An Unforgettable Night: Celebrating Eiichi Ohtaki's 50 Years in Music
The world of Japanese music is set for an extraordinary celebration as Eiichi Ohtaki's iconic career reaches its remarkable 50-year milestone. On March 27, 2026, a special event will be held at Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas, featuring the premiere of rare live footage and insightful discussions with music critics.
This event coincides with the release of the much-anticipated "NIAGARA TRIANGLE Vol.1 50th Anniversary Edition" and Watanabe Marina's "Ring-a-Bell 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" on March 21, 2026. Fans will finally get a chance to see the long-lost studio live footage "Fussa 45 Studio Live 1976," showcasing not only Ohtaki but also some of Japan's most prolific music talents including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ginji Ito, Kunihiko Muramatsu, Hiroshi Komazawa, Jiro Terauchi, and Hiroshi Uehara, all on the big screen with a stunning 5.1-channel sound experience.
In addition to the rare footage, attendees will be treated to a previously unreleased seminar by Ohtaki himself from April 10, 1996, aimed at industry insiders. This will be complemented by a special talk show featuring renowned music critics Kenta Hagiwara and Yuko Nouji, both of whom have had longstanding ties with Ohtaki and the Niagara label.
Event Details
- - Date & Time: March 27, 2026, doors open at 6:30 PM, followed by the screening at 7:00 PM and a talk show around 9 PM.
- - Venue: Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas, Screen 2, with a seating capacity of 208.
- - Screenings Include: The world premiere of "Fussa 45 Studio Live 1976" and "Eiichi Ohtaki Seminar."
- - Talk Show Guests: Kenta Hagiwara and Yuko Nouji, both esteemed music critics.
Tickets and Giveaways
Tickets for the event will be available starting February 20, 2026, at noon, priced at ¥3,500. Every attendee will also receive special gifts including a custom magnet sheet and a pamphlet for "Fussa 45 Studio Live 1976."
Featured Speakers
- - Kenta Hagiwara (Music Critic): Born in 1956, he is a notable music journalist with an extensive background in music production and event direction. Hagiwara is well-known for his contributions to various music-related television programs and has authored numerous influential books on the subject.
- - Yuko Nouji (Music Critic): Born in 1964, Yuko is prominent for her comprehensive analysis of various music genres, from Western pop to J-Pop. She has organized a community dedicated to American music and has published books focusing on contemporary classical music.
Celebrating Ohtaki's Legacy
Eiichi Ohtaki has made significant contributions to Japanese pop music, especially after founding his own label, Niagara, in 1975 post the disbandment of Happy End. His album "A LONG VACATION" released in 1981 remains a historic masterpiece, having sold three million copies, marking the beginning of a new era in city pop music. Today, Ohtaki continues to influence the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists.
Upcoming Book Release
In celebration of Ohtaki's enduring impact, Kenta Hagiwara's new book titled "The Journey of Eiichi Ohtaki" will be released on March 12, 2026, priced at ¥1,925 (tax included).
Don't miss this rare opportunity to dive into the world of Eiichi Ohtaki and his musical legacy. Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of nostalgia and celebration that highlights the best of Japanese music history.
For more information about tickets and reservations, visit the official HUMAX Entertainment website.