Takashi Matsunaga
(Pianist, Composer)
Born in 1986, Matsunaga made his debut at the age of 17 with the album Takashi, which became a bestseller. After performing with Herbie Hancock at Tokyo Jazz 2003, he garnered acclaim from musicians worldwide.
In 2004, Matsunaga released the album Storm Zone (Blue Note Records) in the USA, Europe, and Asian countries, becoming the youngest artist in Blue Note Records' 85-year history to record a leader album, surpassing the record previously held by Miles Davis.
In December 2013, Matsunaga played the piano in a performance at the Louvre Museum for the SNBA reception, an event supported by François Hollande, President of France, and the French Ministry of Culture, where he was acclaimed for "amazing people around the world" with his piano performance.
Matsunaga has collaborated with notable artists such as Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bobby McFerrin, Jack DeJohnette, Eric Harland, and Chaka Khan. He also composes and performs theme music for TV news programs and commercials.
His exceptional sense of rhythm and remarkable pianism have earned him critical acclaim both in Japan and internationally.
Photo by Takahiro Ueno
代表作品
TVテーマ曲
テレビ朝日「報道ステーション」
フジテレビ 「Live News イット！」「日曜報道 THE PRIME」「スーパーニュース」「新報道2001」「FNN 衆院選挙特番 」
BS朝日 「激論！クロスファイア」
関西テレビ 「旬感LIVE とれたてっ！」「みんなのニュース 報道ランナー」
BGM
NHK Eテレ「いないいないばあっ！」
日本テレビ「news zero」
フジテレビ「坂道のアポロン」
朝日放送「上沼恵美子のおしゃべりクッキング」「朝だ！生です旅サラダ」
CM
NTTdocomo 、KIRIN、SECOM 、ルノー、大鵬薬品(ソルマック)
映画
「種まく旅人 くにうみの郷」松竹
ドラマ
「二十歳と一匹」NHK 阪神淡路大震災20年ドラマ
テーマ曲
「グロービス経営大学院」「一般社団法人G1サミット」「スペシャルオリンピックス日本」
編曲&演奏
NHK Eテレ 「いないいないばあっ！」童謡(全26曲)
Social Activities
2004
Set the record as the youngest leader to record for the NY Blue Note label worldwide.
2011
Organized the “East Japan Earthquake Charity Concert – From Ashiya to the disaster-stricken area,”
with the participation of various artists, donating all proceeds to disaster relief efforts.
2012–2018
Served as the youngest full member of JASRAC
(Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers).
2013–Present
Member of G1 Institute.
2013–2018
Chairman of the judging panel for the Osaka Prefecture Disabled Artists and Cultural Contest.
2015–2016
Member of the Global Shapers Community
(an initiative of the World Economic Forum, Davos).
2017–Present
Director of THE SHINJI HATTORI FOUNDATION
(Chairman: Shinji Hattori, SEIKO).
2018
Lecturer at The Nippon Foundation “Diversity in the Arts” Summer School
for musicians with disabilities.
2018
Composed and performed the theme music for a UN Women public event.
2019
Obtained Guide Helper qualification.
2020
Obtained Caregiver qualification.
2020
Appointed Director of The Nippon Foundation project
“True Colors JAZZ – Unique Talents Meet the World,”
directed by Takashi Matsunaga.
2020
Appointed Ambassador for Table Tennis
at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games.
2024
Selected as a member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs).