Akira Takasaki is a heavy metal artist from Osaka in Japan. A multi-instrumentalist, Akira Takasaki is best known for his role as the guitarist in Loudness. He has also been involved with a number of other bands and projects, including M.T. Fuji, Lazy, Misako Honjoh, Jasmine Sky and Ji-Zo. As a solo performer,Akira released his first album in 1982, releasing a couple of albums too in the 1990s. Between 2001 and 2007, Akira focussed more on his solo project, releasing a further eight albums. Akira Takasaki's solo work has its base in traditional heavy metal and shred, although an element of alternative metal was introduced over time.