Natsu Zen Kai

Masayoshi Takanaka - Natsu Zen Kai on Blue Vinyl

Natsu Zen Kai, also known as Summer Full Open, captures Masayoshi Takanaka’s unmistakable guitar sound in a sun-drenched mixture of Japanese jazz fusion, reggae, Latin music, funk, and tropical rhythms. Originally released in 1984, the album returns in a newly remastered edition pressed on 180-gram clear deep blue vinyl.

The album opens with “Yokoso, Natsu no Oukoku e,” immediately establishing its warm-weather atmosphere with spoken dialogue, a relaxed reggae rhythm, and Takanaka’s bright, soaring guitar tone. From there, Natsu Zen Kai moves through playful arrangements, energetic percussion, and melodic instrumental passages designed to evoke an endless tropical summer.

Highlights include the lively Latin fusion of “Cuban Heels,” featuring Orquesta del Sol, and the electric funk of “Dancing to Cat Guitar.” Tracks such as “Paradizzy,” “Eyelands,” “Daikoukai Jidai,” and “Neptune” further showcase Takanaka’s ability to combine memorable guitar melodies with colorful, rhythm-driven arrangements.

Created in celebration of Masayoshi Takanaka’s 50th anniversary as a solo artist, this limited Japanese pressing was remastered from high-resolution audio sourced from the original master tapes. Alex Wharton handled the remastering and lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London.

The clear deep blue vinyl was selected to complement the album’s ocean-themed artwork, making this edition an especially striking addition to any Masayoshi Takanaka vinyl collection.

Vinyl Details

• Artist: Masayoshi Takanaka
• Album: Natsu Zen Kai
• Alternative Title: Summer Full Open
• Japanese Title: 夏・全・開
• Format: 1LP
• Vinyl Color: Clear deep blue
• Vinyl Weight: 180 grams
• Edition: Limited first-production pressing
• Original Release Date: July 10, 1984
• Reissue Release Date: June 24, 2026
• Label: Universal Music Japan
• Catalog Number: UPJY-9539
• Remastering and Lacquer Cutting: Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios
• Country: Japan
• Genre: Japanese Jazz Fusion, Funk, Latin Fusion, Reggae

Natsu Zen Kai Tracklist