Yoichi Takizawa

Yoichi Takizawa was a Japanese singer-songwriter and composer, born on March 9, 1950. He is notable for being one of the first to introduce the term "New Music" into the Japanese music scene. Takizawa's early life involved extensive travel due to his father's diplomatic career, which influenced his musical style with a strong Western flavor. He began his musical journey influenced by The Beatles and was part of various musical groups during his school days. His most recognized work is the album "Leonids no kanata ni," released in 1978, which has been celebrated as a symbol of city pop. Additionally, his shelved second album "BOY," originally intended for release in 1982, finally saw the light of day in 2024. Takizawa also composed for several notable artists, including Beat Takeshi and Hideki Saijo. He passed away on April 20, 2006, at the age of 56.

Takizawa's contributions to the music industry extend beyond his own albums. He played a pivotal role in launching the careers of musicians like Jun Aoyama and Koki Ito, who later became part of Tatsuro Yamashita's band. His work as a composer significantly decreased by the late 1980s, and he eventually shifted his focus to other ventures. Despite his relatively low profile during his lifetime, Takizawa's music has gained international recognition in recent years, particularly with the resurgence of interest in city pop.