Rocking On Group Founder Yoichi Shibuya Dies at 74, Leaving a Profound Impact on Rock Culture
Yoichi Shibuya, a music critic and the representative of Rocking On Group, has passed away at the age of 74. The group reported that Mr. Shibuya suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was hospitalized in November 2023, undergoing recuperation and rehabilitation. However, he developed aspiration pneumonia earlier this year. Mr. Shibuya made immeasurable contributions to the Japanese music scene, particularly to the development of rock culture. His remarkable trajectory is as follows: 1971: Began his career as a music critic for the music magazine "Music Life." 1972: At just 20 years old, he founded "Rockin'On," a magazine specializing in criticism and reader submissions of Western rock music. This laid the groundwork for the widespread popularity of Western music, and by extension, rock music, in Japan. Subsequently, he led the Rocking On Group as a publishing house, releasing numerous music magazines including "JAPAN." He planned and managed large-scale ...