高中正義

Guests: TBA

**All shows at Northcote Theatre are standing room unless otherwise specified  
All shows at Northcote Theatre are licensed and strictly 18+**  
**All VIP sessions will take place prior to doors open unless otherwise advised + patrons will be notified 2-4 days out with session info**

_Live Nation Presents_  
**MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA  
(JPN)  
City Pop Waves: Masayoshi Takanaka SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026**

Live Nation has announced the next chapter of _City Pop Waves_, a headline show series spotlighting iconic Japanese City Pop artists, with legendary guitarist **Masayoshi Takanaka** bringing his first-ever world tour, **_SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026_**, to Australia and New Zealand this April.

Following the sold-out success of his Los Angeles performances earlier this year, Takanaka will bring his vibrant, surf-inspired fusion sound to local audiences, marking a rare opportunity to see one of Japan’s most influential guitarists live in intimate, historic venues.

Among the tour’s most anticipated highlights is the return of Takanaka’s famed surfboard guitar; a full-size guitar crafted from a real surfboard and performed with only a handful of times before spending over a decade on display. Fully restored for SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026, the instrument will appear on stage again for the first time since its original showcase period, offering fans a rare glimpse of musical history reborn.

As Japanese City Pop continues its remarkable global resurgence; drawing new listeners through its nostalgic yet timeless sound; Live Nation remains committed to expanding the reach of these genre-defining artists across the world through the City Pop Waves series.

**TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 11 AT 2PM LOCAL**  
Mastercard Presale: Mon Dec 8, 1pm – Wed Dec 10, 1pm  
Artist Presale: Mon Dec 8, 1pm – Wed Dec 10, 1pm  
Live Nation Presale: Wed Dec 10, 2pm – Thu Dec 11, 1pm

All times are local.  
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: [www.livenation.com.au](http://www.livenation.com.au) and [www.livenation.co.nz](http://www.livenation.co.nz) 

**ABOUT MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA:**  
Masayoshi Takanaka, born in Tokyo in 1953, is a legendary Japanese guitarist, composer, and producer whose career spans over five decades. He began his professional journey in 1971 as a bassist for the progressive rock band Flied Egg , formed with Hiro Tsunoda and the late Shigeru Narumo. 

In 1972, he joined the groundbreaking group The Sadistic Mika Band as a guitarist, and following the band’s dissolution, continued to perform as a member of The Sadistics , formed by the remaining core members. 

Takanaka made his solo debut in 1976 with the album Seychelles . He soon established himself as a leading figure in Japan’s fusion and instrumental music scene, releasing a succession of acclaimed works including Ready To Fly, Blue Lagoon, and the iconic 1981 concept album The Rainbow Goblins, widely regarded as a milestone in Japanese instrumental music. 

Throughout his career, Takanaka has collaborated with many internationally renowned artists such as Lee Ritenour, Carlos Santana, Narada Michael Walden, and Sheila E., contributing to both studio recordings and live performances. His artistry has earned him a reputation for technical brilliance, vibrant musicality, and a distinctive, colorful style. 

He released music under Kitty Records and later Toshiba EMI before founding his own label, Lagoon Records , in 2000. Under this imprint, he has maintained full creative independence and continues to tour annually across Japan with unwavering enthusiasm. 

In 2021, Takanaka marked the 50th anniversary of his debut with a nationwide tour and a commemorative concert, 50th Anniversary – Rainbow Goblins Final , held at the historic Nippon Budokan on November 20. 

In 2023, he celebrated his 70th birthday with an All Time Best tour, captivating audiences from Hokkaido to Okinawa with timeless selections from his extensive catalogue. 

From 2024 to early 2025, Takanaka launched a special tour centered on Kurofune —a landmark album by The Sadistic Mika Band —paying homage to his early years. This period also saw a major international milestone: his first-ever performances in Los Angeles, both of which were completely sold out. 

As of 2025, Masayoshi Takanaka continues to perform and produce with undiminished passion, embodying the spirit of artistic innovation and excellence that has defined his career.  
Official Website: [www.takanaka.com](//www.takanaka.com)

* * *

  
**MASTERCARD PRESALE TICKETS**  
_These tickets are available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders and can only be purchased using a Mastercard and by paying through the Mastercard network.  _To access Mastercard Presale Tickets, please click__ [__here__](https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/masayoshi-takanaka-jpn-city-pop-waves-masayoshi-takanaka-super-takanaka-world-live-2026/189072?skin=northcotetheatre&offercode=mcpre)__.__

_For more priceless experiences:_ _[www.priceless.com/music](http://www.priceless.com/music)_  
_For more information visit:_ _[https://music.priceless.com/frequently-asked-questions](https://music.priceless.com/frequently-asked-questions)_

  
**MASTERCARD PREFERRED TICKETS**  
_These tickets are available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders and can only be purchased using a Mastercard and by paying through the Mastercard network. To access Mastercard Preferred Tickets, please click_ [_here_](https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/masayoshi-takanaka-jpn-city-pop-waves-masayoshi-takanaka-super-takanaka-world-live-2026/189072?skin=northcotetheatre&offercode=mcpref).  
  
_For more priceless experiences:_ _[www.priceless.com/music](http://www.priceless.com/music)_  
_For more information visit:_ _[https://music.priceless.com/frequently-asked-questions](https://music.priceless.com/frequently-asked-questions)_

Masayoshi Takanaka 高中正義

Masayoshi Takanaka 高中正義

Event Description

Masayoshi Takanaka (Jpn) - City Pop Waves: Masayoshi Takanaka Super Takanaka World Live 2026

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