generasia:Featured article for 2010 week 34

Takamizawa Toshihiko

Takamizawa Toshihiko (高見沢俊彦) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and the leader of the rock band THE ALFEE. He launched a solo career in 1991 and has also written and produced songs for many different artists. Additionally, Takamizawa hosts his own radio show and is a member of the DOMOTO BROS. BAND on Shin Domoto Kyoudai.

As a high school student, Takamizawa formed a cover band with some classmates and performed songs from Western rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. After graduating, he enrolled in the Department of English Literature at Meiji Gakuin University and joined the band Confidence, presently known as THE ALFEE.

In 1991, Takamizawa released his debut solo album, Ism. For the album, he worked with Western producers, including Steve Hillage and Mike Vernon. The songs on the album have a common theme of romance.

Takamizawa's second full-on solo activity after Ism was in 2007. He released his first single, "Sennen Romance", followed by his second album, Kaléidoscope, two weeks later. He collaborated with many lyricists, including Tsunku and Ayanocozey Show.

The following year in 2008, Takamizawa developed a more metal sound. His second single, "Tsukihime", employed four electric guitarists composed of himself, LUKE TAKAMURA (CANTA), ANCHANG (SEX MACHINEGUNS), and KOJI (ALvino). He continued with the same sound with his third single, "VAMPIRE ~Yuuwaku no Blood~ / Yatterman no Uta", in 2009.

Takamizawa's third album, Fantasia, was released on August 25, 2010, which was also the date of THE ALFEE's 36th anniversary since their debut. The album features his previous two singles and more collaborations with lyricists and support musicians, which include Matsumoto Tak from B'z and fellow FANTA member Marty Friedman.