While it might be a stretch to suggest it's a confirmation of the growing global appeal of Japan's "soft power" – its cultural exports – the fact remains that four Japanese artists were awarded Grammys, the most that anyone can remember in one glitzy LA night.
Tak Matsumoto from veteran rock band B'z shared the award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for his guitar performance in "Take Your Pick," a joint album made with American jazz fusion guitarist Larry Carlton. According to the Shibuya store of Japan's largest music and video rental chain store operation Tsutaya, all copies of Mr. Matsumoto's newest album were sold or rented out by Tuesday morning. "Take Your Pick" also soared to fourth place on Amazon Japan's best selling CD ranking, just behind – inevitably –all-conquering girl group AKB48's latest album.
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