Char, the iconic Japanese guitarist, has announced a nationwide tour to mark the milestone of his 50th debut anniversary, set to take place next year. Born in Tokyo on June 16, 1955, Char picked up the guitar at the young age of eight and has lived a life fully devoted to music, starting his career as a studio musician in his teenage years. His debut came in 1976 with the song 'Navy Blue,' but it was in 1978 with the formation of the band Johnny, Louis & Char that he truly became a defining figure of his era.
Over the years, Char has not only established himself as a solo artist but has also engaged in various musical projects, including the bands Psychedelix and BAHO. In 1988, he founded Edo-ya and later, in 2009, launched ZICCA RECORDS, a label focusing on web-based sales, allowing him to continue sharing his artistry on his terms.
Having turned 60 this year, Char made waves with a performance at Nippon Budokan that drew in audiences across generations, showcasing an array of guest artists. This electrifying concert reiterated Char’s unique presence and vibrant performance, proving that he remains an irreplaceable figure in the music world. The upcoming anniversary tour will not simply reflect on his past accomplishments; it aims to deliver an experience of Char’s living music today, reinforcing his ongoing relevance.
Among his numerous accolades, Char was voted the top guitarist in a 2016 poll conducted by Guitar Magazine, which asked music professionals in Japan to select the greatest guitarists. His recognition is a testament to his enduring sound and influence that continues to resonate strongly even as he approaches his 70th birthday in 2025.
The tour, characterized by its focus on the current-day Char rather than a nostalgic retrospective, will kick off on June 28, 2026, at Katsushika Symphony Hills in Tokyo, embarking on an exciting trip across major cities including Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Sendai, culminating in a final show in Tokyo at NHK Hall on September 4, 2026. The official ticket pre-sale for fans begins on December 16, running until January 31, with a limit of four tickets per customer.
Fans are encouraged to dive into the atmospheric world of Char during this special tour, as he has the astounding ability to transform the ambiance of the venue with just a single note. This celebration of 50 years in music is not just a testament to Char's legacy, but an invitation to witness the magic of his current musical journey live.
Here is the schedule for the Char 50th Anniversary Tour 2026:
- - June 28 (Sun) Tokyo: Katsushika Symphony Hills - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - July 5 (Sun) Osaka: Festival Hall - All Seats Reserved ¥11,000, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - July 12 (Sun) Aichi: Zepp Nagoya - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - July 18 (Sat) Okayama: Okayama YEBISU YA PRO - General Admission ¥9,900, Doors 16:30, Show 17:00
- - July 19 (Sun) Hiroshima: BLUE LIVE Hiroshima - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:30, Show 17:00
- - July 25 (Sat) Hokkaido: Zepp Sapporo - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - July 31 (Fri) Fukuoka: Zepp Fukuoka - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 17:30, Show 18:30
- - August 11 (Tue) Niigata: Niigata City Music Cultural Center - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - August 29 (Sat) Iwate: Toakai Classic Hall - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - August 30 (Sun) Miyagi: Sendai GIGS - All Seats Reserved ¥9,900, Doors 16:00, Show 17:00
- - September 4 (Fri) Tokyo: NHK Hall - All Seats Reserved ¥11,000, Doors 17:30, Show 18:30
Ticket prices may vary based on the location of the event. Please note that a drink charge is applicable in certain venues, including Nagoya, Okayama, Hiroshima, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Sendai.