BLIZZARDMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – BLIZZARD (from “Love in Japan, and Yuming.”)

Known affectionately by the nickname “Yuming,” singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has long led Japan’s music scene.

This piece, included on her 16th album NO SIDE, was used as an insert song in the 1987 film Take Me Out to the Snowland and has become a winter classic.

The lyrics, which depict emotions swaying in a blizzard, tighten listeners’ chests alongside a cold yet beautiful, urban synth sound.

First released in 1984 and later featured in a JR ski campaign commercial, it’s a timeless masterpiece loved across generations—one you’ll want to play on the way to the slopes or on a winter night.

Gleam of the reefsMatsutōya Yumi

Gansyono Kirameki

Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has spent over half a century since her debut constantly at the forefront of the times.

Featured on her 40th album, Wormhole / Yumi Arai, released in November 2025, this song also drew attention for being used in the TV Asahi drama “Mamono (마물).” The sound—evoking ’90s pop, where an AI-recreated version of her own voice overlaps with her current vocals—feels wonderfully soothing.

The hard-edged wording of the title pairs exquisitely with seascapes shifting from autumn to winter, revealing new depths with every listen.

It leaves a mysterious afterglow that seems to bridge past and future; why not savor it alone on a quiet night?

Kanna Route 8Matsutōya Yumi

Canna Lilies On The Loop Road No. 8 / Canna Hachigosen (2022 Ｍix)

A staple of their live shows, known for its electric guitar performance, this song appears on the album “Let’s Meet Last Night.” The title is a play on words combining the canna flower and Tokyo’s Ring Road No.

8, commonly called “Kanpachi,” and it depicts how the canna flowers on the median strip evoke memories of joyful days gone by.

It’s a medium-tempo track with a catchy groove.

Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A signature song by Yumi Matsutoya, known as Yuming, included as the second track on Side A of the 1975 album “COBALT HOUR.” With a sound that flows like nostalgic scenery and vocals that speak gently and unhurriedly, the lyrics feel like talking to old photographs to keep from forgetting one’s youth, one’s present self, and those pure feelings—a warm yet bittersweet piece.

A Midsummer Night’s DreamMatsutōya Yumi

A Midsummer Night's Dream – Yumi Matsutoya (Full)

Released on July 26, 1993, this was Yumi Matsutoya’s 24th single.

It was also loved as the theme song for the drama “Dare ni mo Ienai” (“I Can’t Tell Anyone”).

With its uniquely atmospheric sound, passionate vocals and lyrics, it’s a track with a powerful impact! A fervent love song that portrays two people blazing up at the end.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – If Wrapped in Kindness (THE LAST WEDNESDAY TOUR 2006 ~HERE COMES THE WAVE~)

This was their third single, released in 1974.

It was originally composed as a commercial jingle, but drew renewed attention in 1989 when it became the ending theme for the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Covered by many musicians, it’s a timeless classic beloved across generations.

I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi

I Want to Protect You – Yumi Matsutoya (Full)

Released in 1981, this is Yumi Matsutoya’s 17th single.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants encouragement, to lift their spirits, or to feel energized.

As the title “Mamotte Agetai” (“I Want to Protect You”) suggests, listening to it brings a mysterious sense of being warmly cheered on.