Yukihiro Takahashi

Yukihiro Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 幸宏, Hepburn: Takahashi Yukihiro, June 6, 1952 – January 11, 2023) was a Japanese musician, singer, record producer, fashion designer, and actor, who was best known internationally as the drummer, lead vocalist, & 2nd keyboardist of the Yellow Magic Orchestra,^[1] as the former drummer of the Sadistic Mika Band, and as the drummer & backing vocalist of the Sadistics. He was also a member of the groups: the Beatniks (with Keiichi Suzuki), Sketch Show (with Haruomi Hosono), & Metafive (with Towa Tei etc.).

Yukihiro Takahashi 高橋幸宏
Performing with YMO in 2008
Background information
Born	(1952-06-06)June 6, 1952 Tokyo, Japan
Died	January 11, 2023(2023-01-11) (aged 70) Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan
Genres	Electronic pop rock
Occupations	Musician singer record producer actor
Instruments	Drums vocals
Years active	1972–2023
Formerly of	Yellow Magic Orchestra Sadistic Mika Band Sketch Show The Beatniks pupa Metafive Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
Spouse	Kiyomi Takahashi (?–2023)

Career

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

Takahashi was born in Tokyo, and began playing music from an early age.^[2] He was married to Emiko Takahashi (1980-1992) & Kiyomi Takahashi (1993-2023).^[2]

Health and death

Takahashi suffered from headaches from the beginning of summer 2020. While Takahashi initially thought that these were migraines, he finally underwent an MRI scan. It was discovered that the headaches were 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

See also: Yellow Magic Orchestra discography

Albums

Studio albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
Saravah!	Released: 21 June 1978 Label: King Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming	-
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	Released: 17 July 2013 Label: Universal Music Japan Formats: CD, digital download, streaming	40

Compilation albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
The Brand New Day	Released: 28 November 1985 Label: Alfa Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD, digital download, streaming	-
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)	Released: 27 October 2023 Label: Universal Music Japan Formats: CD, digital download, streaming	37

Self-cover albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
Heart of Hurt	Released: 27 January 1993 Label: Toshiba Emi Formats: CD, digital download, streaming	28
Saravah, Saravah!	Released: 21 May 2018 Label: Nippon Columbia Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming	29

Live albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
Time and Place	Released: 27 January 1984 Label: Alfa Formats: LP, Cassette tape	13
A Night in the Next Life	Released: 27 January 1991 Label: Toshiba Emi Formats: CD	74
Run After You	Released: 18 September 1998 Label: Consipio Formats: CD	-
A Night in the Next Life – Perfect Premium Discs	Released: 11 March 2009 Label: EMI Music Japan Formats: CD	300
Heart of Hurt Live 2014 – Seas of Seeds	Released: 23 August 2015 Label: Nishi Azabu Formats: CD	-
Saravah Saravah! – Yukihiro Takahashi Live 2018	Released: 21 August 2019 Label: Nippon Columbia Formats: CD+DVD, LP	46
It's Gonna Work Out – Live 82–83	Released: 14 September 2022 Label: Sony Music Direct Formats: CD+BD	18

Soundtracks

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
Poisson d'Avril	Released: 25 April 1985 Label: Alfa Formats: LP, Cassette tape	28
La Pensee	Released: 21 May 1987 Label: Canyon Formats: LP, Cassette tape, CD	60
The Adventures of Gaku	Released: 21 May 1991 Label: Toshiba Emi Formats: CD	-
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

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)	Released: 2014 Label: Universal Music Japan Formats: CD	43
Phase (with In Phase)	Released: 2014 Label: Universal Music Japan Formats: CD	45

Remix albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
Fool on Earth	Released: 2000 Label: Consipio Formats: CD	-

Box sets

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		JPN Oricon [12]
Yukihiro Takahashi in T.E.N.T Years 1985–1987	Released: 16 March 2016 Label: Canyon Formats: CD+DVD	39

Singles

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

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

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" with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra	85	Toshiba Emi
2003	"Something" with Tsuyoshi Kawakami	-	Cutting Edge
2011	"The Burning Plain" with Towa Tei and Kiko Mizuhara	-	Mach
2013	"Radio" with Towa Tei and Tina Tamashiro	-	Universal Music Japan
2014	"Split Spirit" Metafive	-	Flying Dog

Videography

Live video albums

	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

• A Y.M.O. Film Propaganda (1984)
• Tenkoku ni ichiban chikai shima (1984) – Katsuki Jirô
• Tokyo Melody^[14]
• Shigatsu no sakana (1986) – Nemoto Shôhei
• The Discarnates (1988)
• Otoko wa sore gaman dekinai (2006)
• 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption (2009) – Billy
• Norwegian Wood (2010) – Gatekeeper
• Labyrinth of Cinema (2020)

Video games

• Ginga no Sannin (1987, Nintendo)
• Sangokushi: Eiketsu Tenka ni Nozomu (1991, Naxat)
• The Journey Home: Quest for the Throne (1993, Telenet Japan)
• FantaStep (1997, Jaleco)
• T kara Hajimaru Monogatari (1998, Jaleco) - Main Theme

Publications

Books

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

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

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