Reports: Yukihiro Takahashi – of Yellow Magic Orchestra – Has Died

Reports are coming in that seminal Japanese musician Yukihiro Takahashi has died.

The musician had an operation to remove a brain tumour in 2020; he revealed further health issues in 2021. Initial reports from Japan indicate that Yukihiro Takahashi has passed away – the story is developing.

Japanese sources are reporting that Yukihiro Takahashi, the former Yellow Magic Orchestra drummer and lead vocalist, has died. He was 70. He had an operation to remove a brain tumour in 2020, and in 2021 revealed further health problems. A sad loss of a prolific talent. pic.twitter.com/Fp9FZ0a9F2

mdash; Electronic Sound (@ElectronicMagUK) January 14, 2023

Born in Tokyo in 1952, Yukihiro Takahashi helped re-framed Japanese music, embracing technology and forging a new path for electronic pop. A vital component of Yellow Magic Orchestra, the group’s output presaged City Pop and lit a path for others to follow.

Drummer and vocalist with the group, Yukihiro Takahashi forged the character of their catalogue, with their initial run – from 1978’s self-titled debut, through to 1983 album ‘Service’ – breaking boundaries.

Becoming a rich source of hip-hop samples, Yellow Magic Orchestra’s influence would permeate rap and other strands of club music. Cited as a formative influence by first wave Detroit techno artists, the group remain a perennial touchstone for electronic voyagers.

Entering the soundtrack realm, Yukihiro Takahashi worked on a flurry of solo projects throughout the 90s, while the Millennium brought the duo Sketch Show.

Canadian project Junior Boys called the loss “devastating” –

Devastating. RIP Yukihiro Takahashi.

— Junior Boys (@Juniorboys) January 14, 2023

Dark Entries Records saluted an electronic great, and a drumming marvel:

R.I.P. Yukihiro Takahashi 💔🥁 Yellow Magic Orchestra “Rydeen” live at The Greek Theatre in L.A. 4th August, 1979 pic.twitter.com/IYqbYntvpJ

— Dark Entries Records (@darkentriesrecs) January 14, 2023

Yellow Magic Orchestra’s influence can be found in different areas of music – Manda Rin, of Scottish group bis, called the loss “another sad day…”

RIP Yukihiro Takahashi ☹️
Another sad day when another major bis influencer has gone.

— Manda Rin (@mandarin) January 14, 2023

Director James Montagna writes: “Devastating to know he is now gone, but YMO Goes Forever.”

Felt a ping in my chest the moment I read this without context.

A week ago, I was with a friend listening to Yukihiro Takahashi’s solo albums together on vinyl. Devastating to know he is now gone, but YMO Goes Forever. https://t.co/95LudGUVhF

— James Montagna (@JamesPopStar) January 14, 2023

Image source J-Pop Wiki.