Kotaro Oshio, celebrated as one of Japan's finest acoustic guitarists, is set to commemorate his 25th anniversary in the music industry with an exciting hall concert titled "MY BEST" this June. The performances, slated for June 21st in Tokyo and June 27th in Osaka, promise a heartfelt journey through his extensive catalog, which boasts nearly 200 original songs.
Oshio's unique playing style, characterized by open tuning and tapping techniques, has earned him recognition both domestically and internationally. His impressive arrangements and warm, delicate guitar play continue to resonate with audiences across generations. "I want to share this milestone year with my fans," he expresses, emphasizing how pivotal their support has been throughout his career.
The title "MY BEST" reflects Oshio's intention to showcase only the most beloved pieces from his career, selected with care and thoughtfulness. "These are songs that have been nurtured by my fans and ones I have performed countless times live," he explains. He assures fans that they will be delighted with the song choices, each holding significant meaning for him.
Reflecting on memorable live performance experiences, Oshio recalls a particularly touching moment when he concluded a concert with a heartfelt "thank you" to his audience, only to be met with a powerful shout of "Thank you!" from a male fan. "It was such a beautiful moment that I couldn’t help but become emotional. It was an instance where my the audience was expressing their gratitude to me," he shares. Another humorous memory involves an impromptu performance for a young girl in the audience who, in a twist of fate, ended up crying instead of cheering despite Oshio's intentions to entertain her.
When asked about the joys of being a guitarist, Oshio emphasizes the warmth he feels from his supporters. "It’s a wonderful feeling to know that so many people are coming to see me perform," he explains, recalling his early indie days where he struggled to fill small venues. He humorously mentions calling friends at the last minute asking them to attend his gigs, only to be chided for not asking sooner.
Oshio reminisces about earlier times performing in front of the Tokyo International Forum, hoping to one day play inside the hall. "Back then, I performed outside in winter, cradling a cup of coffee to keep my fingers warm, dreaming of this moment. It’s surreal that the dream has come true, and I’m genuinely excited about returning to such a cherished venue," he states.
Oshio has also garnered a dedicated following among professional guitarists, with many openly expressing their admiration for his work. He occasionally sees fans sharing their guitar cover videos online, which delights him. "I love hearing stories from people who started playing guitar because of my music. It’s humbling to know that my influence can create new friendships and connections among fans," he adds. He has also noticed trends in cover choices, with female guitarists often leaning towards upbeat songs while male players favor emotional ballads.
The joy he derives from inspiring others is palpable, especially when fellow artists approach him to share their experiences. Just the other day, an artist who toured a nearby studio mentioned how they practiced one of Oshio’s iconic songs during their school years—an encouraging testament to his impact on the next generation of musicians.
As he prepares for his anniversary concert, Oshio expresses gratitude for the incredible journey he has experienced over the past 25 years, equal parts ecstatic and sentimental. "I want to celebrate this milestone by delivering my best performances to my fans as a thank-you for enriching my life through music," he concludes, eagerly anticipating the celebration of his 25th anniversary alongside his supporters.
In a bonus interview segment titled "Kotaro Oshio’s MY BEST ◯◯", Oshio showcases his favorite things:
- - MY BEST Curry: He describes his fondness for Sri Lankan-style curry from Curry Shop Hatsukoi, noting its delightful taste and alignment with Japanese palate preferences.
- - MY BEST Drama: Koreans shows such as