Choki Seiji, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo, Music Critic “Europe” for classical musicians Like Sakamoto Ryuichi, who was based in New York, there are many musicians who dedicate themselves to their creative and performing activities while living abroad. The fact that Utada Hikaru, who was born in the United States, is based in London does not seem strange at all, perhaps because we live in the 21st century, where globalization has progressed. However, if you think about whether there were any such Japanese popular music (I dare say) artists living abroad before Sakamoto’s generation, it is true that you cannot immediately think of a specific name. After all, in the world of popular music, where the latest styles are emerging mainly in the Anglo-American region, it is stimulating for musicians to live in London, New York, and Berlin, which has changed ... ... [Read more]