Yukihiro Takahashi

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Yukihiro Takahashi
高橋幸宏
Performing with YMO in 2008
Performing with YMO in 2008
Background information
Born(1952-06-06)June 6, 1952
Tokyo, Japan
DiedJanuary 11, 2023(2023-01-11) (aged 70)
Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • singer
  • record producer
  • actor
Instrument(s)
  • Drums
  • vocals
Years active1972–2023
Formerly of
Spouse(s)Kiyomi Takahashi (?–2023)

Yukihiro Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 幸宏, Hepburn: Takahashi Yukihiro, June 6, 1952 – January 11, 2023) was a Japanese musician, singer, record producer, and actor, who was best known internationally as the drummer and lead vocalist of the Yellow Magic Orchestra,[1] and as the former drummer of the Sadistic Mika Band. He was also a member of the group Metafive.

Career[edit]

Takahashi first came to prominence as the drummer of the Sadistic Mika Band in the early 1970s, and became known to western audiences after this band (led by Kazuhiko Katō, formerly of The Folk Crusaders) toured and recorded in the United Kingdom. After the Sadistic Mika Band disbanded, some of the members (including Takahashi) formed another band called The Sadistics, who released several albums. Takahashi recorded his first solo album, Saravah, in 1977. In 1978, Takahashi joined Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono to form the Yellow Magic Orchestra.[2]

Takahashi (in the center) with Bob Mothersbaugh of Devo and Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1980

Throughout the 1980s, Takahashi also released a large number of solo albums primarily intended for the Japanese market. Takahashi collaborated extensively with other musicians, including Bill Nelson, Iva Davies of Icehouse,[3] Keiichi Suzuki of the Moonriders (often as a duo dubbed "The Beatniks", although Suzuki essentially functioned as a member of Takahashi's backing band during the Moonriders' brief hiatus) and in particular Steve Jansen. Takahashi released a single Stay Close and an EP Pulse as a duo with Jansen.

Takahashi helped compose the soundtrack to the anime series Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water in 1989, including the song "Families".[4] Takahashi participated in temporary reunions of both the Sadistic Mika Band (minus the lead vocalist Mika, who was replaced by Kaela Kimura), and The Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). Both of these reunions included tours of Japan and an album of new material.

In the early 2000s, Takahashi became a member of the duo Sketch Show, with Haruomi Hosono. Sketch Show released two albums, one of which, Loophole, was released in the UK. Both Takahashi and Hosono reunited with Sakamoto as HASYMO – a combination of Human Audio Sponge and Yellow Magic Orchestra. This collaboration produced a single, "Rescue", in 2007.[5] Takahashi released the solo album Life Anew on July 17, 2013, as well as anniversary and live albums. His later work included Saravah, Saravah! (2018), a remastered reboot of his solo debut album which, along with re-recorded vocals, featured appearances by Sakamoto, Hosono and other musicians.[6]

Personal life[edit]

Takahashi was born in Tokyo, and began playing music from an early age.[2] He was married to Kiyomi Takahashi.[2]

Health and death[edit]

Takahashi suffered from temporary headaches since the beginning of summer 2020. While Takahashi initially thought that this was a temporary migraine, he finally subjected himself to an MRI scan. It was discovered that the headache was the result of a brain tumor.[7] On August 13, 2020, Takahashi underwent surgery to remove the tumor; he announced that there were no after effects and that he would devote himself to treatment.[8] On October 20, 2020, Takahashi announced through his social media that he had completed his course of treatment following the surgery.[9]

On January 11, 2023, Takahashi died in Karuizawa, Nagano, from aspiration pneumonia, a complication of the brain tumor. He was 70.[2][10][11]

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Saravah! -
Murdered by the Music
  • Released: 21 June 1980
  • Label: King
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
12
Neuromantic
  • Released: 24 May 1981
  • Label: Alfa
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
21
What, Me Worry?
  • Released: 21 June 1982
  • Label: Alfa
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
35
Tomorrow's Just Another Day
  • Released: 25 August 1983
  • Label: Alfa
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
11
Wild and Moody
  • Released: 10 November 1984
  • Label: Alfa
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
13
Once a Fool
  • Released: 1 November 1985
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
11
Only When I Laugh
  • Released: 21 August 1986
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
24
Ego
  • Released: 16 November 1988
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
16
Broadcast from Heaven
  • Released: 4 April 1990
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming
11
A Day in the Next Life
  • Released: 20 March 1991
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
37
Life Time Happy Time
  • Released: 18 March 1992
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
22
Mr YT
  • Released: 16 November 1994
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
33
Fate of Gold
  • Released: 25 October 1995
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
49
Portrait with No Name
  • Released: 13 November 1996
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
49
A Sigh of Ghost
  • Released: 19 September 1997
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
99
A Ray of Hope
  • Released: 18 March 1998
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
-
The Dearest Fool
  • Released: 20 October 1999
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
88
Blue Moon Blue
  • Released: 15 March 2006
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
93
Page by Page
  • Released: 11 March 2009
  • Label: Emi Music Japan
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
56
Life Anew 40

Compilation albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
The Brand New Day -
The Best Way
  • Released: 21 May 1993
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
-
I'm Not in Love: The Best of Yukihiro Takahashi 1988–1995
  • Released: 7 June 1995
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
36
Yukihiro Takahashi Collection – Singles and More 1988–1996
  • Released: 25 February 1998
  • Label: Toshiba Emi
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
-
Colors: Best of YT Cover Tracks Vol. 1
  • Released: 17 June 1999
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
-
Colors: Best of YT Cover Tracks Vol. 2
  • Released: 7 July 1999
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
-
A Dog Smiled: Yukihiro Takahashi Best Selection '97–'99
  • Released: 20 November 2002
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
-
Turning the Pages of Life: The Best of Yukihiro Takahashi in Alfa Years 1981–1985
  • Released: 11 March 2009
  • Label: Sony Music Direct
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
113
Turning the Pages of Life: The Best of Yukihiro Takahashi in Alfa Years 1988–1996
  • Released: 11 March 2009
  • Label: EMI Music Japan
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
211
Grand Espoir
  • Released: 27 October 2021
  • Label: Sony Music Direct
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
65
The Best of Yukihiro Takahashi (EMI Years 1988–2013) 37

Self-cover albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Heart of Hurt 28
Saravah, Saravah!
  • Released: 21 May 2018
  • Label: Nippon Columbia
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
29

Live albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Time and Place 13
A Night Next to Life 74
Run After You
  • Released: 18 September 1998
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD
-
A Night in the Next Life – Perfect Premium Discs 300
Heart of Hurt Live 2014 – Seas of Seeds
  • Released: 23 August 2015
  • Label: Nishi Azabu
  • Formats: CD
-
Saravah Saravah! – Yukihiro Takahashi Live 2018 46
It's Gonna Work Out – Live 82–83 18

Soundtracks[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Poisson d'Avril 28
La Pensee
  • Released: 21 May 1987
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD
60
The Adventures of Gaku -
Umi Sora Sango no Iitsutae
  • Released: 25 January 1992
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD
-
Ahiru no Uta ga Kikoete Kuru yo
  • Released: 30 August 1993
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD
-
Shizukana Ayashii Gogo ni
  • Released: 10 November 1996
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD
-
The Show vol.6 Yohji Yamamoto Collection Music
  • Released: 10 December 1996
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD
-

Collaboration albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Pulse:Pulse (with Steve Jansen)
  • Released: 1998
  • Label: Medium Productions Limited
  • Formats: CD
-
Techno Recital (with Metafive) 43
Phase (with In Phase)
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Universal Music Japan
  • Formats: CD
45

Remix albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Fool on Earth
  • Released: 2000
  • Label: Consipio
  • Formats: CD
-

Box sets[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon

[12]
Yukihiro Takahashi in T.E.N.T Years 1985–1987 39

Singles[edit]

Year Album Chart positions
(JP)[12]
Label
1978 "C'est Si Bon"/"La Rosa" - King
1980 "Murdered by the Music" -
"Blue Colour Worker" -
1983 "Are You Receiving Me?" 91 Alfa
"Maebure" 50
1985 "Poisson D'Avril" -
1986 "Kyou no Sora" - Canyon
1988 "Look of Love" - Toshiba Emi
1990 "1 percent no Kankei" 50
"Xmas Day in the Next Life" 55
1991 "Stronger Than Iron" 52
"Genki Nara Ureshiine" 88
1992 "Sutekina Hito" 74
1994 "Aozora" -
1995 "Seiippai No Hohoemi" 79
"Saenai Kimochi" -
1996 "Na mo nai Renai" -
1997 "A Touch of Fine" - Consipio
2013 "C'Est Si Bon" - Hints Music

Digital singles[edit]

Year Single Reference
2000 "A Dog Smiles"
[13]
2006 "BMBATASG"
[13]
"BMBATASG/E"
[13]
"Blue Moon Blue"
[13]
"Something New - ASG Live"
[13]
2009 "The Words"
[13]
"Out There"
[13]
2013 "All That We Know"
[13]

Collaboration singles[edit]

Year Album Chart positions
(JP)[12]
Label
1985 "Stay Close" (夏ざかりほの字組)
  • with Steve Jansen
68 Canyon
1995 "Watermelon" 85 Toshiba Emi
2003 "Something"
  • with Tsuyoshi Kawakami
- Cutting Edge
2011 "The Burning Plain" - Mach
2013 "Radio" - Universal Music Japan
2014 "Split Spirit"
  • Metafive
- Flying Dog

Videography[edit]

Live video albums[edit]

Release Title Format Serial Number Chart
Apollon Music Industrial
1st 18 November 1983 Boys Will Be Boys VHS 12H-1102
Betamax 12B-1101
Alfa Records
2nd 21 December 1984 A Fragment VHS 10AV-2
Betamax 10AT-2
3rd 21 March 1985 Shin Ao Nen VHS 98H-1126
Betamax 98B-1126
Ppony
4th 24 November 1986 Japan Tour '86 VHS V98M-1443
Betamax X98-1443
LD G88M-0157
Toshiba Emi
5th 5 December 1990 A La Vie Prochaine VHS TOVF-7017
LD TOMF-7017
Universal Music Japan
6th 26 June 2013 One Fine Night: 60th Anniversary Live BD+CD TOXF-5776 47
DVD+CD TOBF-5776 80

Filmography[edit]

Video games[edit]

Publications[edit]

Books[edit]

Title Author Release Publisher ISBN
Iji no Chi (偉人の血) Yukihiro Takahashi, Keiichi Suzuki 1985 Palco ISBN 4-89194-097-2
Inu no Seikatsu (犬の生活) Takahashi 1989 Jicc ISBN 4-88063-550-2
Hitode no Kyuujitsu (ヒトデの休日) Takahashi 1992 Jicc ISBN 4-7966-0292-5
Catchy & Release (キャッチ&リリース) Takahashi 1997 Daiei ISBN 4-88682-616-4
Kokoro ni Hiku Ongaku, Kokoro ni kiku Ongaku Shiteki Meikyoku Guide Book (心に訊く音楽、心に効く音楽 私的名曲ガイドブック) Takahashi 2012 Php ISBN 978-4-569-80640-2
Minimally Invasive Surgery Manual Takahashi 2019 Sakakibara Memorial Hospital ISBN 978-4-924671386
Love Together Yukihiro Takahashi 50th Anniversary Takahashi 2022 Kadokawa ISBN 978-4-04-605829-4
Takahashi Yukihiro collective authors 2024 Kawade ISBN 978-4-30-9980669

Magazines[edit]

Title Author Release Magazine name ISBN
Takahashi Yukihiro Tasaina Romantist no Kiseki (高橋幸宏 多才なロマンティストの軌跡) collective authors 2023 Music[15] ISBN 978-4-046058294
Takahashi Yukihiro Ongakuka no Shouzou (高橋幸宏、音楽家の肖像) collective authors 2023 Sound & Recording[16] ISBN 9-78-4-845639021

Other appearances[edit]

Title Author Release Publisher ISBN
Sound & Recording Magazine 2004 January Issue (サウンド アンド レコーディング マガジン 2004年 01月号) (includes special feature of Takahashi and Haruomi Hosono) collective authors 2004 Sound & Recording Magazine -
Yurika 2013 March Issue (ユリイカ 2013年10月臨時増刊号) (includes special feature of Takahashi) collective authors 2013 Yurika ISBN 978-4-791702619
Music Magazine 2013 August Issue (ミュージック・マガジン 2013年 8月号) (includes special feature of Takahashi) collective authors 2013 Music Magazine ISBN 978-4-880635507
Soudanshuu Yume no Naka de Aerudeshou (対談集 夢の中で会えるでしょう) (includes interview with Takahashi) Hiroshi Takano 2018 Mile Books ISBN 978-4-902744-93-4
Music Magazine 2023 March Issue (ミュージック・マガジン 2023年 3月号) (includes special feature of Takahashi) collective authors 2023 Music Magazine 4910084790338

References[edit]

  1. ^ Inaba, Minoru (August 18, 1980). "Computer rock music gaining fans". Sarasota Journal. pp. 11–A. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d Risen, Clay (January 18, 2023). "Yukihiro Takahashi, Pioneer of Electronic Pop Music, Dies at 70". The New York Times. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  3. ^ "Icehouse duo pen a ballet". The Sydney Morning Herald. September 8, 1985. p. 140. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
  4. ^ "Synthpop's YMO to Hold 1st L.A. Concert in 32 Years". Anime News Network. January 31, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  5. ^ "ム › エンタメ › その他 › 記事 YMOメンバーによる新ユニットHASYMOの新曲クリップをお届け!". RBB Today. August 27, 2007. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  6. ^ "高橋ユキヒロ ソロ活動40周年記念「Saravah Saravah!」音源解禁&ジャケット写真 公開!" (Press release) (in Japanese). PR Times. September 21, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  7. ^ Thiessen, Brock (2020). "YMO's Yukihiro Takahashi Undergoes Surgery to Remove Brain Tumour". exclaim!.
  8. ^ Nelson, Bill (2020). "YMO's Yukihiro Takahashi Undergoes Surgery to Remove Brain Tumour".
  9. ^ "高橋幸宏「皆さんに心から感謝」治療全行程が終了". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). October 20, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  10. ^ "YMO高橋幸宏さん死去 70歳 20年脳腫瘍摘出 懸命リハビリも". Yahoo! News. January 11, 2023. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  11. ^ "YMO 高橋幸宏さん死去 70歳 「ライディーン」の作曲手がける". NHK. January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "高橋幸宏の作品". Oricon (in Japanese). December 30, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h "高橋幸宏の作品" (in Japanese). Mora. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  14. ^ "TOKYO MELODY: A FILM ABOUT RYUICHI SAKAMOTO". MUBI. Archived from the original on August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  15. ^ Name of music magazine, please do not remove it!
  16. ^ Name of music magazine, please do not remove it!

External links[edit]