Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2011

“Yuming” may not top the charts like she did with relentless regularity in the ’80s and ’90s, but Yumi Matsutoya still has one of the clearest, brightest voices in the business, and can still fill Tokyo International Forum night after night. As in past years, the 73-date tour for her 36th original album Road Show is likely to be a Vegas-style spectacular. Previous tours have featured a circus complete with trapeze artists and elephants.

Jul 9-10, 6pm & Aug 10-11, 7pm, ¥8,400. Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: Kyodo 0570-064-903.