Masayoshi Takanaka at the Aragon Ballroom
The Xavierite
On April 7, 2026, I attended the most joyous and memorable concert of my life.
Located at the Aragon Ballroom in downtown Chicago, legendary Japanese artist Masayoshi Takanaka performed as a part of his world tour: “SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026.”
Takanaka peaked in the late 70s and early 80s as a standout Japanese fusion artist but has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years among a younger audience.
Performing in the U.S. in only two different years–1980 and 2025–this was his first ever full-fledged tour, which he did at the ripe age of 73.
His tour spans from March 31 to May 8 of this year and features venues in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and of course, the U.S.
My brother and I purchased our tickets when the tour was first announced in November of 2025 from scalpers.
With no word for months, we were in despair thinking we had been scammed only to be shocked at the appearance of an email containing our tickets the day before the concert.
As the fateful day came, we could only discuss our immense expectations until it came time to leave for the 6:30 p.m. door opening.
Arriving at the Aragon Ballroom around 6:15, we figured there would be a short wait until we got in.
We couldn’t have been more wrong.
As the Uber driver dropped us off, we bore witness to the largest line either of us had ever seen.
Following the line down the block, around the corner, and down another five whole blocks, we took our places at the end of the line, discussing our befuddlement with other concert attendees in line with us.
When 6:30 p.m. came, the line slowly began to move while what seemed to be an endless flood of people continued past us to the new end of the line.
We had both attended concerts at this venue in the past but had never seen anything of this level and questioned whether or not it could hold all these people.
Reaching the entrance around an hour after arriving, we rushed inside to shelter from the cold, purchased some merchandise and made it to the main floor with 20 minutes to spare.
As 8 p.m. came, an announcement came over the speakers thanking us for attending.
The lights slowly began to dim and cheers louder than any I had ever heard erupted.
Each musician made their way to their instruments and waited for the man of the hour to appear.
With a few clicks of drum sticks, the music blared and Takanaka walked in from the right of the stage, donned in his iconic red suit with a guitar in hand.
Takanaka’s music is mainly instrumental.
It features some lyrics but largely relies on the skills each musician has on their respective instruments, and their skills were evident.
The concert included some of the most intricate solos I have ever heard from any single musician, Takanaka included, as well as an overall performance sounding even better than listening through Spotify or Apple Music.
Regardless of where I looked, hands were in the air, people were dancing and singing, and smiles were on every face.
Born in Japan, Takanaka is not fluent in English, but that barrier did not stop him or his music from communicating with us.
Occasionally saying a few words to the crowd, Takanaka would say something related to Chicago then pump his fist in the air, and the crowd followed in suit, cheering in pandemonium.
I have never seen a musician with more command over their audience.
Takanaka played many of his most famous pieces—“Brasilian Skies,” “Oh! Tengo Suerte,” and“Ready To Fly,”—among many others.
Around 9:30 p.m., they finished a song, thanked us, and they walked off stage.
However, the crowd knew it was all a ruse.
Non-stop cheers, his name being chanted, and the phrase “we want surfboard” began to echo throughout the crowd.
The lights suddenly shot on as the musicians made their way back on stage.
Takanaka came back out equipped with one of his most iconic pieces–a glazed, cherry-red guitar made entirely out of a surfboard.
Using this guitar for the rest of the performance, Takanaka played 3 more pieces, finishing it with my personal favorite song of his: “YOU CAN NEVER COME TO THIS PLACE.”
As he began the final song, tears swelled in my eyes and for the next eight minutes I felt on top of the world.
The concert ended and we made our way outside talking with numerous people about this experience none of us would ever forget.
Masyoshi Takanaka has been one of the most impactful musicians in my life, and I never thought seeing him in person was even a possibility.
Despite these thoughts, it happened, and it was truly the most magnificent concert I have ever been to.
Masayoshi Takanaka can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music, and I promise you will not regret giving him a try.
**Correction 4/10/2026: cover photo caption formatting fixed**
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