Celebrating 55 Years of Takashi Matsumoto: A Musical Journey with Kazemachi Poetique 2025

Kazemachi Poetique 2025: A Tribute to Takashi Matsumoto

In a landmark celebration of his remarkable career, Takashi Matsumoto's official project "Kazemachi Poetique 2025" will culminate in a spectacular two-day event at Tokyo International Forum Hall A. This special occasion, set for September 19 and 20, 2025, honors Matsumoto's 55 years as a lyricist, showcasing the timeless songs that continue to resonate with generations.

Takashi Matsumoto first stepped into the spotlight in 1969 when he co-founded the rock band "Happy End" alongside musical legends Haruomi Hosono, Eiichi Ohtaki, and Shigeo Suzuki. As the band's drummer and lyricist, Matsumoto played a crucial role in pioneering "Japanese rock," leaving an indelible mark on the nation's music scene. After the band's disbandment, he dedicated himself solely to lyric writing, achieving widespread acclaim with the hit song “Momen no Handkerchief” in 1975, followed by major hits like “Ruby no Yubiwa” and “Akai Sweet Pea.” To date, he has penned over 2,100 songs, with his lyrical genius remaining in the hearts of fans across multiple generations.

The Kazemachi concert series began ten years ago with the commemoration of Matsumoto's 45th anniversary at the same venue. This was followed by memorable events like "Kazemachi Garden de Ahi Masu 2017" and "Kazemachi Odyssey 2021," which was marked by Matsumoto's return to the stage as the drummer of Happy End. Each concert has brought together renowned artists, retracing the footsteps of Matsumoto's storied career and continually evolving in scale and content, much to the astonishment and adoration of attendees.

Designed to celebrate Matsumoto's legacy, "Kazemachi Poetique 2025" embraces the theme of "Passing Down the Classic Songs of Takashi Matsumoto." The lineup and setlists for the evening have been revealed, promising an incredible musical journey.

Lineup and Setlist

First Night: Kazemachi Edition (September 19)
Performers: Yoshio Inoue, Kohei Ohtomo, Masahiko Kondo, Yuki Saito, Aemiko Suzuki, Keiichi Sokabe, Noriyuki Makihara, Hiroki Miura, Emma Miyazawa, Yuika Honma, Narumi Yasuda, and more.
Scheduled Songs: Aah Seishun, Aishuu Tonight, Woman from “W no Higeki”, Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind, Kimi ni, Mune Kyun - Uwaki na Vacation, and many more.

Second Night: City Edition (September 20)
Performers: Hiroko Ando, Sakurako Ohara, Kumiko, Yu Sakai, Takezo Sato, Meisa Shimizu, Shige Suzuki, Takao Tajima, Seiko Niizuma, Kiyoshi Hikawa + KIINA., Hoshikuzu Scat, Yoshitaka Minami, Aya Yamamoto, and more.
Scheduled Songs: Ame no Wednesday, Kaze Tachinu, Garasu no Ringo, Koisuru Karen, Jikan no Kuni no Alice, and more.

The songs showcased during Kazemachi Poetique 2025 are expected to sparkle like evergreen gems in the history of Japanese pop music, preserving Matsumoto's legacy across the ages. The event, divided into two unforgettable nights—Kazemachi Edition and City Edition—promises an enriching experience for all attendees.

For the concerts, acclaimed musician Akira Inoue will serve as the music director, leading a spectacular band known as the "Kazemachi Band," comprised of top-tier Japanese musicians. This special ensemble will perform Matsumoto's beloved songs, delivering them with phenomenal quality.

In addition to the scheduled songs, anticipation is brewing around which artists will perform classic Happy End tracks. Fans can expect a variety of surprises and emotional moments throughout the two days.

Tickets for this monumental event went on sale at 7:00 AM today, with special pre-sale opportunities available through the official website.
Here’s an overview of the concert details:

Event Summary

Title:
Kazemachi Poetique 2025: Celebrating 55 Years of Takashi Matsumoto

Dates:

- First Night: Kazemachi Edition: September 19, 2025 (Door opens at 17:00, Event starts at 18:00)
- Second Night: City Edition: September 20, 2025 (Door opens at 16:30, Event starts at 17:30)

Venue:
Tokyo International Forum Hall A

Ticket Pricing:

- Two-day pass: 36,000 (tax included, includes exclusive merchandise)
- Individual tickets for each night:**

- Kazemachi Edition: 18,000 (tax included)
- City Edition: 18,000 (tax included)

Matsumoto's lyrical craftsmanship creates breathtaking landscapes rich in poetic beauty. As Kazemachi Poetique 2025 culminates, these two nights will etch unforgettable melodies into the hearts of attendees, securing their place as timeless standards in music history.

For additional information, ticket purchasing, and inquiries, visit: