Yumi Matsutoya, born Yumi Arai on January 19, 1954, in Hachioji, Tokyo, is a
Japanese singer-songwriter. She began her music career at the age of 14 as a
studio musician and songwriter. In April 1972, she released her debut single
"Henji wa Iranai" under Toshiba EMI's Liberty sublabel, produced by Hiroshi
"Monsieur" Kamayatsu. Her first full album, Hikōki Gumo, followed shortly after.
Throughout the 1970s, Matsutoya gained prominence with hits like "Ano Hi ni
Kaeritai", which topped Japan's Oricon Charts in 1975. She also composed
successful songs for other artists, such as "Ichi...