LEGENDARY GUITARIST MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA ADDS NEW SHOWS TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND
Live Nation has announced new shows added to City Pop Waves: SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026, with legendary Japanese guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka expanding his highly anticipated Australia and New Zealand run this April due to overwhelming demand.
Following the rapid sellout of initial dates in Los Angeles earlier this year and strong demand across the Australia/New Zealand region, Takanaka will now perform five shows, bringing his vibrant, surf-inspired fusion sound to larger and additional venues. This expanded run marks an extraordinary opportunity for local audiences to experience one of Japan’s most influential guitarists in a rare series of live performances across both countries.
The tour will now kick off on Thursday April 23 at The Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, followed by Darling Harbour Theatre (ICC Sydney) on Friday April 24, Forum Melbourne on Sunday April 26, and Northcote Theatre, Melbourne on Monday April 27, before concluding at Town Hall, Auckland on Wednesday April 29.
Among the tour’s most anticipated highlights is the return of Takanaka’s famed surfboard guitar; a full-size guitar crafted from an actual surfboard and performed with only a handful of times before being placed on display for more than a decade. Fully restored for SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026, the instrument will once again appear on stage, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness a revived piece of musical history.
General On Sale will commence on Thursday December 11 at 2pm local at livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz.
As Japanese City Pop continues its remarkable global resurgence; drawing new fans through its sun-drenched nostalgia, dazzling musicianship, and timeless aesthetic; Live Nation remains committed to expanding the reach of these pioneering artists worldwide through its City Pop Waves series.
CITY POP WAVES: MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA
SUPER TAKANAKA WORLD LIVE 2026
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR
THE HORDERN PAVILION, SYDNEY
THURSDAY APRIL 23
DARLING HARBOUR THEATRE (ICC SYDNEY), SYDNEY
FRIDAY APRIL 24
FORUM, MELBOURNE
SUNDAY APRIL 26
NORTHCOTE THEATRE, MELBOURNE
MONDAY APRIL 27
TOWN HALL, AUCKLAND
WEDNESDAY APRIL 29
TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY DECEMBER 11 AT 2PM LOCAL
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: www.livenation.com.au and www.livenation.co.nz