Matsuo Kiyoshi

Began writing as a journalist on R&B and hip-hop while still a student at Waseda University, and went on to build a career based on his extensive travels overseas, carrying out exclusive interviews with major figures like James Brown and Quincy Jones. Started work as a musician from the mid-1990s, sparked by his friendship with Kubota Toshinobu. Has enjoyed success as a producer with artists including Hirai Ken and Tōhō Shinki, selling a total of more than 30 million records. Prizes include the 50th Japan Record Awards, in 2008, where he won for the song “Ti Amo” by Exile, for which he wrote the music and words and also acted as producer.