Yumi Matsutoya, also known as "Yuming," continues to create classic songs beloved by generations. Many people probably associate her pop melody lines with her name. Yuming has been active since her debut as a composer in 1971, and this winter she successfully completed her 45th Naeba Concert. It's inspiring to see her still at the forefront of the music scene, even at the age of 71.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 25, 2025]
The trajectory of national singer Yumi Matsutoya
Yumi Matsutoya (Yumi Arai), the second daughter (youngest of three siblings) of a kimono shop owner, was exposed to music from an early age. She started playing the piano at age six, the shamisen at age 11, and the bass at age 14. When she went on to Rikkyo Jogakuin High School, she says she was heavily influenced by the school's pipe organ and the British pop band Procol Harum.
A demo tape she produced in her third year of high school was selected, and she wrote "Love Comes Suddenly..." for Katsumi Kahashi, marking her debut as a composer at the age of 17. Then, in July, shortly after entering university, she made her debut as a singer under the name Yumi Arai with the single "No Answer Needed," produced by Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
Perhaps influenced by his family business, he chose to study at Tama Art University, majoring in dyeing. This background is likely why he is praised for his comprehensive artistic sensibility, not just in music.
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In 1973, he released his first album, "Hikoukigumo," but it didn't generate much buzz at first. However, his first album gained attention after he wrote "Ichigo Hakusho wo Mouichido" ("Strawberry White Paper" wo Mouichido) for Banban, and "Ano Hi ni Kaeritai" (I Want to Go Back to That Day), which became the theme song for a TBS drama, and sales began to rise.
After marrying Masataka Matsutoya in 1976, she continued her musical career under the name Yumi Matsutoya. In a later interview, she said that she had wanted to quit singing and focus on songwriting after her marriage. However, during this time, she wrote songs that are still loved by many people today, such as "The Wind Wandering the Pier," "DESTINY," and "My Lover is Santa Claus."
The lyrics that conjure up images, along with the familiar melody lines, gently evoke memories in the listener. Yuming's songs remain in the mind forever as background music for love scenes and a page in one's youth.
The concert was a "grateful gesture." An astonishing stage production featuring elephants and dragons
After 1979, concerts began to become larger in scale.
The tour is packed with spectacular gimmicks that will overwhelm the audience, such as "OLIVE" featuring a real elephant, "MAGICAL PUMPKIN" incorporating magic, "BROWN'S HOTEL" with an elevator, the fountain show "SURF & SNOW", and "To ASIA in the Water" riding a 30-meter dragon. He says that the reason for the elaborate productions is "to give back to the fans, along with their dreams, with the profits from the records I make, through the concerts."
Yuming's kindness and spirit of service are also evident in her writing of songs for other artists. Seiko Matsuda's "Akai Sweet Pea" was also composed by Yumi Matsutoya, but the condition for accepting the song was that she use the pen name "Kureta Karuho" (a pun on the name of the late Hollywood actress Greta Garbo). This episode shows her consideration as an unknown composer, willing to work behind the scenes with the singers.
His relationship with Seiko Matsuda continues to this day. This year, he provided a Japanese translation of the jazz standard "Stardust" to celebrate the 45th anniversary of her debut. The music will be available online starting May 14, 2025.
A testament to a couple who love watches. A luxury watch she gave to her husband and a vintage one she also wears.
Speaking of expressing gratitude, Yuming has given her husband and arranger, Masataka Matsutoya, luxury watches as gifts, suggesting she must be quite a watch lover. She has reportedly gifted him Breguet and Rolex Cosmographs. She also owns Alain Silberstein and Grand Seiko watches, making it clear that Masataka and Yumi Matsutoya are undoubtedly a watch-loving couple.
The strap is dark brown crocodile, and the case and buckle are yellow gold. Considering the lineup of watches she gave to Masataka Matsutoya mentioned above, it seems that Yuming tends to prefer watches with a solid presence rather than smaller women's models.
Yuming's attachment to timepieces, which are objects that tell time, overlaps with her attitude toward music. She carefully creates each song, just as she uses up every last drop of hand cream, and at concerts she adheres to the belief that "she should give back to her fans the profits she makes from her records." She also enjoys luxury watches not as a symbol of success, but as a token of gratitude to her husband and as part of her fashion sense. Cherishing and nurturing everything, including objects, music, and relationships with people - that is perhaps Yuming's way of life.
Yuming has declared that she wants to continue her live performance at Naeba until at least the 50th time. She is also planning new tours and other events. Just as a vintage watch gains more character over the years, Yuming continues to evolve even at the age of 71, and we look forward to seeing her continue to excel.
