Yumi Matsutoya, also known as Yuming, is a highly acclaimed Japanese singer, composer, lyricist, and pianist, born on January 19, 1954. She is celebrated for her unique voice, captivating live performances, and her significant contributions to Japanese popular music. With a career spanning several decades, Matsutoya has sold over 42 million records and holds an impressive record of twenty-one No. 1 albums on the Oricon charts. Notably, she is the sole artist to have achieved at least one number-one album every year for 18 consecutive years. Matsutoya's musical journey began in 1972 when she debuted as a singer-songwriter under her birth name, Yumi Arai. Throughout her career, she has seamlessly incorporated influences from progressive rock and European pop, creating a sophisticated and distinctive sound that has left an indelible mark on the Japanese music landscape. Her talent extends beyond performing, as she has also gained recognition as a composer, with notable works such as "Ichigo Hakusho wo Mou Ichido" and "Ano Hi ni Kaeritai." In addition to her musical prowess, Matsutoya's intelligence and determination have earned her a place among the smartest Japanese figures, as recognized by Shūkan Gendai magazine.

Yumi Hogan, born Yumi Park on December 25, 1959, in Naju, South Korea, is a Korean–American artist and the first lady of Maryland from 2015 to 2023, as the wife of Governor Larry Hogan. She holds the distinction of being the first Korean American first lady of a U.S. state and the first Asian American first lady in Maryland's history. Hogan is an accomplished artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a Master of Fine Arts from American University. Her artwork, primarily abstract landscapes in Sumi ink on Korean Hanji paper, has been exhibited globally.During her tenure as First Lady, Hogan initiated and supported various art therapy programs for pediatric cancer patients and advocated for the benefits of art therapy, especially for cancer patients. She received numerous awards for her leadership and advocacy work, including the International Leadership Foundation's Inspirational Leader Award and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.Hogan's personal life reflects her resilience and adaptability, having immigrated to the U.S. in her twenties and becoming a U.S. citizen in 1994. She is also known for her commitment to her Presbyterian religious beliefs and her love for rescued Shih Tzu dogs, which she and her husband adopted in 2018.