喜多郎

Early Life

Masanori Takahashi, known professionally as Kitarō (喜多郎), was born on February 4, 1953, in Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan. Growing up in a family of Shinto-Buddhist farmers, Kitarō was initially steered away from a musical career by his parents, who arranged for him to work at a local company. However, he pursued his passion for music, playing electric guitar in high school bands and later moving to Tokyo to immerse himself in the music scene. It was during this time that he discovered the synthesizer, which would become a defining element of his sound.

Career

Kitarō's professional journey began in the early 1970s when he joined the progressive rock band Far East Family Band, recording four albums with them. In 1977, he launched his solo career, releasing his first albums, "Ten Kai" and "Daichi," in 1978 and 1979. His music gained significant recognition with the NHK documentary series "Silk Road," for which he composed the score, leading to international acclaim. Over the years, Kitarō has released numerous albums, including "Kojiki," "Thinking of You," and the "Sacred Journey of Ku-Kai" series, earning him multiple Grammy nominations and awards, including a Grammy for Best New Age Album in 1999.

Personal Life

Kitarō's personal life has seen him married twice, first to Yuki Taoka and later to musician Keiko Matsubara, with whom he has a son. In 2022, he married artist Franci Shimomaebara, with whom he has collaborated on various projects. Kitarō has lived in both Japan and the United States, where he has continued to compose and perform, creating a unique blend of electronic and instrumental music that resonates with audiences worldwide.