[2026] RAG 45th Anniversary Festival

May 4 (Mon) – RAG 45th Anniversary Festival – Mitsuru Sudo 2026 GW Special 3 Days: 1 “KOREKATA SOUL BALLAD”NEW!Korekata Hirokuni (G) Murai Hidekiyo (P) Niimura Yasufumi (Ds) Sudou Mitsuru (B)

http://www.ragnet.co.jp

This is exquisite fusion centered around bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, formerly of T-Square, joined by guitarist Hirokuni Korekata, pianist Hidekazu Murai—who also works in film music—and drummer Yasufumi Niimura! The worlds of KORENOS and Shukei Mitsuru, both bands featuring Sutoh, intersect to create a gently paced set focused on original ballads by Korekata and Murai.

Though Korekata often carries a fiery image, his lyrical guitar—stretching phrases as if singing—feels wonderfully soothing and truly resonates.

The ensemble with Murai’s expansive piano is also superb.

Niimura’s delicate rhythms intertwine with Sutoh’s warmly embracing bass, cherishing the spaces between sounds as they weave a storytelling dialogue.

Immerse yourself in this heartwarming musical conversation.

Tue 5/5 — RAG 45th Anniversary Festival — Mitsuru Sutoh 2026 GW Special 3 Days: 2 “Korekata + Sutoh + Bando TRIO”NEW!Korekata Hirokuni (G) Bando Satoshi (Ds) Sudo Mitsuru (B)

http://www.ragnet.co.jp

#FUSION #Mitsuru Sudou #Mitsuru Sudou GW Special 5DAYS: 4 'Korekata + Bando + Sudou Trio' [Partially Free Release]

This trio brings together a legend who has led Japan’s fusion scene and today’s top players.

It features Hirokuni Korekata on guitar, Mitsuru Sutoh on bass, and Satoshi Bandoh on drums.

The sound—where Korekata, who traverses a wide range of music, and former T-SQUARE member Sutoh draw on years of intuitive interplay, supercharged by current T-SQUARE member Bandoh’s razor-sharp beat—is absolutely breathtaking.

The greatest appeal may lie in the exquisite balance between the guitar’s singing melodies and the rhythm section’s driving propulsion.

With thrilling solo exchanges and a white-hot ensemble that reacts to each other’s every note, you can feel music’s explosive power in your bones.

Alongside Sutoh’s humor-filled talk, I hope you’ll fully savor this intense cross-generational dialogue as the three spark off one another!

Wed 5/6 – RAG 45th Anniversary Festival – Mitsuru Sudo 2026 GW Special 3 Days: 3 “Precious gig”NEW!Ōtake Yoshimi (Org) Bandō Satoshi (Ds) Sudō Mitsuru (B)

http://www.ragnet.co.jp

This powerhouse trio represents the pinnacle of Japan’s fusion scene: bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, renowned for his work with T-SQUARE; organist Kiyomi Otaka of CASIOPEA 3rd; and drummer Satoshi Bandoh from T-SQUARE.

Their greatest appeal lies in a mature ensemble sound only possible because these three have been performing together consistently.

Otaka’s richly layered organ envelops the space, while Sutoh’s aggressive bass and Bandoh’s dynamic drums intertwine vividly.

With the fluid division of roles unique to an organ trio, they pull you into an unpredictable journey—at times colliding with intensity, at times blending with gentle harmony.

Their stage brims with exceptional musicianship and an elevating sense of showmanship, making it a truly special musical experience.

Thu 5/7 — RAG 45th Anniversary Festival — Hulali Pad Special Band LiveNEW!Furarii Paddo with Shimizu Koh (B) Nagao Takuto (Ds)

http://www.ragnet.co.jp

[Summer Song] A refreshing ukulele sings. Hulali Pad “Ocean”

Furaripad is an acoustic duo from Kyoto.

Their charm lies in their approachable “singable instrumentals,” created by Daisuke Maeda on ukulele and vocals and Hideyuki Shimizu on guitar.

Their gentle sound—flexibly blending pop, jazz, and fusion—is widely loved.

This live show features a special band lineup with bassist Okoshi Shimizu, a leading figure in the fusion scene, and drummer Takuto Nagao.

The set list moves from a delicate acoustic performance in the first half to a full band setup in the second, which is exciting.

The warm tones interlace with a supple rhythm section, unlocking a vibrant sense of drive in the songs—what a wonderful ensemble.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy dynamic music!

Sat 5/9 – RAG 45th Anniversary Festival – Eri Sasaki Laid-back Relaxed Live in KyotoNEW!Sasaki Eri (Vo) Sakamoto Raku (Fl: Yūkai Kenchiku) Sumiyoshi Kentarō (G) Takahashi Takenobu (P: Yūkai Kenchiku)

http://www.ragnet.co.jp

Eri Sasaki “Fuyu Biyori” (Music Video) TV Anime “Laid-Back Camp” Ending Theme

The Starfish is Dancing (2023-04-20)

Singer-songwriter Eri Sasaki, known for the ending themes of the Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp) series, is distinguished by her translucent voice and naturally soothing musical style.

For this concert, she will share the stage with flutist Gaku Sakamoto, pianist Takenobu Takahashi, and guitarist Kentaro Sumiyoshi.

Yūkai Kenchiku, the band to which Sakamoto and Takahashi belong, has previously performed with Sasaki, and they already share an intimate musical rapport.

With Sumiyoshi’s enveloping guitar added to the mix, the ensemble will evolve into a richer, more layered sound.

As the flute sketches the flow of air and the piano and guitar gently nestle alongside it, Sasaki’s voice will weave stories—offering an intimate, laid-back musical experience to savor.