Advance Guitars Hoshino's Folk Journey
~Folk songs and acoustic guitars~
First installment: Kazuhiko Kato
Hello everyone!
My name is Hoshino, and I work at Advance Guitars in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo (Shin-Okubo).
We are pleased to announce a new series of columns in our instrument magazine, exploring the famous songs and instruments that have graced the history of Japanese music.
"Advance Guitars Hoshino's Folk Journey ~Folk Songs and Acoustic Guitars~"
We are pleased to announce that we will be starting this!
This series is a journey through music and instruments, starting with the simple question, "Whose songs were they, and what kind of acoustic guitars were they played on?" as it traces the trajectory of "folk songs" that captivated Japan from the late 1960s to the 1970s, and up to the new music of the 1980s.
Behind the scenes of that famous song, what kind of guitar was chosen, what was the intention behind its selection, and what kind of tone was it producing?
With the meticulous perspective of a professional music store employee and the inquisitive spirit of a pure music fan,
Sometimes, I would like to embark on a long, long journey, relying on everyone's help.
Part 1: Kazuhiko Kato and the Ultimate "Martin"
The theme for this memorable first installment is the genius Kazuhiko Kato, who fundamentally revolutionized the Japanese music scene and showcased the pinnacle of sophistication, and the acoustic guitars he loved!
Who is Kazuhiko Kato, the man with an overwhelming sense of style that has always been ahead of its time?
It's no exaggeration to say that Kazuhiko Kato, affectionately known as "Tonoban," was a leading figure in the Japanese music scene from the late 1960s to the 1970s.
Many of you may still remember "Tonoban: Musician Kazuhiko Kato and His Era," a documentary film depicting the miraculous life of Kazuhiko Kato, which was released on May 31st, 2024 (Friday).
The phrase "I'm dead" from "Kaette Kita Yopparai" (The Drunkard Who Came Back) (July 1967), the debut and signature song of the band "The Folk Crusaders" that he led as the central figure, is a historical song that even those who have never listened to Japanese folk music closely or who are not very familiar with Kazuhiko Kato will surely know. (Incidentally, it is also known that the first edition record was written as "Kaette Kita Yopparai.") It incorporated the then-avant-garde recording technique of fast-forwarding the tape, and became a major social phenomenon, becoming Japan's first million-selling record.
The Folk Crusaders disbanded on October 17, 1968, after their performance at the Osaka Festival Hall, much to the regret of their fans. After the disbandment, Norihiko Hashida pursued a successful solo career and is known for his hit song "Hanayome" (The Bride).
Osamu Kitayama would go on to work as a lyricist, collaborating with Kazuhiko Kato.
Later, in 2002, at the urging of Osamu Kitayama, Kazuhiko Kato and Kounosuke Sakazaki of THE ALFEE were brought together to form The Folk Crusaders anew, which must have made fans at the time very happy.
However, his brilliance doesn't stop there.
He transcended the boundaries of folk music, forming the "Sadistic Mika Band" (1971) and elevating Japanese rock to a world-class level. Afterwards, he continued to produce and release numerous hit songs as a producer and composer.
In particular, "Time Machine ni Onegai" (Please, Time Machine) brought back memories of covering it in jam sessions, thanks to its catchy riff and cool ending.
The twin guitar work of Kazuhiko Kato and Masayoshi Takanaka is absolutely electrifying!
Masayoshi Takanaka is one of my favorite guitarists, especially since I play instrumental music myself.
In 2007, he formed the group Wakou with Kounosuke Sakazaki (THE ALFEE).
The band was formed through a connection with Mr. Sakazaki when The Folk Crusaders reformed.
In addition to Mr. Sakazaki's vocals and Mr. Kato's harmonies, the comforting sound and groove of the acoustic guitars they play together always provide a fresh and exciting experience, no matter how many times you listen to it.
Kazuhiko Kato is an unparalleled genius melody maker and creator who absorbed cutting-edge music from overseas, transformed it into an extremely pop and sophisticated form, and continuously presented it to Japan.
A close look at five legendary Martin guitars that have graced the music of Kazuhiko Kato!
Known for his sophisticated fashion sense and musicality, Mr. Kato also had an extraordinary level of dedication when it came to choosing the guitars he played.
This time, we'll be selecting and explaining five distinctive Martin guitars, known for being his favorites and still admired by many acoustic guitar fans and professional musicians today!
1. The eternal dream, the "Martin D-45"
The Martin D-45 is an absolute must-have guitar among those used by Kazuhiko Kato.
The Martin D-45 was created in 1933 as Martin's top-of-the-line model.
With its luxurious abalone shell decorations covering the entire body, hexagon inlays on the fretboard (snowflake and cat's eye inlays from 1933 to 1939), and vertical logo on the headstock, this guitar was undoubtedly a coveted instrument for many players.
The D-45 remains a reigning champion and an eternally coveted guitar, still standing as the top-of-the-line model to this day.
We'll take a deep dive into the 1968 Martin D-45 that Kazuhiko Kato primarily used.
Separately from the above, there is a story that in 1970, he acquired a 1969 Martin D-45 at Kawase Musical Instruments in Ogawamachi, Tokyo.
In 2000, he also acquired a 1941 D-45 in New York.
Since the Sadistic Mika Band was formed in 1971, it's clear that he acquired the Martin D-45 before that.
You can enjoy Kazuhiko Kato's D-45 sound on "Wakou: Golden Hits" and "Hippie End," released in 2007 by the unit "Wakou" formed by Kazuhiko Kato and Kounosuke Sakazaki (THE ALFEE).
The unit name is derived from the work of Kazuhiko Kato.sumAnd Mr. Kounosuke SakazakihappinessNamed Kazukou, derived from [something].
Other suggested names included Mick Kazuyuki, Keith Kazuyuki, and Jamiro Kazu!
On the album cover of Kazuyuki's "Hippie End," a 1941 Martin D-45 can be seen next to Kazuhiko Kato.
1968 Martin D-45
Song used: "Pakchi from Thailand"
In 1968, Martin began reproducing the D-45, spearheaded by Mike Longworth. It is said that 67 D-45s were produced in 1968 and 162 in 1969.
The one owned by Kazuhiko Kato was one from the first year of its re-production.
The top is made of German spruce, and the sides and back are made of Brazilian rosewood.Recruit。
The body features white binding and purfling made of abalone shell, while the rosette boasts a multi-colored striped ring and a sparkling abalone shell rosette.
The back of the body features the same decorations as the top, plus a multi-colored center strip that enhances its brilliance.
A distinctive feature of the 1968 model is its rounded headstock shape, which is made of Brazilian rosewood veneer.RecruitIt is being done.
His performance of classic songs like "Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mou Ichido" (Let's Experience That Wonderful Love Again), with his D-45 guitar and dazzling, harmonically rich strokes, can be considered one of the most beautiful scenes in the history of Japanese music.
*Image is for illustrative purposes only. (Martin 1969 D-45)
2. The 12-string "Martin D12-45" with its rich sound.
The standard specifications of the Martin D12-45 include a slotted headstock (a design with a hole in the headstock like a classical guitar), a 12-fret joint, and, like the D-45, a spruce top and rosewood sides and back adorned with glittering abalone shell decorations, giving it a luxurious appearance similar to the 6-string model.
When strummed, it gains the unique breadth (chorus effect) characteristic of 12-string guitars, making it a highly desirable instrument for folk music fans.
The Martin D12-45 was introduced in 1969.
At the time, three models were produced, but due to the increasing demand from artists using 12-string guitars, it is said that eight times that number—24 guitars—were produced the following year, 1970.
I'd like to introduce you to the Martin D12-45 used by Kazuhiko Kato, which has some unusual and rare specifications.
*Image is for illustrative purposes only. (Martin 1973 D12-45)
1986 Martin D12-45
Song used: "What if, what if, what if"
The guitar owned by Kazuhiko Kato has a solid headstock, like a regular D-45, rather than a slotted headstock as shown in the photo above.RecruitI am doing it.
Furthermore, this model features a 14-fret neck joint instead of the conventional 12-fret joint, a specification that differs from traditional 12-string models.
The headstock features a vertical logo made of abalone shell and Schaller M6 tuners, while the 14-fret ebony fingerboard is adorned with hexagon inlays.
The top is made of Sitka spruce, and the sides and back are made of Indian rosewood.RecruitFurthermore, it's a glamorous model with a white acetate frame adorned with abalone shell purfling.
3. The versatile bestseller "Martin D-28"
This is the best-selling Martin Dreadnought!
Production began in 1931, and the current 14F joint design was introduced in 1934.
This is a historic model that can be called the world standard for acoustic guitars. It features a deep, rich bass tone thanks to the rosewood body, and a powerful sound with ample volume.
Whether you're using a pick to play powerful chords or fingerpicking arpeggios, this is truly a versatile guitar!
It must have been a very reliable partner that underpinned Mr. Kato's wide range of genres and high level of performance.
The D-28 owned by Mr. Kato was an extremely rare instrument from the 1940s.
*Image is for illustrative purposes only. (Martin 1942 D-28)
1941 Martin D-28
Song used: "Hippie End"
This Wartime model features an Adirondack spruce top, multi-stripe binding, and herringbone trim.Recruit。
This luxurious guitar features Brazilian rosewood on the sides and back.
The top plate has a tortoiseshell pickguard.RecruitFurthermore, the ebony fingerboard is adorned with diamond square inlays.
The ebony downbelly bridge features a long saddle and white bridge pins.
In 1941, the Pug changed its specifications to the Waverly open-back, but Mr. Kato's vehicle is the earlier Grover sealed-back model.RecruitIt was done.
4. The Martin 000-28 (Triple O) captures even the most delicate touches.
The history of the 000 is older than that of the Dreadnought, appearing in 1902 with a 12-fret joint, and changing to a 14-fret joint specification in 1934.
While using the same rosewood as the D-28, the "000 (Triple O)" model has a body that is 15 inches smaller and has a deeper waist. The vibrant mid-low frequencies of the rosewood are perfectly matched with the clear and responsive high frequencies produced by the Triple O body size! Because of its fast attack, it boasts outstanding performance when it comes to playing delicate phrases that are meant to be showcased with fingerpicking. This is a masterpiece that can express Mr. Kato's refined chord work and delicate touch without any compromise.
*Image is for illustrative purposes only. (Martin 1935 model 000-28)
1945 Martin 000-28
Song used: "I want to be well"
Similar to the aforementioned D-28, the top wood is Adirondack spruce, and it features multi-stripe binding and herringbone trim.Recruit。
Brazilian rosewood is used for the sides and back, and a zigzag pattern is used for the center strip.Recruit。
The fretboard inlays were changed from diamond square inlays to dot inlays starting in 1945.
Around 1941, the tuners changed from Grover to Kluson ivoroid button pegs.
Another notable feature is that the bushings supporting the peg shafts were not installed for only two years, 1944 and 1945.
The Downberry bridge comes equipped with a long saddle and white bridge pins.
While Eric Clapton's 000-42, used on MTV in 1992, is famous for popularizing the 000 (Triple O) designation, there may have been others who were inspired to own this particular model after seeing Mr. Kato's 000-28.
5.Martin D-45SM KK "Kazuhiko Kato Custom Signature Edition"
In 2008, Martin released two signature models exclusively for the Japanese market.
Two custom signature guitars have been released by "Wakou," a unit formed by Kazuhiko Kato and Kounosuke Sakazaki: the D-45SM KK (Kazuhiko Kato), which is based on the D-45S, and the 00-21 KS (Kounosuke Sakazaki), which has a look reminiscent of the 00-21NY.
When I considered why it was 2008, I speculated that the order was placed with Martin around the time "Wakou" was formed in 2007, and that the signature model was finally released in 2008.
In any case, Martin may not be just a manufacturer, but an irreplaceable presence that is always there for you.
2008 Martin D-45S "KK Custom Sipnature Edition"
Songs used: "Long Walk to Freedom," "Curry Rice"
The top features Adirondack spruce, ivoroid binding, abalone shell purfling, and a beautifully shimmering abalone shell decoration on the rosette.Recruit。
The sides and back are made of Madagascar rosewood, and the center strip is multicolored.Recruit。
Like the top, it features ivoroid binding with abalone shell inlay.
With its ebony fretboard featuring square diamond inlay position markers and a pyramid bridge fitted with a short saddle, this guitar exudes an undeniable sense of luxury.
The sharp-style slotted headstock features a Golden Era-style logo crafted from abalone shell, and the tuners are engraved Waverly 3500 pegs.Recruit。
This is a luxurious instrument that is reminiscent of the D-45S that appeared in 1936.
I got to know Kazuhiko Kato...
In writing this article, I revisited Kazuhiko Kato's recordings and reviewed videos and magazines from that era.
The song "Shiroi Iro wa Koibito no Iro" by Betsy & Chris, released in 1969, has a somewhat nostalgic feel to it and is one of my favorite songs. When I saw a video of Kazuyuki performing it, I thought, "The melody and the sound of their guitars are so pleasant," and when I looked up the song, I was surprised to find out that Osamu Kitayama and Kazuhiko Kato of The Folk Song Crusaders were involved in writing the lyrics and composing the song.
Furthermore, I've seen videos of Kazuhiko Kato effortlessly playing the electric guitar in addition to the acoustic guitar, which is one of the facts I wouldn't have known if I hadn't been writing this column.
Since I had been mainly playing electric guitar since my second year of high school, I was shocked by the wide range of musical genres that Kazuhiko Kato plays, including electric guitar in addition to acoustic guitar.
At the live performance of "Yellow Rolls-Royce" by Yumi Matsutoya and Kazuhiko Kato, Kazuhiko Kato's cool strumming style using a sunburst Telecaster was particularly memorable.
I would like to express my utmost respect to Mr. Kazuhiko Kato, who has shown me the profound depths of this wonderful music, and with that, I conclude this first installment.
If any of our readers have actually seen Tonoban's live performance, or if you were so inspired by the sound of the D-45 in that song that you bought your own Martin, please share your valuable stories with Hoshino at Advance Guitars. We look forward to the day when we can have a passionate discussion about guitars with you at the shop!
We also welcome your requests for musicians you'd like us to cover, stories related to folk songs, and anything else you'd like us to discuss. For me, firsthand accounts like "I actually saw it back then" or "I heard the sound of this guitar at that concert" are incredibly valuable and serve as the best textbook. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact Hoshino at Advance Guitars.
✉️ aco@tcgakki.com
Well then, see you again in the next episode of "Hoshino's Folk Music Journey"!
one thing:I was introduced to the folk song genre, which I hadn't considered as part of my musical roots, and I learned about the appeal of Kazuhiko Kato, as well as the techniques he uses to enhance the expressiveness of songs by using not only strumming but also three-finger picking on the acoustic guitar.
I listened to The Folk Crusaders, Kazuyuki, and others so much while writing articles that it's become my workday playlist! I'm currently practicing three-finger picking!
Author of this article:Hoshino (Advance Guitars)
January 2025TCGAKKII joined the company. I mainly play instrumental music on electric guitar, and I'm pursuing the nuances and expressiveness of the guitar.
My favorite artists include B'z, Gary Moore, and Allen Hinds.
My hobby is drawing illustrations using Copic markers.
Qualifications and experience: 10 years of experience as a musical instrument salesperson, 2 years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser.
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