Masayoshi Takanaka in Osaka

Masayoshi Takanaka is a Japanese guitarist and composer, born in Tokyo in 1953, whose music draws on jazz fusion, funk and melodic instrumental pop. After playing in Sadistic Mika Band, he established a solo catalogue led by albums including Seychelles, Brasilian Skies and The Rainbow Goblins, as well as pieces such as “Blue Lagoon” and “Ready to Fly.” A 1981 concert at Nippon Budokan transformed The Rainbow Goblins into a theatrical full-band performance that was later released on video. Many of his subsequent tours and concert recordings have carried the Takanaka Super Live name, documenting decades of guitar-led performances in Japanese theatres and concert halls. His concerts feature an electric-guitar lead backed by a full band. The custom surfboard-shaped guitar has become a recurring stage instrument for Masayoshi Takanaka.