Hiroaki Tagawa is a Japanese blind guitarist/composer/arranger known for his unique playing style and incredible techniques.

　　　Biography

Tagawa started playing the piano at the age of 5, Koto (Japanese harp) at 8, the acoustic guitar at 9, and the electric guitar at 13.
As he learned the guitar by himself and any instruction books/videos couldn't show him the "normal" way of playing visually, Tagawa developed a unique playing style with his left hand over the guitar neck to push down the strings on the fretboard in the same manner as the piano and Koto. Nothing in his upside-down style interferes with him playing aggressive rock riffs, beautiful and emotional melodies, and passionate lightning-speed shredding.

Starting his professional career in his late teens, Tagawa keeps on working hard for so many recording sessions, live shows and TV/radio programs.

2006 Joined in Minoru Niihara (the vocalist of Japanese world-famous heavy metal band LOUDNESS)'s solo album "Ashes to Glory" as the guitarist, composer and co-producer.
2007 Performed at Chinese big music festival "MIDI MUSIC FESTIVAL" in Beijing.
2009 Performed at Japanese big music festivals such as SUMMER SONIC and LOUD PARK.
Released the 1st solo album "Fly Away".
2012 Released the 2nd solo album "Ave Maria".
2014 Composed the official song "Kimi wo Nosete" (Drive with you) for MAZDA FAN FESTA 2014.
2017 Released the compilation album "Theme Park", comprised of the advertising jingles and official songs he composed for various events, local public authorities, TV/radio programs, commercial films, etc.
2018 Toured in Bangkok and Hong Kong.
2019 Released the single "Sky" recorded in Los Angeles with American musicians.
2021 Played the guitar at the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics with Japanese renowned guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei.