya, the song was first released as a track on Reimy’s album “REIMY,” and later included as a self-cover on Yumi Matsutoya’s original album “NO SIDE.” For reference, it was released in December 1984.

At the time of its release, it attracted attention for being a song themed around rugby.

Musically, it’s medium-slow in tempo and the melodic range isn’t very wide, so as long as you set a key that suits your own voice when singing it at karaoke, it’s likely a song that almost anyone can sing without difficulty.

Try to sing it while cherishing each word of the lyrics, and be careful not to let the rhythm rush ahead.

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Kei Takahata

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Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi9rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

As one of the most important artists in Japanese music history, Yuming—Yumi Matsutoya—is a name that invariably comes up.

Each generation has songs by Yuming that hold special meaning, but many women in their 40s today will likely think of her hits from the 1990s.

From the standpoint of being easy to sing at karaoke, I recommend Hello, my friend.

Released in 1994 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Kimi to Ita Natsu (A Summer with You), it was a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

While it’s packed with that quintessential Yuming flavor, the melody unfolds very straightforwardly and is easy to sing.

There are no particularly challenging high notes or sustained long notes, so with a bit of practice, you can probably expect a high score at karaoke.

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KOH-1

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Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi10rank/position

Graduation Photo – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

When graduation season rolls around, there’s one timeless classic you always hear—this very song.

Widely known as a self-cover included on Yumi Arai’s (now Yumi Matsutoya) third album “COBALT HOUR” from June 1975, it’s also memorable for the fact that it was originally written for the vocal group Hi-Fi Set.

In 2007, Matsutoya’s own vocal performance was featured in a Kirin beer commercial, and in 2010 it was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s graduation drama project “Sotsu Uta,” repeatedly finding its way to new listeners.

A key point is that the song’s perspective isn’t at the moment of graduation, but rather “now, long after graduating,” capturing the ache of wavering between someone who seems unchanged from back then and the self who has changed so much.

It’s a song that grows deeper with age, gently keeping you company on a spring night.

A Happy New YearMatsutōya Yumi11rank/position

A Happy New Year / Yumi Matsutoya [Matsutoya Yumi] Unplugged cover by Ai Ninomiya

Yumi Matsutoya’s “A HAPPY NEW YEAR” expresses the feeling of putting the one you love first in the new year.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Yūyami o Hitori,” released in 1981, and was featured in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” The song portrays the longing to see your beloved as soon as the new year begins, and the wish that they will be happy throughout the year.

For New Year’s karaoke, why not go with someone important to you and sing this song while wishing for their happiness?

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SAKI

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Chuo FreewayMatsutōya Yumi12rank/position

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

Among Yumi Matsutoya’s signature songs, this one is especially beloved.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody pairs perfectly with lyrics that depict lovers on a drive.

The words are striking for the way they convey both a desire to escape reality and the fragility of that feeling.

Released in 1976 as a track on the album The 14th Moon, it is an enduring classic that also appears on many of her best-of compilations.

It’s a song I highly recommend as background music for a drive with someone special.

As you take in the scenery along the way, it might be nice to reminisce about the memories you share.

ronde (also rendered as rondo or round dance)Matsutōya Yumi13rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Rondo

“Messages from Yuming: Songs of Love” was released in April 2018.

Yumi Matsutoya continues to captivate many fans no matter how many years have passed since her debut.

“Rondo,” which is also included on this album, is a song released in 1995.

It was used in the TV drama “Tatakau Oyomesama” (The Fighting Bride).

The intro that begins with a Spanish-style guitar makes you want to dance as soon as you hear it.

With the same phrases repeating, it’s an easy song to sing.

Many people probably choose “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at karaoke, but why not change things up once in a while and try singing this one too?

BLIZZARDMatsutōya Yumi14rank/position

Blizzard

A winter masterpiece included on NO SIDE, the landmark album released in December 1984 by Yumi Matsutoya, who has long led Japan’s music scene.

The sharp synthesizer tones that ring out from the intro evoke a taut, frigid atmosphere, as if you were on a snowbound mountain.

Depicting a love swaying in a raging blizzard, the song was used in the 1987 film Take Me Out to the Snowland, and—together with the unprecedented ski boom—left a deep impression on many.

It has since been featured in JR SKISKI commercials and continues to be loved across generations.

In the bitter cold of February, it’s a towering winter anthem you’ll want to hear on the way to pristine white slopes or when huddling against the city’s icy winds.