Seven Ultra-Rare Miki Matsubara Tracks Make Their Digital Debut for the First Time

Tokyo, Japan - More than four decades after Miki Matsubara first captivated Japan with her extraordinary voice, seven ultra-rare recordings from the City Pop icon’s catalogue are finally available digitally for the first time.

Released across six digital titles, these recordings have never previously been available on major streaming or download services. Long sought after by collectors and fans, the tracks were previously accessible only through rare vinyl and physical CD releases, making their digital debut a significant new chapter in the rediscovery of Matsubara’s music.

The release arrives at a remarkable moment in Matsubara’s posthumous global resurgence. Her 1979 classic “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” recently surpassed 500 million Spotify streams, becoming only the 10th song by a Japanese artist to reach the milestone and the first song originally released in the 20th century to do so.

Yet while “Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me” has become a global City Pop phenomenon, the renewed attention has also led listeners deeper into Matsubara’s catalogue, uncovering sophisticated album tracks, B-sides and lesser-known recordings that reveal the breadth of her artistry.

A treasure trove for fans and collectors

Among the newly available recordings is “Paradise Beach (Sophie no Theme),” a particularly sought-after track associated with the iconic Maxell cassette commercial starring French actress Sophie Marceau.

The track was composed by Haruomi Hosono, legendary musician and founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra (Y.M.O.), connecting Matsubara’s catalogue to another pivotal chapter in the history of Japanese pop and electronic music.

The seven recordings offer a glimpse into the breadth of Matsubara’s work beyond her best-known hits, from music created for commercial and media tie-ins to rare recordings that have remained largely inaccessible to listeners outside the physical-record collecting world.

From collector’s treasures to a new generation

Matsubara’s music has experienced an extraordinary second life in the digital era.

Her distinctive, sophisticated vocals and the polished arrangements of Japan’s late-1970s and 1980s pop scene have found a new audience among international DJs, vinyl collectors and Gen Z listeners. Her catalogue now includes multiple tracks with more than 10 million Spotify streams, including “WASH,” originally released as a B-side in 1982, which has surpassed 20 million streams.

This renewed global interest has transformed recordings once considered hidden gems into objects of international fascination.

The seven newly digitised tracks now make that deeper catalogue accessible to audiences around the world - not simply revisiting Miki Matsubara’s legacy, but uncovering music that many listeners have never had the opportunity to hear.

A new chapter in Miki Matsubara’s enduring legacy

Miki Matsubara made her debut in 1979 and quickly established herself as one of Japan’s most distinctive vocal talents. Nearly half a century later, her music continues to cross borders and generations in ways few artists from her era have experienced.

With her global audience continuing to grow, these seven rare recordings offer another opportunity to discover the artistry behind one of Japan’s most enduring musical voices.

For the first time, seven pieces of Miki Matsubara’s musical history are no longer hidden in the archives or collectors’ shelves. They are now ready to be heard by the world.

About the release

Artist: Miki Matsubara 

Release Date:[August 28, 2026 0:00]  

Available Platforms:Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, AWA, 

LINE MUSIC, and other major streaming and download services.

URL:https://nex-tone.lnk.to/MikiMatsubara

Assets:Here

【Digital Release Titles & Tracklists】 

(7 tracks marked with ★ are making their digital debut) 

Ai wa Energy (Originally released: Dec 5, 1979) 

M-1. Ai Wa Energy

M-2. Fancy Free (★)

Hello Today (Originally released: Apr 21, 1980)

M-1. Hello Today

M-2. Machi Wa Itsumo Party Ne (★)

Aitsu no Brown Shoes (Originally released: Sep 5, 1980) 

M-1. Aitsu No Brown Shoes 

M-2. Kyou Konogoro (★)

Shiawase ni Bonsoir (Originally released: Jul 5, 1981) 

M-1. Shiawase ni Bonsoir (★)

M-2. Watashi Wa Modorenai 

Paradise Beach (Sophie's Theme) (Originally released: Apr 25, 1983) 

M-1. Paradise Beach (Sophie's Theme)  (★)
 (※Maxell CM Song starring Sophie Marceau / Composed by Haruomi Hosono) 

M-2. Kimagure Collage (★)

Sweet Surrender (Originally released: Sep 21, 1983) 

M-1. Sweet Surrender 

M-2. WANGAN High Way (★)

About Miki Matsubara

Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1959, Miki Matsubara made her debut in November 1979 with the single "Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me." She rapidly rose to fame with her exceptional vocal abilities and sophisticated, urban sound, winning numerous prestigious music awards. In addition to her career as a singer, she was a prolific composer, providing songs for various artists, anime series, and TV commercials.

Since the 2000s, "Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me" has experienced a global resurgence, ignited by international DJs and influencers. The track topped viral music charts worldwide, cementing her status as an enduring, iconic artist who continues to define the global City Pop movement.

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SM Job Fair Marks 500th Milestone, Expands Access to Jobs and Future-Ready Skills

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN REACH. Across SM malls nationwide, jobseekers are finding new ways to connect with jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities.

For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development—from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.

500 JOB FAIRS—AND COUNTING!

On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy. As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys—from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.

500 JOB FAIRS, THOUSANDS OF NEW BEGINNINGS. At SM City Daet, a nationwide milestone became personal as another jobseeker walked away hired on the spot.

Through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), employers, and industry organizations, SM continues to use its nationwide mall network to bring jobs closer to communities.

FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT AT THE SM GROUP JOB FAIR

The momentum continued on August 18 at SM City Fairview, where the SM Group Job Fair connected jobseekers with career opportunities across the SM Group.

Applicants met recruiters face-to-face, explored vacancies, submitted applications, and underwent interviews in one accessible venue—simplifying the hiring journey while helping participating companies meet potential talent from the community.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO A CAREER. Jobseekers meet SM Group recruiters face-to-face, turning applications and interviews into possibilities for a fresh start.

For fresh graduate May Stephanie, the search for her first job ended with good news when she was hired by Savemore. “Masaya po kasi mahirap po maghanap ng work lalo po pag fresh grad ka po.” Her experience reflects the human impact behind every successful match: a chance to begin a career, earn a livelihood, and build toward a more secure future.

FROM SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES WITH TESDA

SKILLS IN ACTION. Hands-on training turns learning into practical skills that can open doors to the workplace.

As industries evolve, Filipinos need both access to jobs and the skills to succeed in them. Last August, SM Supermalls and TESDA brought the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) to SM malls nationwide in celebration of 2026 National Tech-Voc Day, connecting technical-vocational graduates and jobseekers with employers and industry partners.

READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT. From technology to creative skills, Filipino talent gets hands-on experience for an evolving world of work.

At the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on August 24, more than 1,000 jobseekers met 54 participating employers offering more than 4,000 job opportunities. Job matching was complemented by skills demonstrations in HVAC, autonomous robotics, driving, animation, and coffee barista—showing how practical training can translate into workplace readiness.

For Jeff Justine Geraga, a BS IT student at the University of Makati who took Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA, gaining additional skills has helped strengthen his confidence in a competitive job market.

“Definitely tumaas ang value ko dahil may added skills ako from TESDA, more opportunities for me. Requirement na po ang upskilling dahil competitive po ngayon.”

A key highlight was the launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a career guidance and job-matching platform that helps Filipinos explore career pathways and connect their competencies with in-demand jobs. For some participants, the connection between skills and employment became immediate.

After traveling from Mindoro in search of work, Cristyl Faith Robles was hired on the spot as a barista at French Baker.

“Masaya po kasi last week pa po kami nag-aapply ng work kasi galing pa po kami sa Mindoro... Para po ito sa magulang ko at sa kapatid ko para matulungan ko po siya sa college.”

Employers also recognize the value of skills-based training. CJ Bajamunde, HR Assistant at SMC Repairs and Maintenance, shared that TESDA training and certifications are among the qualifications the company looks for when recruiting skilled workers.

“Nakatulong po talaga ang TESDA hindi lang sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho, kundi sa aming mga employers din.”

Through the World Café of Opportunities, SM and TESDA are helping turn skills into employability—connecting training, talent, and industry needs in ways that can lead to meaningful careers.

LEARNING THAT MOVES PEOPLE FORWARD. Free upskilling brings future-ready knowledge closer to learners in SM communities.

MORE JOBS AND SKILLS THIS SEPTEMBER

The momentum continues this September as SM Job Fair brings another nationwide lineup of employment activities to SM malls, complemented by government career opportunities and upskilling sessions with partners.

SEPTEMBER JOB FAIR SCHEDULE

• September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas
• September 3 – SM City Manila
• September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa
• September 7–8 – SM City Butuan
• September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo
• September 8–9 – SM City Davao
• September 9 – SM City Baguio
• September 9–10 – SM City Cebu
• September 9–10 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• September 10 – SM City Tuguegarao
• September 10 – SM City North EDSA
• September 10 – SM City Zamboanga
• September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• September 12 – SM City La Union
• September 12 – SM City San Pablo
• September 14 – SM Center Antipolo
• September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
• September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu
• September 22–23 – SM Seaside City Cebu
• September 23 – SM City Calamba
• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 24 – SM Center Pulilan
• September 24 – SM City Bacoor

*Schedules, venues, and participating partners may be subject to change.

UPSKILLING SESSIONS

Jobseekers and learners can also take advantage of upskilling activities scheduled throughout the month:

• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
• September 12 – SM Center Sangandaan
• September 12 – SM City North EDSA
• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires

MORE THAN JOBS

SM’s employment advocacy continues beyond recruitment. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations, SM Supermalls has provided free upskilling opportunities to more than 1,600 learners, covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other emerging workplace competencies. In select malls, SM Government Service Express (GSE) also brings essential government services closer to communities, with selected locations serving as Upskilling Hubs.

From reaching the 500th SM Job Fair to helping a fresh graduate land a first job, and from gaining a technical skill to finding where it can lead, August demonstrated what can happen when employment, learning, services, and strong partnerships come together.

THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE. Beyond the 500th milestone, SM Job Fair continues to connect more Filipinos with employers and possibilities closer to home.

And as SM Job Fair moves beyond its 500th milestone, the work continues—helping more Filipinos find jobs, build relevant skills, and move toward better futures closer to home. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs and free upskilling opportunities, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

EVERY CONVERSATION CAN OPEN A DOOR. Jobseekers meet recruiters face-to-face at SM Job Fairs, taking another step toward their next career opportunity.

About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and nine in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.

Through SM Job Fairs, SM continues to evolve with the aspirations of Filipino jobseekers by making employment opportunities more accessible across its malls nationwide. Designed for diverse jobseeker communities—from fresh graduates and career shifters to experienced professionals—SM connects talent with employers through meaningful partnerships that support workforce development and inclusive economic growth. My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

Strong Performance, Stronger Trust: SM Supermalls Evolves for the Next Generation of Customers

MANILA, Philippines, September 1, 2026 — SM Supermalls delivered record revenues in the first half the year, expanding 8% to P41.8 billion from P38.6 billion. Its exceptional performance was driven by higher leasable space and tenant sign-ups, along with steady foot traffic. 

Total gross leasable area grew 3 percent to 5.1 million square meters from 5.0 million square meters, while the number of tenants rose 4 percent to 23,174 from 22,192. Average daily foot traffic was steady at 3.7 million.  

“Our growth reflects the enduring trust of our tenants and shoppers. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, they continue to find value in the variety of our offerings and the strong sense of community in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This gives us confidence to keep investing in spaces and experiences that respond to their changing needs.”

SM’s Transformation Journey

Noting market demand for diverse and unique experiences beyond retail, SM enhanced its spaces with refreshed sports, leisure, and entertainment offerings. The mall operator sustained foot traffic through the addition of 41 Pickleball courts in its first-half inventory, bringing up the number of its courts to 102 courts across 32 properties nationwide.

On June 12, 2026, SM Supermalls also co-hosted the Galaxy Manila Marathon, the first-ever full marathon to take over EDSA, drawing over 25,000 runners across multiple categories.

On top of these, SM also emphasized its corporate purpose of driving value to its surrounding communities through sustainable facilities developed in its malls. From 100 Megawatt peak (MWp) solar power generated through its mall rooftop solar PV system, SM has increased its capacity to 122 MWp with further plans on expansion until the end of the year. SM also recently reached 100% coverage for free EV Charging Stations across all 90 of its malls at 203 EV charging stations.

Because of its sustained innovation and pioneering customer-centric vision, SM Supermalls was heralded as the Philippines’ Strongest Brand for the second year in a row by leading global brand valuation consultancy firm Brand Finance. Fueled by its strong customer, community, and advocacy initiatives, SM Supermalls scored a 95.3 out of 100 on the Brand Strength Index, surpassing its 2025 performance to retain its AAA+ rating in the Philippines 50 2026 report.

The next chapter of My SM

With these milestones, SM aims to sustain its customer-defined transformation through My SM—its five-year platform for evolving SM malls around the changing needs, lifestyles and aspirations of Filipino communities.

“Our growth plan for the rest of 2026 and beyond is to continue evolving for our customers. SM will keep building business momentum through the introduction of exciting new brands, cinema and entertainment acts, as well as leisure offerings that will sustain market interest. With the upcoming opening of our 91st mall, SM Nuvali, we are expanding our business footprint in the emerging growth corridor of South Luzon and Calabarzon with an innovative upscale mall concept never experienced in the Philippine market before,” said Tan.