Arai Yumi’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2025]

Message of RougeYumi Arai1rank/position

Lipstick Message / Rouge No Dengon (2022 Ｍix)

Even as the era names shifted from Showa to Heisei to Reiwa, Yumi Matsutoya—known as Yuming—has continued to thrive as one of Japan’s top artists.

Rouge no Dengon is a song from when Yuming was still known as Yumi Arai.

It showcases her talent in turning a classic film and TV trope—“leaving a note on the mirror with lipstick”—into a light, catchy melody.

Since it’s also the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s smash-hit film Kiki’s Delivery Service, it’s a familiar tune even for young children.

When you sing it at karaoke, enjoy it together across generations!

If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Arai2rank/position

Embraced In Softness / Yasashisa Ni Tsutsumareta Nara (2022 Ｍix)

After its release in 1974, the song gained renewed attention in 1989 when it was used as the ending theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

With its gentle atmosphere and Yumi Arai’s soothing vocals, it’s a warm piece that seems to ease the listener’s heart.

Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of those works that becomes a hot topic every time it airs on TV.

Among the insert songs, “Wrapped in Gentleness” stands out for its short and simple lyrics, and its melody isn’t very complex, making it easy to remember—so perhaps some people find themselves humming it for a while after watching it on TV.

contrailYumi Arai3rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Vapor Trail (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

The story of a boy drawn on a white slope reflects Yumi Arai’s inner landscape from her youth.

With a clear, crystalline voice and beautiful piano lines, she gently sings of a longing for the heavens and a parting from the earthly world.

Inspired by feelings for a classmate from her elementary school days, the piece takes flight on a fragile yet refreshing melody, brimming with the radiance of life and hope for liberation.

Released in November 1973 as the title track of the album “Hikōki Gumo,” it drew renewed attention in 2013 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises.” It is a gem of a song that tenderly supports those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, as well as young people standing at a crossroads in life.

Graduation PhotoYumi Arai4rank/position

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece woven from a gentle singing voice that stays close to the heart and lyrics that gracefully portray nostalgia for days gone by.

Featured on the album “COBALT HOUR,” released by Yumi Arai in June 1975, this song delicately expresses life and change after graduation.

It lyrically spins memories of a cherished person who lives on forever within the warmth of reminiscence.

It was also selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Sotsu Uta” and the film “Watch with Me.” A heartwarming encouragement song to listen to in times of sorrow or at life’s crossroads.

Blue airmailYumi Arai5rank/position

Blue Airmail Envelope / Aoi Airmail (2022 Ｍix)

A female singer-songwriter with a wide musical range who enjoys overwhelming support from men and women in their 50s and 60s, Yumi Arai—better known as Yumi Matsutoya.

Among her songs, one I especially recommend for women in their 50s is Aoi Airmail.

This piece is a gentle ballad that portrays thoughts of a lover far away.

With its relaxed rhythm, I think it’s very easy for women in their 50s to sing.

The vocal range is also narrow, making it a comfortable choice for late-night karaoke.

Darkening RoomYumi Arai6rank/position

The Paled Room / Kageriyuku Heya (2022 Ｍix)

A masterpiece by Yumi Arai that poignantly portrays lovers facing a breakup, depicted through the shifting scene of a room from dusk to nightfall.

The solemn arrangement featuring a pipe organ and the gospel-style chorus by an all-star lineup—including Hi-Fi Set and Tatsuro Yamashita—further accentuate the pain of parting.

Released in March 1976, the song reached No.

10 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.

43 on the year-end chart.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who has experienced the farewell of a loved one.

An Afternoon Spent Watching the SeaYumi Arai7rank/position

An Afternoon Spent Watching the Sea

Even though it’s been over 40 years since this song was released, the Dolphin restaurant that appears in the lyrics is still bustling with pilgrims visiting the sacred site—truly a classic.

If you don’t listen closely, it sounds almost a cappella, with hardly any backing track audible.

With just soda water and a paper napkin—such simple props—Yuming manages to evoke a profoundly deep heartbreak.

She really is a genius.