Yumi Matsutoya Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Valentine’s RADIOMatsutōya Yumi29rank/position

Valentine’s RADIO (from the film “As Many Embraces as There Are Waves”) – Yumi Matsutoya

A Valentine’s song from Yuming included on the album “LOVE WARS”! It was written with her radio show All Night Nippon—on which Yuming herself served as host—as its theme.

If you’re the type who finds it hard to express your feelings face-to-face on Valentine’s Day, why not try secretly conveying your feelings through the radio?

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SAKI

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Cinderella ExpressMatsutōya Yumi30rank/position

Cinderella Express

It was used in 1987 as the image song for JR Central’s Tokaido Shinkansen “Cinderella Express” TV commercials.

Some of you may know it from the commercials.

The ads likened 9:00 p.m.—the departure time of the last Tokyo-to-Shin-Osaka train, Hikari No.

289 (as of 1987)—to midnight, when Cinderella’s magic wears off and she must leave the ball.

They portrayed a love story on a Sunday night Shinkansen platform, where couples living apart meet on the weekend and then part ways.

The gentle melody and bittersweet lyrics tug at the heartstrings.

An Afternoon Spent Watching the SeaMatsutōya Yumi31rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – An Afternoon Looking at the Sea

This song exquisitely fuses a piano melody reminiscent of ocean waves with a crystal-clear vocal.

The lyrics, which recount a lost love and memories of the past, evoke a longing for happier times through the view of the sea from a quiet restaurant.

Included on the album “MISSLIM,” released in October 1974, it’s also known for featuring Tatsuro Yamashita’s chorus arrangement.

The gently flowing melody is perfect for listening at dusk or by the quiet seaside at night.

Give it a listen when you want to gaze at the ocean and softly immerse yourself in memories.

Eyes Are DiamondMatsutōya Yumi32rank/position

Hitomi wa Diamond – Yumi Matsutoya (Dashimaki Tamago)

Released on December 17, 2003, “Hitomi wa Diamond,” included as the fourth track on Yumi Matsutoya’s self-cover album “Yuming Compositions: FACES,” is a song originally provided to Seiko Matsuda and later self-covered by Yuming.

With lyrics that encourage oneself—don’t get hurt like a diamond, don’t cry—it’s a deeply poignant, tear-jerking heartbreak song.

The Fourteenth MoonArai Yumi (Matsutoya Yumi)33rank/position

Yumi Arai – The 14th Moon (from “Love in Japan, and Yumin.”)

It’s a track included on Yumi’s fourth album.

When we think of the moon, a full moon usually comes to mind first, but these unusual lyrics are inspired by the 14th-day moon—the day before the full moon.

It has a rock feel and is a staple at live shows.

The rock band Spitz has also covered it.

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sasashina

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pen pal correspondenceimase×Matsutōya Yumi34rank/position

[imase × Yumi Matsutoya] Correspondence (Music Video)

How about a special duet that bridges generations? It’s a song by imase, a singer of the new generation, and the legend Yumi Matsutoya.

Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of audio equipment maker BOSE, it was released in May 2025.

Crafted in a relay style like exchanging letters, the song captures listeners’ hearts with a romantic worldview that longs for someone far away.

The sophisticated, bossa nova-inspired sound is irresistible.

If you sing it at karaoke, tune in to each other’s voices and keep it tender.

contrailYūmin (Matsutōya Yumi)35rank/position

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

Many people have been captivated by the poignant lyrics of this song, sung in Yuming’s uniquely soaring voice.

In 2013, it was used as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises.

It is said to be about a friend who passed away at a young age.

The bright melody—unexpected for a song centered on death—adds even greater depth to the piece.