Japanese musician and composer Masanori Takumi gained a Grammy award on Sunday for his album that includes songs carried out with conventional Asian devices.
Takumi took the Best Global Music Album award for “Sakura,” launched in 2022. The 44-year-old, who performs the piano and shamisen, a three-string Japanese instrument, has stated he created the musical items to precise his perspective on Japan.
A jubilant Takumi stated he was “speechless” on stage after being introduced the winner on the award ceremony.
Takumi later informed reporters that “It feels like somebody else’s affair as I never thought I would receive such a prestigious award, but I will take the time to savor (this moment).”
A nephew of the late singer Hideki Saijo, Takumi has labored as composer and producer for fashionable Japanese pop teams equivalent to Exile and Da Pump in addition to the South Korean all-girl group Kara since debuting as a drummer in a band in 2000.
Takumi, who’s from Osaka, had beforehand been short-listed for a Grammy award for his work with reggae musicians Sly and Robbie within the 2010s.
Among different Japanese musicians, 40-year-old drummer and percussionist Keita Ogawa was amongst members of New York-based jazz group Snarky Puppy that gained the award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
Japanese classical pianist Mitsuko Uchida, 74, was additionally nominated for Best Classical Instrumental Solo, however didn’t win the award.
© KYODO