Makoto Matsushita

**Makoto Matsushita** is a Japanese musician and producer who emerged in the early 1980s as a key figure in Japan’s city pop and jazz-fusion scenes. Known for his silky guitar work, smooth vocals, and knack for blending funk, R&B, and yacht rock influences, Matsushita gained attention with his 1981 debut solo album *First Light*, a cult classic that’s since been rediscovered by global listeners (and remastered in 2018!). He often collaborated with fellow Japanese artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and worked as a multi-instrumentalist, crafting lush, laid-back grooves perfect for late-night drives or neon-lit cityscapes. Albums like *The Pressures and Pleasures* (also remastered in 2018) and *Quiet Skies* showcase his talent for merging West Coast studio polish with Tokyo’s vibrant musical identity. While he’s kept a relatively low profile in recent decades, his music continues to resonate, especially with the city pop revival—proving that good vibes are timeless.

Genres

City Pop

Jazz Fusion

J-r&b

Related Artists

Anri

Tatsuro Yamashita

Masayoshi Takanaka

Hiroshi Sato

Kenshi Yonezu

Aimyon

ONE OK ROCK

PIPER

RADWIMPS

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Akira Inoue

Harold Budd

Latest Release

Slow Motion Memories

Makoto Matsushita•

Trish Lupin

Single - Released February 28, 2025