Yumi Matsutoya Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi8rank/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.

Chuo FreewayMatsutōya Yumi9rank/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.

A HAPPY NEW YEARMatsutōya Yumi10rank/position

Happy New Year / A Happy New Year

This song by Yumi Matsutoya is imbued with the wish to welcome the New Year with someone special.

It was included on her 1981 album “Sakuban Oaishimashou” and also released as the B-side to the single “Yuu-yami o Hitori,” which came out around the same time.

Warm feelings of praying for the other person’s happiness are sung alongside the quiet resonance of the piano.

It’s a perfect track for those spending New Year’s with a partner or for anyone holding special feelings for the year to come.

The Refrain Is ScreamingMatsutōya Yumi11rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – The Refrain Is Shouting

A signature song by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya that sings of the pain of heartbreak and lingering regret.

Included on the album “Delight Sight Light KISS,” released in November 1988, it became widely loved beyond Yuming’s core fans, even topping the cable broadcasting charts.

The lyrics, with their memorable, repeated questions, vividly capture the emptiness and remorse that follow a breakup.

Emotions depicted from both male and female perspectives give the song a universal theme that resonates with many.

It’s a moving classic recommended for anyone who has experienced a parting or is struggling with a relationship with someone important.

Darkening RoomMatsutōya Yumi12rank/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

No-sideMatsutōya Yumi13rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – No Side (Audio/Lyric)

A masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya that delicately portrays an athlete’s emotions after a game.

It is included on the album “NO SIDE,” released in December 1984.

Inspired by the retirement of a high school athlete from a club activity, the song beautifully expresses effort, sacrifice, and the emotions that come at the end.

At the 2019 Rugby World Cup, it was performed in front of Japan’s national team, deeply moving many.

The piece has also been used in a Fuji Film commercial and as insert music in a TBS drama.

For anyone who has experienced the complex feelings that follow the end of a match or club activity, it will surely resonate deeply.

AVALONMatsutōya Yumi14rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – “AVALON” (from the 38th new album “Uchū Toshokan” [The Space Library])

It’s included on Yumi Matsutoya’s album “Uchū Toshokan” (The Universe Library), released in November 2016, and was written specifically for JRA’s brand campaign “a beautiful race.” Rather than depicting horse racing itself, it strikingly elevates the exhilaration of running and living as universal themes.

Co-produced with arranger Masataka Matsutoya, it achieves a cinematic sound with richly layered strings and horns.

Give it a listen when you want a push to take on a new challenge or when you want to set your heart free.