Ritto Music Co., Ltd., a company under the Impress Group that manages music-related media businesses (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Daisuke Matsumoto), released the July 2026 issue of 'Rhythm & Drum Magazine' on June 16, 2026.

This issue features a comprehensive tribute to Shinya, the drummer of LUNA SEA, who passed away on February 17, 2026. The 60-page special feature re-examines Shinya's legacy as the band's long-time rhythmic core and his profound impact on the music and drumming scene. Drawing from archival materials previously published in Drum Magazine, the tribute includes testimonies from band members (SUGIZO, J, INORAN, RYUICHI) and associates (Atsushi, Souryou Togo, Tatsuo Hayashi, Takashi Numazawa, Masayuki Murai, Toshi Nagai, LEVIN, Shinya, SATOKO, Pierre Nakano, etc.), as well as insights into the evolution of his gear and sound, offering a multi-faceted portrait of the legendary drummer.

The special feature also highlights the 25th On-Page Drum Contest, titled 'Crossing Legacy 2026'. With over two decades of history, this contest has launched the careers of numerous professional drummers. Last year, it received 385 entries and generated significant excitement. This year marks its milestone 25th edition. The contest piece was composed by Jun Abe (CASIOPEA), who also contributed to the first contest, resulting in a challenging and inspiring fusion-style track.

The Featured Drummer is FUYU. His session project, Jam Joint, launched in 2024, has released its first live album, 'FUYU Jam Joint LIVE IN TOKYO'. FUYU, who leads this elite ensemble featuring MELRAW (sax), Satoshi Yoshida (g), Jun Miyakawa (key), Kazuki Arai (b), and Yui Arakawa (per)—all at the forefront of today’s music scene—shares insights into the project’s vision and the completion of his debut leader album.

The issue also includes a tribute to James Gadson, the legendary "King of Groove," who passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 86. Explore his biography, gear, playing techniques, testimonials from collaborators, and essential recordings that showcase his enduring influence.

In the 'People & Instruments' series, Kei Saito (T-SQUARE) introduces his personal drum kits and shares stories about his favorite gear.

Publication Details

Title: Rhythm & Drum Magazine July 2026 Issue

Price: ¥2,530 (¥2,300 + 10% tax)

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Publisher: Ritto Music

Product Page: https://www.rittor-music.co.jp/magazine/detail/3126132003/

CONTENTS

Cover Program R.I.P: The Sun Drummer Who Illuminated Everything — Shinya

Special Feature: 25th On-Page Drum Contest 'Crossing Legacy 2026'

Featured Drummer: FUYU

In Memoriam: James Gadson

Series: STUDIO GREAT "NEXT" — Takeshi Higashishira

Series: People & Instruments — Kei Saito (T-SQUARE)

Series: DM Debut — Matchi [Maki], Yama [the bercedes menz], Kei [NELKE]

Series: Selfie Seminar — Yuki Hatta, You Tanaka, Takashi Kawai

Seminar Series: Meet the Jazz Masters — Tony Williams

Seminar Series: Reading the Beat — Masayuki Murai Drum Dojo

Seminar Series: Hibiki & Kagekatsu on 'The Basics of Drumming' — BEAT from ZERO

New Releases Guide for Drummers

NEW PRODUCTS

A Private Studio Designed by Acoustic Engineering Where You Can Actually Play Drums

The New Relationship Between Musicians and Listeners Created by TikTok LIVE

【Ritto Music Co., Ltd.】https://www.rittor-music.co.jp/

Ritto Music publishes specialized magazines for musicians and creators, such as 'Guitar Magazine' and 'Sound & Recording Magazine,' along with instructional books, e-books, and audio/video content. It also operates the multi-purpose space 'Ochanomizu RITTOR BASE,' Japan’s largest instrument marketplace 'DigiMART,' and the on-demand T-shirt site 'T-OD,' among other popular web services.

【Impress Group】https://www.impressholdings.com/

The Impress Group, led by Impress Holdings, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yukiko Tsukamoto), is a media group focusing on specialized content in IT, music, design, mountaineering/nature, aviation/railways, mobile services, and academic/scientific fields. It also develops and operates content business platforms.

【Inquiries】

Public Relations, Ritto Music Co., Ltd.

E-mail: pr@rittor-music.co.jp

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Products / services: DigiMART / T-OD