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

I want to go back to that dayMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – I Want to Return to That Day (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

A song released under the name Yumi Arai in 1975, one to listen to while savoring memories of the past that can never be returned to.

By singing head-on, without hesitation, about memories that seem to shine precisely because they’re irreversible, it somehow makes the present feel all the more hollow.

As you listen, a tangle of different emotions may well arise.

Message of RougeMatsutōya Yumi

Rouge's Message – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

It’s the fifth single, released in 1975.

Though it’s actually a song about infidelity, combined with Yuming’s vocals over a lively rhythm, it ends up being a fun track that makes you smile.

It’s also well known as the opening theme for the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

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.

contrailArai Yumi

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

There are several songs by Yumi Matsutoya that relate to the sky, but this one in particular stands out for its beautiful scenic imagery.

An unfading classic, it is etched in people’s memories as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film The Wind Rises.

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.

My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya - My Lover Is Santa Claus (from 'Koi to, Yuming to, Nihon' / 'Love in Japan, and Yuming.')

A track from her 10th album, SURF & SNOW, which is now a staple of Japanese Christmas songs and beloved by a wide range of generations.

It also drew attention as an insert song in the 1987 film Take Me Out to the Snow.

Considered one of Yuming’s signature songs, it will continue to be sung forever as a piece that brightens up December.

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Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

It was released in 1994 as Yumi Matsutoya’s 26th single.

It was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Spring, Come,” and was later included not only in music textbooks but also, as a poem, in Mitsumura Tosho’s Japanese language textbook for second-year junior high students.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a million seller.