The trek begins in late March
Live Nation announces the next chapter of City Pop Waves, a headline show series spotlighting iconic Japanese City Pop artists, with legendary guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka set to embark on his first-ever world tour: Super Takanaka World Live 2026. Following the sold-out success of his Los Angeles performances earlier this year, Takanaka will bring his vibrant surf-inspired sound to audiences across the UK and the U.S.
The tour begins on March 31st in London and continues with performances in Brooklyn, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. This run marks a rare opportunity to see one of Japan’s most influential guitarists in intimate, historic venues.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the tour is the return of Takanaka’s famed surfboard guitar—a full-size guitar crafted from a real surfboard, originally designed more than 15 years ago. Takanaka has performed with the instrument only a handful of times, after which it was placed on display in a café for over a decade. For the trek, the guitar has been fully restored and will appear on stage again for the first time since its original showcase period, offering fans a piece of musical history reborn.
Tickets are available starting tomorrow (Wed, Nov 12th), ahead of the general sale on Friday, November 14th at 10 am local time.
The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. The package includes a GA Pit ticket with priority access to the pit, VIP exclusive seven-inch vinyl record, specially designed VIP gift item, and more.
As Japanese City Pop continues its remarkable worldwide resurgence—drawing new fans through its nostalgic yet timeless appeal, Live Nation remains committed to expanding the global reach of these genre-defining artists through the City Pop Waves series.
City Pop Waves also includes Taeko Onuki’s first-ever concert outside Japan at Los Angeles’ The Wiltern on February 7, 2026, and Anri’s first U.S. tour, with performances at Brooklyn Paramount on May 17th and The Wiltern on May 20, 2026.
Masayoshi Takanaka Super Takanaka World Live 2026 Dates:
Mar 31 – London, UK @ O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Apr 4 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
Apr 7 – Chicago @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Apr 9 – San Francisco @ The Masonic
Apr 12 – Los Angeles @ Hollywood Palladium
