I’ve learned of Yumi Matsutoya (松任谷由実) / Yumi Arai by real name from the anime The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu).
I don’t normally watch anime, but big studios like Gibli and directors like Hayao Miyazaki are the exception. A few songs from Yumi made to my playlist since then.
Joe Hisaishi’s work in Miyazaki’s movies are truly exceptional. If you like Yumi Arai’s voice, maybe you’ll like Ai Higuchi as well. Her style of music is different, but they have a similar tone.
What an amazing duo this two guys are.