Yuming's The 14th Moon

It is not an exaggeration that Matsutoya Yumibetter known by her stage name Yumingis one of the most influential figures in Japanese popular music history. A singer-songwriter recognized globally for her songs used in Miyazaki Hayaos beloved animations, Yuming has captured the hearts of listeners of different generations since her debut in the early 1970s. Her fourth album, The 14th Moon, released in 1976, was a milestone in establishing her signature style: the posh, city sound that later paved the way to the 1980s City Pop and 1990s J-pop. In addition to examining the albums astonishing stylistic versatility, this book explores how Yuming revolutionized the position of women in Japanese popular music and how her work can help us understand social changes in Japan of the 1970s.