Artist Profile
ITO TAKiOBorn in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, **Takio Ito** has developed a unique musical style that transcends the traditional boundaries of Japanese *min'yo* (folk music), blending it with rock, jazz, and other contemporary genres. As the leader of **TAKiO BAND**, he has performed extensively throughout Japan and around the world while continuing his lifelong "Journey in Search of Songs," dedicated to preserving and promoting regional folk songs and local cultural traditions across Japan.
One of his most celebrated works, **TAKiO'S SOHRAN**, was inspired by his own life as the son of a fisherman. The song expresses his deep connection to the land and sea of his native Hokkaido, his respect for his fisherman father and brother, and the emotions he carried when leaving his hometown alone to begin a new life in Tokyo. Its powerful message and heartfelt spirit have resonated deeply with audiences, particularly those living in urban society.
His signature work, **TAKiO'S SOHRAN2**, was further developed through his friendship with the teachers and students of Wakkanai Minami Junior High School, whom he met while filming the NHK Asahikawa television program *Takio Aruite Live*. The song gained nationwide recognition through the television drama *Kinpachi Sensei* and the Ministry of Education-selected, Agency for Cultural Affairs Award-winning film *Wakkanai Manabiza: Soran Bushi no Uta ga Kikoeru*. Today, it is widely known as **Nanchu Soran** and has become one of Japan's best-known folk-based works, performed by people of all ages throughout Japan and around the world.
Takio Ito appeared on Japan's prestigious **NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen** in 1989 and 2003. He has introduced Japanese folk music to international audiences through performances at **WOMAD** and concert tours across the Middle East, South America, and Europe.
In addition to his performing career, he has produced cultural projects and regional revitalization programs throughout Japan and has taught at universities. In 2006, he founded the non-profit organization **Fieldworks Japan Academy for the Preservation of Folk Performing Arts**, dedicated to preserving traditional folk performing arts, nurturing future generations, and promoting volunteer and community activities.
In 2025, Takio Ito received the **Meijin (Master Performer) Award**, the highest honor presented by the Japan Minyo Association. He also serves as a **Cultural Ambassador for Kawasaki City**, continuing to pass on the spirit of Japanese folk music by combining tradition with innovation.
In 2026, he released **TAKiO SORAN Yutaka** and **TAKiO SORAN Sou**, newly reimagined versions of his beloved signature work created with a new generation of musicians. Through these recordings, Takio Ito continues to share the enduring beauty and vitality of Japanese folk music with audiences across generations and around the world.
Genre: WORLD MUSICActive Area: Kawasaki, KanagawaOrigin: Tomakomai, HokkaidoBirthday: 1950/10/06Start Year: 1966