Legendary Japanese guitarist, composer, and producer Masayoshi Takanaka will hit our shores next week – and we’re giving one lucky fan the chance to win a life size replica of his iconic surfboard guitar.
Takanaka is performing five sold-out shows across Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, kicking off next Thursday (April 23rd), bringing his vibrant, surf-inspired fusion sound Down Under as part of his first-ever world tour.
Among the tour’s most anticipated highlights is the return of Takanaka’s famed surfboard guitar; a full-size guitar crafted from an actual surfboard and performed with only a handful of times before being placed on display for more than a decade. Fully restored for his 2026 tour, the instrument will once again appear on stage, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness a revived piece of musical history.
To celebrate the tour – and the return of such an iconic instrument – Rolling Stone AU/NZ has teamed up with Live Nation to give away a life size replica.
To enter the giveaway, you must be following both Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Live Nation Australia on Instagram, like our post, and tag a friend. Plus, get a bonus entry if you share on your story! (See post below).
Multiple entries are allowed. The giveaway will close at 9am on April 24th. See here for all the details.
Plus, don’t miss the Takanaka Pop Up at Melbourne’s Oh! Jean Records from this Saturday, April 18th to Tuesday, April 28th. There, you can grab a picture with the legendary surfboard guitar and be one of the first 20 to buy a Takanaka record in-store to score an official tour poster.
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Takanaka made his solo debut in 1976 with the album Seychelles. He soon established himself as a leading figure in Japan’s fusion and instrumental music scene, releasing a succession of acclaimed works including Ready To Fly, Blue Lagoon, and the iconic 1981 concept album The Rainbow Goblins, widely regarded as a milestone in Japanese instrumental music.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many internationally renowned artists such as Lee Ritenour, Carlos Santana, Narada Michael Walden, and Sheila E., contributing to both studio recordings and live performances. His artistry has earned him a reputation for technical brilliance, vibrant musicality, and a distinctive, colourful style.
He released music under Kitty Records and later Toshiba EMI before founding his own label, Lagoon Records, in 2000. Under this imprint, he has maintained full creative independence and continues to tour annually across Japan with unwavering enthusiasm.
For complete tour and ticket information, see here.
MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 2026
Thursday, April 23rd (SOLD OUT)
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW
Friday, April 24th (SOLD OUT)
Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney, Sydney NSW
Sunday, April 26th (SOLD OUT)
Forum, Melbourne VIC
Monday, April 27th (SOLD OUT)
Northcote Theatre, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday, April 29th (SOLD OUT)
Town Hall, Auckland NZ
