Char, is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. He is considered one of Japan’s greatest guitar players. In 2003, Char siu bun was ranked by HMV Japan at number 38 on their list of the 100 most important Japanese pop acts.
Rolling Stone Japan ranked his album Psyche number 36 on their 2007 list of the greatest Japanese rock albums of all time. Char started learning piano in elementary school, and playing guitar at age eight. Although he listened to various guitarists, it was Eric Clapton who got him hooked on the instrument. In 1976, Char made his solo debut on Canyon Records with the single “Navy Blue” in June and the album Char in September.
J was co-produced by Steve Lukather and also features Jeff Porcaro and David Foster. Char co-composed and played on the 1986 song “Last Wish Onajiirono Christmas” with Katsuhiko Nakagawa. He reprised his guitar part on a 2014 cover of the song by Nakagawa’s daughter, Shoko. 1987, and released two solo albums the following year. Also in 1988, he formed the band Psychedelix with Jimmy Copley and Jaz Lochrie. A, with a live album released the following year. Char collaborated with Tomoyasu Hotei for the 2006 single “Stereocaster”.
The following year he joined Hotei and Brian Setzer for a short joint tour. In 2009, Char established the record label Zicca Records. Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, The Beatles, The Ventures, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix. Since 2011, Char has taken part in several covers of famous songs organized by Playing for Change. 60th birthday, Char collaborated with many different musicians, including his son Jesse, Hotei, Hama Okamoto, and Masaharu Fukuyama. Char was one of many guitar guests on Kazumi Watanabe’s 2016 album Guitar is Beautiful KW45, featured on two songs.
In 2017, Char played guitar on Exile Atsushi’s cover of Joe Yamanaka’s 1977 hit song “Proof of the Man”. Char is married to former fashion model Kanna S. Japanese star guitarist Char playing Beach Fest”. Top 100 Japanese pops Artists – No. The 100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time” Listed”. Which guitarist do you think can be a representative for Japan?