“One key lesson I took from the Japanese Blues Scene is the value of protecting and preserving tradition. In Japan, many blues musicians really prefer the traditional style. Their strong devotion to the classic sound made me see how important it is to study tradition.”

Hideaki Tanaka: Rising Sun Blues

Hideaki Tanaka is a blues guitarist from Osaka, Japan. Deeply influenced by B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King, he has developed an energetic and contemporary approach while staying rooted in the blues tradition. Inspired by Otis Rush, Tanaka moved to Chicago in 1999, where he spent four years immersed in the city’s blues scene. During that time, he performed with various local artists and bands, appearing at renowned venues such as Kingston Mines, Blues on Halsted, and Rosa’s Lounge. In 2004, he contributed to Carlos Johnson’s album “In and Out”, further deepening his connection to the Chicago blues tradition. Hideaki says: “I have a deep respect for traditional blues, but I am always searching for ways to weave fresh ideas into its fabric and create a modern sound that still carries blues soul. My passion never fades because the blues always reveal new discoveries.”                                            (Photo: Hideaki Tanaka)

In 2026, he released “Blues – It’s Powerful Stuff”, a collaborative album with Carlos Johnson, bringing together years of musical exchange and shared passion for the blues. Hideaki says: “The first time I heard Carlos Johnson’s guitar at Kingston Mines, it felt like he handed me a blazing torch, a flame that never goes out. His playing showed me the depth and joy of expressing the blues.”

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music taught me that even dreams that seem impossible can come true if you have a pure heart and real passion to pursue them. When I first met Carlos Johnson in Chicago, I was overwhelmed by how incredible he was.  I thought there was no way someone like me could ever play with a musician of that level. But twenty-six years later, I was able to release this album, “Blues-It’s Powerful Stuff,” with Carlos, something I never imagined back then. Through music, I learned that passion, sincerity, and hard work can open doors I never imagined.  

One of the biggest moments that changed my musical life happened when I was 20.  Before going to Chicago, I was deeply into Otis Rush and had been studying his music for quite some time.  One night in Chicago, I got a chance to play with him.  I felt excited to play, but as soon as I stepped on stage, I realized I didn’t have anything original to play. Otis Rush was right there, and he was playing his licks and phrases.  Should I play the same licks and phrases?  Of course not. I felt embarrassed and ashamed because I didn’t know what else to play. That’s when I realized I need my own voice.  

It's important to learn from great artists and take in their style. Blues wouldn’t exist without the masters who came before us. But what matters most is making those influences your own and expressing them in your way. That night on stage, music taught me how important it is to be yourself. It's a lesson I’ll never forget.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What keeps a musician passionate over the years in Blues music?

I would describe my sound as being rooted in traditional blues, but open to many different influences. When I was eight, my uncle gave me two CDs: Earth, Wind & Fire’s Raise! and Quincy Jones’ The Dude. I was hooked right away by the funky grooves, soulful sounds, and catchy pop melodies, and I listened to them over and over. As a teenager, I got into hard rock, especially bands like Led Zeppelin, Extreme, and Mr. Big. I tried playing their songs by ear, and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot from their music. I have a deep respect for traditional blues, but I am always searching for ways to weave fresh ideas into its fabric and create a modern sound that still carries blues soul. My passion never fades because the blues always reveal new discoveries.

The first time I heard Carlos Johnson’s guitar at Kingston Mines, it felt like he handed me a blazing torch, a flame that never goes out. His playing showed me the depth and joy of expressing the blues. Whenever I listen to legends like B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King, their music stirs my soul and inspires me.  My passion for the blues does not need to be maintained; it fuels me and grows stronger every year.

“Preserving blues as part of our culture and history matters, but people everywhere also need and enjoy this music. That's why so many still listen to and appreciate it today. Blues festivals, live shows, and jam sessions happen all over the world. People come together to play, dance, and listen.” (Photo: Hideaki Tanaka with Chicago bluesman Carlos Johnson, and Japanese musicians; Yohei Kisanuki, Shigeo “Sanpei” Hirayama, Hiromi Takai)

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Japan?

I’m not sure, but I think one reason the blues has so many devoted fans in Japan is that many people here are sensitive to invisible and mysterious forces. Some music impresses us with technical skill, and that can be amazing. But the blues go beyond just technique. The bending of notes, or the squeeze playing of Albert King, can’t really be measured. The blues connect with us on a deeper level, reaching our hearts and souls and stirring feelings we can’t always explain. I think we feel and welcome this powerful, mysterious energy.

What do you miss nowadays from the blues of the past?  What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss most are the true giants: Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush. They were more than just great musicians. Each of them had a soul and a sound so rare and unique that nothing can fill the space they left behind. Losing them is a loss that cannot be measured.

Yet, they left behind a treasure that the world still loves: the blues. Their music lasts, reaching through time and inspiring every new generation. So, I don’t worry about the future because I know that as long as people listen to the blues, it will live on.

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?

Releasing the album “Blues- It’s Powerful Stuff” with Carlos Johnson is one of the highlights of my career. Playing side by side with someone who influenced my music was like seeing a dream come true. I feel proud to share our music with people everywhere.

Yet, one of my favorite memories is the quiet days Carlos and I spent at his house after he came home from the hospital. We had plenty of time, and he patiently taught me guitar for hours each day. I learned a lot from him, but what I valued most was the simple happiness we shared. Those warm moments together mean more to me than any excitement I felt on stage. It might not seem like a milestone, but it is still one of the most important times in my life.

“It's important to learn from great artists and take in their style. Blues wouldn’t exist without the masters who came before us. But what matters most is making those influences your own and expressing them in your way. That night on stage, music taught me how important it is to be yourself. It's a lesson I’ll never forget.” (Photo: Hideaki Tanaka with the late great bluesman Otis Rush)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the Japanese Blues Scene?

One key lesson I took from the Japanese Blues Scene is the value of protecting and preserving tradition. In Japan, many blues musicians really prefer the traditional style. Their strong devotion to the classic sound made me see how important it is to study tradition. From Chicago blues, I learned that tradition can also lead to freedom and progress.

The first time I saw Chico Banks play live in Chicago, I was amazed by how modern his guitar style sounded. He was so technical, and his approach felt very different from traditional blues, which was incredible to witness. That moment showed me that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Chicago blues musicians respect their roots, but are not afraid to try new things. From these two blues scenes, I learned that it’s important to respect your roots and traditions, but also to have the courage to move forward.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it, and present it to the new generation in Japan?

I want to make blues music that feels alive right now. For example, on the album, we give 'I Just Want to Make Love to You' a funky twist. If someone hears it and asks, “Who wrote the original song?” and then discovers Muddy Waters, that would be the greatest honour. By bringing a modern touch to my music, I hope to inspire the next generation. Right now, I’m working on new songs and arrangements for my next album, which I plan to release next year.

The challenge is making the music sound modern while keeping that primitive, wild, and rough blues feeling. But I know the blues won’t lose their power just because I add my own colors. After all, Blues- It’s powerful stuff, you know.

Why is it important for us to preserve and spread the blues?  What is the role of music/ musicians in today’s society?

Preserving blues as part of our culture and history matters, but people everywhere also need and enjoy this music. That's why so many still listen to and appreciate it today. Blues festivals, live shows, and jam sessions happen all over the world. People come together to play, dance, and listen. This shows how powerful and energetic blues is, and why it matters. In a way, blues stays alive because it inspires people, not just because we try to preserve it.

Music has enormous power to touch people’s hearts. As musicians, we are just a small part of that. If my music can make someone’s day a bit better or help them forget their worries for a moment, then I believe that’s when our work truly matters.

(Hideaki Tanaka / Photo by Teruhiko Hotta)