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Kazuyoshi Saito is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and performer whose raw emotional work has created a large cult following throughout his career. Saito got his start in the Tokyo Underground scenes of the 1980s before his official debut in 1993. He is no stranger to instruments, but his most noted skill is with the guitar. With his guitar alone Saito wanted to prove that you could become a folksy-rock artist without the responsibilities of being in a band.

His first single 僕の見たビートルズはTVの中 (Boku no Mita Beatles wa TV no Naka) was released twenty-five years ago in 1993. Though taking a more emotional and experimental turn in his work in the early 2000s, Saito has been constantly producing music. It was the release of “Wedding Song” that brought Saito back into the limelight. Several of his songs, including ones that are listed in this episode, have broken the top 10 on Oricon charts throughout the years.

This year Saito is celebrating 25 years in the music industry. He released his 19th original album “Toys Blood Music” in March and held a one-man live tour with over forty concerts to perform his wide array of music. Saito also plans on releasing a best album later this year, similar to the one he released in 2008 for his 15 year anniversary. For this upcoming album there are five spots for fans to request songs to be shown on the anniversary tour happening later this year. Fans can request songs on Saito’s official website until the end of July.

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Episode 238: Japan Top 10 July 2018 Artist of Month: Kazuyoshi Saito

Japan Top 10 (日本のトップ10) JPOP HITS!