[Yumi Matsutoya’s Masterpieces] A Collection of Heart-Touching Gems: Yuming’s Finest Hits

Strawberry Statement Once AgainMatsutōya Yumi

“Strawberry Statement Once Again” Banban / Yumi Matsutoya / Solo acoustic (voice and guitar) / Sakana High Michiru

There are few songs in the history of Japanese pop that evoke the feeling of “setsunai” (a poignant, aching sadness) this intensely.

It transcends what can be conveyed in words; only by taking it in directly—with your ears, with your heart—does its beauty truly come through.

A gem of a masterpiece.

Welcome to the shining timeMatsutōya Yumi

Youkoso Kagayaku Jikane

“Welcome to the Shining Time,” the first track on Side A of Yumi Matsutoya’s 13th album, PEARL PIERCE, released on June 21, 1982, is a song whose blend of nostalgia and fantasy—neither briskly refreshing nor vaguely hazy—evokes a childlike feel within a sophisticated summer mood, and becomes increasingly addictive as you listen.

To be happyMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – To Become Happy (from “Love in Japan, and Yuming.”)

The 34th single, released on January 11, 2001.

You’re drawn into the spaces between the melodies, and before you know it, overlapping, heartrending vocals come crashing in like waves.

It’s a love song whose depiction of two people—ending quietly as if the waves simply roll in and recede as though nothing ever happened—is so unbearably poignant it brings tears to your eyes!

The future is shrouded in mist.Matsutōya Yumi

The Future in the Mist / Yumi Matsutoya [Yumi-voiced Tribute]

This is a track from the album OLIVE.

It’s a song that feels very nostalgic now that things which were once shrouded in mist—like the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the Apollo moon landing—have become reality.

Our own future is still veiled in mist, yet I feel there’s a sense that anything can be achieved.

It conveys the atmosphere of the 1960s.

contrailYūmin (Matsutōya Yumi)

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.

as if nothing happenedMatsutōya Yumi

A song included on Yumi Matsutoya’s fourth original album, The 14th Moon, released in 1976.

It is said that she wrote it to commemorate her pet dog (a shepherd) that had died at the time.

The song was used in the film A Bride for Rip Van Winkle as music within the story.

The Last LieMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – The Last Lie

Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, whose distinctive voice has remained unchanged since her debut, continues to be loved across generations.

Her 29th single, “Saigo no Uso” (“The Last Lie”), was used as the theme song for the TV drama Hitorigurashi (Living Alone).

Its aching lyrics, which connect to the promotional tagline “You always have five secrets,” seem to tighten around the heart more and more with each listen.

It’s an emotional ballad whose intro—featuring resonant strings and piano with real depth—lingers in the ears.

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Hoshino Takashi

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