[Live Report] World-class Japanese guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. WOWOW to exclusively broadcast and stream the electrifying LA show from his 8-city world tour!

photo:Jess Gleeson

Masayoshi Takanaka made his solo debut in 1976 after participating in the Sadistic Mika Band and the Sadistics. He led the fusion boom with his refreshing sound and exceptional guitar technique, reigning at the forefront of the music scene for many years. Truly a living legend, his fame now resounds worldwide. Amidst the overseas boom of Japanese city pop and J-fusion, he stands in a league of his own. His early albums are being reissued one after another on analog LP, and are even released overseas before Japan due to his popularity. Responding to fervent requests from around the world, Takanaka embarked on an 8-city world tour from March to April this year, visiting London, New York, Chicago, Sydney, and others. He received a passionate welcome, with nearly all tickets selling out instantly.

Day 2 of the LA show, which concluded the first half of the world tour, was held on April 13th. The venue was the historic Hollywood Palladium on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. The dance floor, with a maximum capacity of 4,000, was packed to the brim, filled with Gen Z and Millennial fans. Some shouted his name, others screamed wordlessly, all bursting with emotion as they awaited the arrival of the star they longed to see. When Takanaka appeared in a red double-breasted suit, thunderous applause and cheers erupted. He was holding a new blue ESP guitar.

photo:Nikki Phillips

Pumping his fist repeatedly, he first performed "BLUE LAGOON," a signature piece that masterfully paints a picture of clear tropical seas and glaring sunlight through sound alone. The crowd, ecstatic over his expansive guitar solo, was overwhelmingly more lively and free compared to audiences in Japan. For "RADIO RIO," where percussion and drums carved out a samba rhythm with a Latin flavor, the floating vocals created a deep sense of addiction. The sight of the entire venue coming together in claps was truly spectacular; everyone was already captivated by the TAKANAKA WORLD after just the first two songs.

For "BLUE CURACAO," with its groovy bassline and stimulating whistle, Takanaka switched to his trademark old Stratocaster, exuding the scent of tropical breezes. "BRASILIAN SKIES," punctuated by shouts of "PAPAYA!" from all over the floor, was colored by the gorgeous harmonies of two female backing vocalists, creating a blissful musical space. For "OH! TENGO SUERTE," he played the intro with a slide bar on his left pinky, delivering a mid-tempo, top-tier resort sound. I listened while pondering the miracle of these Japanese-born, tropical-rich songs being performed on LA soil.

photo:Nikki Phillips

During "トーキョーレギー" (Tokyo Reggae), which also carries a city pop essence, the audience sang along with ecstatic expressions every time Takanaka's bright tones rang out. This melodic, hummable guitar is Takanaka's true forte. Switching to an SG KARUIZAWA2 紅葉 (Momiji) guitar for a cover of Santana's "哀愁のヨーロッパ" (Europa), he masterfully expressed affection and nostalgia with long tones. The following "JUNGLE JANE" drove the crowd wild with its funky groove reminiscent of the 1980s and a marriage of melodic, hooky guitar play.

After an MC where he proudly introduced the band as "THE BEST BAND!" they moved into "SHAKE IT," a dance tune featuring a crying guitar solo. Takanaka's performance, which shows ever-changing expressions depending on the song or even the part within a song, was truly breathtaking. For "渚・モデラート" (Nagisa Moderato), he sat on a chair prepared on stage, fully concentrating on his playing. Before long, the audience turned on their smartphone lights and swayed them from side to side. A solemn and fantastical world enveloped the vast venue.

photo:Nikki Phillips

During "Saudade," where the guitar legato felt familiar, the two keyboardists each played their phrases, and Takanaka's heartfelt solo seeped into the listener's mental landscape. For "PALM STREET," performed while sitting on a custom chair with a wah pedal attached, he gave his all to connect with the audience while incorporating a playful spirit. Then, the concert headed towards its climax. He delivered a barrage of representative songs: the disco-beat "TAJ MAHAL," the hard-rocking "THUNDER STORM" played on a black EDWARDS "KARMASTER," and the Latin-tinged "READY TO FLY." Everyone shouted in ecstasy, becoming one with Takanaka's music. The energy was at its peak.

photo:Nikki Phillips

The main set concluded with "黒船（嘉永6年6月4日）" (Kurofune). This is the final chapter of the Sadistic Mika Band's three-part suite. The path of Japan's opening to the world at the end of the Edo period intertwines with the musical journey Takanaka has walked. The main set ended with the audience intoxicated by the supreme performance. Amidst chants of "TAKA-NAKA" and rhythmic clapping, he reappeared holding his familiar bright red surfboard guitar. The first encore was "Jumping Take Off." He walked to the very front of the stage, leaning out until the tip of the surfboard nearly touched the fans in the front row. Shouting "Arigatou!" in Japanese, he delivered a message of "I hope peace and rainbow" before closing the premium night with "YOU CAN NEVER COME TO THIS PLACE" from the album '虹伝説' (Nijiiro Densetsu).

photo:Nikki Phillips

Young listeners worldwide are being captivated by his music, sparking a new movement across borders. I knew this intellectually, but witnessing the scene firsthand brought deep emotion and reflection. Masayoshi Takanaka has built a career spanning over half a century and turned 73 this year. Yet, beyond the long history he has built, a brilliant, unseen future continues. The world's TAKANAKA, respected by both the generation who experienced him live from the 1970s and the new generation. We can't take our eyes off the dazzling trajectory of his activities.

【SETLIST】

BLUE LAGOON
RADIO RIO
BLUE CURACAO
BRASILIAN SKIES
OH! TENGO SUERTE
トーキョーレギー
哀愁のヨーロッパ
JUNGLE JANE
SHAKE IT
渚・モデラート
Saudade
PALM STREET
TAJ MAHAL
THUNDER STORM
READY TO FLY
黒船（嘉永6年6月4日）

＜Encore＞
Jumping Take Off
YOU CAN NEVER COME TO THIS PLACE

【BAND MEMBERS】

Percussion: Nov Saito

Bass: Akira Okazawa

Drums: Masahiro Miyazaki

Keyboard: Rina Takamoto