To the uninitiated, Ryo Aska, wearing a dark-coloured suit and a matching tie, looks like any other typical Japanese businessman.
But fans in Asia, especially those who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, know him as one part of the immensely successful Japanese duo Chage & Aska.
The duo took the Japanese music industry by storm with their hits such as Say Yes, Morning Moon and Love Song. Say Yes, written by Ryo Aska himself and released in 1991, was the theme song for the popular Japanese drama 101 Kaime No Propose.
Earlier the same year, Ryo Aska released his single Hajimari Wa Itsumo Ame (There’s Always Rain In The Beginning), bringing him more success as a solo artiste.
The 67-year-old singer-songwriter, who now goes by the name Aska, is holding a concert, Who is Aska? at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Feb 23, as part of his 2024-2025 world tour covering Japan and major Asian cities including Taipei and Seoul.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference to announce the concert last week, Aska said he would perform over 20 songs, hoping to take his Malaysian fans on a journey to reminisce the good old days.
The veteran singer said when he debuted in 1979, he wanted to sing for only three years but discovered a penchant for writing music and performing.
And the rest is history. Within 45 years, he recorded 20 studio albums with Chage and more than 10 albums as a solo artiste.
In 2023 and 2024, Aska collaborated with world-famous producer David Foster, further establishing his name in the international music scene.
When asked if he has plans to retire, he said, "Never.” – Bernama
