Takuro Kubo (born 26 May 1971), known professionally as TAKURO, is a Japanese musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the guitarist, leader, and primary lyricist of the rock band GLAY.
Early life
Takuro was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. He grew up with an older sister in a single‑parent household after the death of his father when he was three years old.
Career
Formation of GLAY
In 1988, while attending high school in Hakodate, Takuro formed GLAY with classmate Teruhiko Kobashi (later known as Teru). The band later added guitarist Hisashi and bassist Jiro after relocating to Tokyo following graduation. GLAY debuted in 1994 with the single “RAIN,” released on Platinum Records after receiving support from X JAPAN drummer YOSHIKI.
Role in GLAY
As the group’s leader, Takuro is responsible for the majority of GLAY’s songwriting and lyrical composition. He plays rhythm guitar and keyboards, and has contributed to the band’s musical direction, which blends rock, pop, and various other styles such as reggae, gospel, and electronic music. Under his leadership, GLAY achieved major commercial success in the late 1990s and 2000s, with hit singles such as “HOWEVER,” “誘惑,” and “SOUL LOVE,” and has sold tens of millions of records in Japan.
Solo projects and collaborations
Takuro has released solo instrumental albums, most notably the 2016 solo project “Journey without a Map,” produced in collaboration with Takashi Matsumoto. He has also written and produced songs for a range of Japanese artists, including Miho Nakayama, Hikaru Utada, and Tak Matsumoto. In addition, he participated in a collaborative music project titled “Stealth” with Toki of the band C:4.
Other activities
Beyond recording, Takuro has authored several books, including an autobiography and photo collections. He hosted the radio program “Glay Radio Communication DX” on Tokyo FM until 2005.
Personal life
Takuro married Japanese model Seri Iwahori in May 2004. The couple has two children: a son born in October 2005 and a daughter born in October 2007. He maintains residences in Japan and Los Angeles, United States.
Legacy
Takuro is regarded as a central figure in Japanese rock music, noted for his prolific songwriting and influence on GLAY’s sustained popularity. His contributions have shaped the band’s sound and lyrical themes, earning GLAY a reputation comparable to that of Western rock icons.
