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

No-sideYumi Matsutoya8rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – No Side (Audio/Lyric)

Written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, arranged by Masataka Matsutoya, the song was first released as a track on Reimy’s album “REIMY,” and later included as a self-cover on Yumi Matsutoya’s original album “NO SIDE.” For reference, it was released in December 1984.

At the time of its release, it attracted attention for being a song themed around rugby.

Musically, it’s medium-slow in tempo and the melodic range isn’t very wide, so as long as you set a key that suits your own voice when singing it at karaoke, it’s likely a song that almost anyone can sing without difficulty.

Try to sing it while cherishing each word of the lyrics, and be careful not to let the rhythm rush ahead.

Hello, my friendYumi Matsutoya9rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

As one of the most important artists in Japanese music history, Yuming—Yumi Matsutoya—is a name that invariably comes up.

Each generation has songs by Yuming that hold special meaning, but many women in their 40s today will likely think of her hits from the 1990s.

From the standpoint of being easy to sing at karaoke, I recommend Hello, my friend.

Released in 1994 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Kimi to Ita Natsu (A Summer with You), it was a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

While it’s packed with that quintessential Yuming flavor, the melody unfolds very straightforwardly and is easy to sing.

There are no particularly challenging high notes or sustained long notes, so with a bit of practice, you can probably expect a high score at karaoke.

Come, springYumi Matsutoya10rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

“Haru yo, Koi,” released in 1994 by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, who has been active since the 1970s.

It was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name and was also included in music and Japanese language textbooks.

When you go to karaoke with friends of the same generation, you’ll likely have fun reminiscing about the dramas and actors of that time.

The beautiful piano tones, which unfold richly from the intro to the chorus, are soothing as well.

When singing it at karaoke, focusing on vibrato will help you sing it well.

The song maintains a consistent melody throughout, so even those who aren’t confident in memorizing songs should give it a try.

Graduation PhotoYumi Matsutoya11rank/position

Graduation Photo – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

There are also easy-to-sing recommended songs among iconic J-POP hits! The key rises a bit in the chorus, but the pitch changes aren’t drastic, so it’s great even for people who aren’t confident at karaoke.

With a relaxed tempo, you can sing while checking the rhythm and pitch!

A Happy New YearYumi Matsutoya12rank/position

A Happy New Year / Yumi Matsutoya [Matsutoya Yumi] Unplugged cover by Ai Ninomiya

Yumi Matsutoya’s “A HAPPY NEW YEAR” expresses the feeling of putting the one you love first in the new year.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Yūyami o Hitori,” released in 1981, and was featured in the film “Take Me Out to the Snowland.” The song portrays the longing to see your beloved as soon as the new year begins, and the wish that they will be happy throughout the year.

For New Year’s karaoke, why not go with someone important to you and sing this song while wishing for their happiness?

Chuo FreewayYumi Matsutoya13rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Chuo Freeway (Yumi Arai The Concert with old Friends)

Among Yumi Matsutoya’s signature songs, this one is especially beloved.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody pairs perfectly with lyrics that depict lovers on a drive.

The words are striking for the way they convey both a desire to escape reality and the fragility of that feeling.

Released in 1976 as a track on the album The 14th Moon, it is an enduring classic that also appears on many of her best-of compilations.

It’s a song I highly recommend as background music for a drive with someone special.

As you take in the scenery along the way, it might be nice to reminisce about the memories you share.

I want to go back to that day.Yumi Matsutoya14rank/position

Yumi Arai – I Want to Return to That Day (from “Love in Japan, and Yuming.”)

This song, from before her name change and currently credited to Yumi Matsutoya, was the theme for the drama “Family Secrets” starring Kumiko Akiyoshi.

Released when she had only just entered her twenties, it’s a track that reminisces about the radiant days of youth.

Around the time you turn twenty, you often feel caught between being an adult and a child, and your heart can become unstable.

Looking at these lyrics, I can’t help but feel that Yumi Matsutoya must have experienced the same thing.

I want to go back to those joyful days of youth and meet the cheerful version of myself from back then.

Haven’t you ever felt that way, too?