Gibson CEO Presents Dark Fire to Tak Matsumoto at Gibson Japan’s New Ginza Office Opening Event
Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz presented Dark Fire to Tak Matsumoto, Japan’s biggest rock star and one of the world’s foremost guitarists, at Gibson Japan’s event on Dec. 20, 2008 to celebrate the opening of its new Tokyo headquarters in Ginza.
Tak Matsumoto is the guitarist of B’z, Japan’s best-selling rock band formed in 1988. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, B’z is one of the most popular and successful bands in the history of Japanese music industry. In 2007, B’z became the first Asian artist to be inducted into the Hollywood Rock Walk.
“I really feel proud of Gibson staff who have been making efforts to create new products while carrying on its great tradition. As a member of the Gibson family, I am very happy that Gibson put such thoughts into the launch of the Dark Fire,” said Tak Matsumoto at the opening event.
“Tak Matsumoto has been really a wonderful friend of Gibson, and one of the world’s greatest guitar players, musicians and rock stars,” Henry Juszkiewicz said. “I am thrilled he could be with us here tonight and I am proud to present him with a Dark Fire guitar”.
The presentation of the Dark Fire underscores the established relationship between Gibson and Tak Matsumoto since the company rolled out his first Gibson signature model back in 1999. The canary yellow Les Paul made Tak Matsumoto the first Asian artist to have a signature model of Gibson Les Paul.
Gibson Japan has moved its Tokyo headquarters to Ginza from Shibakoen, Gibson’s significantly reinforced commitment to the Japanese market. Based in Ginza that boasts the world’s prestigious consumer brands, Gibson will further endeavor to meet the growing needs for quality music lifestyles from artists, customers and the public.