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Recently, one of our customers reached out to CDJapan Support:

I’m a luthier (guitar maker) and I teach the art of guitar making to local and international students.
My affinity for Masayoshi is really due to his infectious energy and technical prowess on the guitar and the ‘feel good’ music he writes. I’m a guitar player as well, so I’m always interested in other musicians’ work.

If you can recommend anything, I’m all ears and would love to Spotify it, then potentially purchase more vinyl from you."

To this customer—and to the many potential Masayoshi Takanaka, and by extension JFusion fans around the world—we recommend the following works.

Masayoshi Takanaka – "Finger Dancin" (September 1, 1980)

TAKANAKA SUPER LIVE 2020 Rainbow Finger Dancin’＠LINE CUBE SHIBUYA

Official Website

https://takanaka.com/

Masaki Matsubara – "SNIPER" (January 21, 1983)

A quintessential urban and melodic fusion guitar masterpiece.


Kenji Omura – "KENJI-SHOCK" (1978)

Recorded in LA, produced by Harvey Mason, with contributions from Jeff & Mike Porcaro and Steve Lukather—his second album.


Kazumi Watanabe – "KYLYN" (June 25, 1979)

A landmark in jazz/fusion. Co-produced and performed with Ryuichi Sakamoto, capturing the cutting-edge sound of the era.



"KYLYN" live version is also great and available to order.



Tsuyoshi Kon – "STUDIO CAT" (1980)

The first solo album by Tsuyoshi Kon during the PARACHUTE era. Its expansive guitar tone leaning toward AOR and rock feels uplifting.

*This item is currently sold out, but we are accepting proxy requests.


Akira Wada – "OUT & ABOUT" (1983)

A solo work from the guitarist of PRISM. While maintaining speed and technicality, it delivers phrases full of musicality.


Issei Noro – "SWEET SPHERE" (1985)

The first solo from the core member of CASIOPEA. Its refined melodies and urban arrangements resonate with the resort-like vibe of Takanaka.


For More Deeper

Japan Fusion Revisited: "Crossover City -Asayake-" Special Feature