Chage

2.1. Birth and Childhood

Chage was born Shuji Shibata on January 6, 1958, in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyūshū, Fukuoka Prefecture. His family later relocated to Fukuoka City, his parents' hometown, in March 1971. During his elementary school years, Chage was an active sports enthusiast, participating in the baseball club, and later joined the soccer club in middle school.

2.2. Education

Chage attended Fukuoka Daiichi High School. After high school, he enrolled in Japan University of Economics (then First Keizai University), where he became a member of the light music club. His family had a long-standing tradition of running a tempura restaurant in Fukuoka City's Nishi-dori, and his father initially intended for Chage to succeed him as a chef. However, Chage's growing passion for music led him to drop out of the university.

2.3. Early Musical Influences

Chage's strong interest in music began when he was deeply impacted by the songs of Yosui Inoue just before his high school entrance exams. His uncle, a fervent fan of The Beatles, played a significant role in shaping Chage's early musical tastes by encouraging him to listen to their music, leading Chage to become a devoted fan himself. When Chage's debut was confirmed, his uncle gave him a ticket stub from The Beatles' Japan concert as a good luck charm. Chage's older brother also had a high-pitched singing voice and was considered a better singer by relatives, which sometimes led to comments questioning why Chage was pursuing a singing career.

3.1. Popcon Participation and Debut

Chage's path to professional music began during his high school years when he met ASKA (then known as Shigeaki Miyazaki), who was a fellow student and a rival musician, known in school as an inter-high kendo representative. Their first memorable encounter occurred when Chage was playing a Tulip song on guitar in a classroom, and ASKA, entering the room, asked if it was an original composition. Chage, on impulse, falsely claimed it was, leading ASKA to reportedly think of him as a "genius."

In 1978, while still in university, Chage was invited by ASKA to participate in the 15th Yamaha Popular Song Contest (Popcon) Fukuoka tournament. Chage entered separately from ASKA, who had prior experience in the contest. Chage won the Grand Prix, securing a spot in the Kyushu tournament, while ASKA received the Best Vocalist Award. Inspired by his victory, Chage immediately called his father to inform him that he would not be inheriting the family restaurant.

A Yamaha director suggested that Chage and ASKA form a duo. They competed as "Chage" at the Kyushu tournament, earning the "Excellent Song Award." Later that year, they entered the 16th Popcon as "Chage & Asuka" (initially a seven-member band), reaching the finals held in Tsumagoi, Shizuoka Prefecture, where they received an "Award." They continued to pursue the Grand Prix in the 17th Popcon in 1979 but again received an "Award." Despite not winning the top prize, Yamaha recognized their talent and began discussions for their debut. The decision was made for them to debut as a duo, which, after some deliberation and the consent of their five bandmates, they accepted. Their final performance as a seven-member band was a guest appearance at the 18th Popcon Kyushu tournament.

On August 25, 1979, Chage and ASKA officially debuted as Chage & Asuka (later known as CHAGE and ASKA) with the single "Hitori Zaki" released under Warner Pioneer (now Warner Music Japan).

4.1. CHAGE and ASKA / MULTI MAX Activities

Chage's career began with CHAGE and ASKA, one of Japan's most successful musical duos. In 1984, he collaborated with Yuko Ishikawa to release "Futari no Ai Land" under the name "Yuko Ishikawa and Chage," which became a major summer hit. In 1989, Chage expanded his musical endeavors by forming the band MULTI MAX with Keisuke Murakami and Hiromi Asai. Between its formation and 1997, MULTI MAX released seven singles and seven albums.

On January 30, 2009, CHAGE and ASKA announced an indefinite hiatus to allow both members to focus on their respective solo careers. This period of solo activity continued until May 17, 2014, when ASKA was arrested on drug-related charges. In response to this incident, the CHAGE and ASKA fan club, "TUG OF C&A," was suspended on August 31, effectively leading to the duo's disbandment. Chage publicly expressed his deep disappointment and offered apologies to fans and associates regarding the situation.

4.2. Solo Activities

Chage launched his solo music career in April 1998, 19 years after his debut with CHAGE and ASKA. His initial solo release was the best album "恰克 CHAGE精選集" for the Asian market, followed by a concert at the Shanghai Gymnasium. He then released the best album "CHAGE BEST SONGS/PROLOGUE" in Japan and performed a solo concert at Nippon Budokan. In September 1998, he released his first solo single, "Tokyo Tower," followed by his first solo album, "2nd," in October. He also embarked on the "CHAGE CONCERT TOUR Feeling Place" and held his inaugural countdown live event, "CHAGE 1998 FINAL COUNT DOWN," at Shibuya Public Hall.

In 2005, Chage took on the roles of producer, cameraman, and music composer for the short film missing pages. This film was featured as an invited work at the "SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL EXPO 2005" held during Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan, and subsequently garnered multiple awards at international short film festivals.

In 2008, Chage released the single "waltz" and the album "Aishiteru," the latter notably featuring Chage without his signature sunglasses on the album cover for the first time in 23 years. He then commenced the "CHAGE CONCERT TOUR 2008 Aishiteru." From 2009 onwards, his artist name was officially standardized to "Chage." In March 2009, he released the collaboration album "Many Happy Returns," which included covers and self-covers, notably a re-recorded version of "Futari no Ai Land" with Yuko Ishikawa, marking their first duet in 25 years. The following month, in April 2009, he released his first photo book, Kasha! Shashin de Tsuzuru Shiawasena Onpu. This period also saw the inception of his "Chakai" (Tea Party) events and "Chage no Hosomichi" (Narrow Path) tours.

In 2010, Chage held the "CHAGE no Sakamichi 'Shibuchakai'" event at SHIBUYA ENTERTAINMENT THEATER PLEASURE PLEASURE. He released the single "Mawase Ōkina Chikyūgi" and the album "&C" concurrently with ASKA's self-cover album. In December 2010, he initiated the "ChageLiveTour10-11 'Mawase Ōkina Chikyūgi'," for which he named his touring band "Chagetles," a playful homage to The Beatles, reflecting the British rock influence in his album "&C."

In 2011, Chage appeared in a Mister Donut commercial alongside Riisa Naka, performing a parody of "Futari no Ai Land" as the commercial's jingle. During his "Chage no Hosomichi 2011" tour, he offered an early release of his single "TOKYO MOON" exclusively at concert venues before its general release. The "Chagetles" band reunited for the "ChageLiveTour2012" in 2012, with Kyoichi Sato joining as the new drummer. He also released the single "GO! GO! GO!" as a venue-limited CD, which was later made available digitally in May. In August, he hosted "Chage no Chakai 2012 -Za Ai Tōyoko Hama-" at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, with Goro Matsui contributing to the script and composition.

In 2013, Chage held "Chage no Chakai 2013 -Za Ai Tōyoko Hama- Again" in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Yokohama. In April 2014, he embarked on the "Chage Fan Meeting Tour 2014 -Aoi Handkerchief o...-," selling the single CD "Nagai Tsuitachi" exclusively at tour venues and through his online shop. On September 1, 2014, Chage launched his official website and commenced the "ChageLiveTour2014 -equal-," performing with his new tour band, "1/6." He also held his first dinner show in December of that year. On July 6, 2022, Chage released the digital single "Sōiu Hito," accompanied by a music video.

4.3. Songwriting and Contributions

Chage has actively contributed as a songwriter and composer for various artists, showcasing his versatility beyond his own performances. He has also participated in numerous collaborative projects and made guest appearances on other musicians' works.

Songwriting for Other Artists

Collaborative and Guest Appearances

• 2009: Participated in Katsuhisa Hattori's 50th anniversary album Katsuhisa Hattori, performing on the track "Murasakino '09."
• 2011: Featured on Susumu Nishikawa's "3-gatsu no Tanpopo Chage no OTOMODACHI Daisakusen ver.," which served as the ending theme for the JFN network's earthquake recovery support program, SEVEN Spirits.
• 2012: Appeared on Junko Yagami's cover album VREATH ~My Favorite Cocky Pop~, contributing to "Naomi no Yume" (included as a bonus track on the Hybrid Disc edition).
• 2013: Collaborated with Sekaiichi on their self-cover album and10 (2003~2013), performing on "Kids Are Alright 'and' Chage."
• 2015: Featured on Tomohiko Nishimura's (of SING LIKE TALKING) original album WONDERLAND, performing on "Shiawase ni Shiteru Kai ~Koibitotachi no 80's~."

5.1. Concert Tours

Chage's major solo concert tours have included:

• CHAGE Shanghai Kōen Concert** (1998): Two performances at the Shanghai Gymnasium.
• CHAGE "Ōini Utau" in Budōkan** (1998): A single, significant concert at Nippon Budokan on June 22.
• CHAGE CONCERT TOUR Feeling Place -Supported by NEC-** (1998): A tour of 13 performances across various cities, including Nagoya, Kanagawa, Omiya, Sapporo, Sendai, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo.
• CHAGE CONCERT TOUR 2008 Aishiteru** (2008): A tour with 10 performances across Japan, including Fukuoka, Osaka, SHIBUYA-AX, and Nagoya.
• Chage no Hosomichi 2009** (2009): An extensive acoustic concert tour with 35 performances across numerous cities, including Musashimurayama, Ritto, Akashi, Yamato Takada, Tsukuba, Takasaki, Sendai, Akita, Kagawa, Asahikawa, Obihiro, Otaru, Mie, Yamanashi, Shiki, Kurashiki, Hatsukaichi, Kudamatsu, Kumagaya, Chiba, Kannai, Murakami, Fukue, Nagasaki, Chikugo, Kagoshima, and Kamakura.
• Chage no Hosomichi 2010** (2010): A tour of 15 performances in cities such as Toda, Hachioji, Okegawa, Hamamatsu, Suzuka, Kanagawa, Ritto, Kaizuka, Kashihara, Meitetsu, Yoneko, and Osaka.
• ChageLiveTour10-11 "Mawase Ōkina Chikyūgi"** (2010-2011): A tour of 13 performances, featuring his band "Chagetles," in cities like Misato, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Sendai, Sapporo, Tochigi, Chukyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
• Chage no Hosomichi 2011** (2011): A tour with 19 performances, including Saitama, Yokohama, Tokorozawa, Yokosuka, Meitetsu, Maebashi, Niigata, Osaka, Kobe, Omura, Nakama, Ishikawa, Takayama, Gyotoku, Kurashiki, and Nihonbashi.
• ChageLiveTour2012** (2012): A tour of 5 performances in Nagoya, SHIBUYA-AX, Osaka, and Sendai, again featuring "Chagetles."
• ChageLiveTour2014 ~equal~** (2014): A tour of 10 performances with his band "1/6," visiting Sendai, Zepp DiverCity (TOKYO), Hiroshima, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, EX THEATER ROPPONGI, and Sapporo.
• Chage Live Tour 2015 ~Tenshi ga kureta Hammer~** (2015).
• Chage Live Tour 2016 ~Mō Hitotsu no LOVE SONG~** (2016).
• Chage Hall Tour 2017 ~Have a Dream!~** (2017).
• Chage Live Tour 2017 ~Enkei / Landscape~** (2017).
• Chage Live Tour 2018 ◆ CRIMSON ◆** (2018): Five performances in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
• Chage Live Tour 2019 feedback** (2019): Five performances in Nagoya, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka.
• Chage 2019 Shanghai Concert** (2019): A single performance at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center in China.
• Chage Live Tour 2020** (2020): Five performances in Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
• Chage Live Tour 2021 ~Boot up!!~** (2021): Nine performances in Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo.
• Chage no Zutto Hosomichi 2022** (2022): Six acoustic live performances in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Ehime.
• Chage Billboard Live "64 to 65"** (2022-2023): Six performances at Billboard Live venues in Osaka, Yokohama, and Tokyo.
• Chage no Zutto Hosomichi 2023** (2023): Thirteen acoustic live performances across Aichi, Shizuoka, Okayama, Osaka, Kanagawa, Hokkaido, Niigata, Ishikawa, Miyagi, and Tochigi.
• Chage Live Tour 2023 WINDY ROAD** (2023): Four performances in Aichi, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo.
• Chage Billboard Live "65 to 66"** (2023-2024): Six performances at Billboard Live venues in Yokohama, Osaka, and Tokyo.
• Chage no Zutto Hosomichi 2024** (2024): Twenty-one acoustic live performances across Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Tochigi, Chiba, Hokkaido, Aomori, Nagano, Toyama, Nagasaki, Aichi, and Okinawa.
• Chage Live Tour 2024 ~Chage tte Iu Hito~** (2024): Six performances in Fukuoka, Osaka, Aichi, Miyagi, Hokkaido, and Tokyo.

5.2. Fan Meetings and Special Events

Chage frequently engages with his fanbase through special events and fan meetings. His "Chakai" events are conceptualized around different keywords for each iteration, often featuring multiple performances at a single venue, though some have expanded to national tours. The "Chage no Hosomichi" tours are designed as intimate acoustic concerts where Chage visits various cities, including those he hasn't been to in a long time or for the first time.

Notable fan meetings and special events include:

• LIVE DI:GA SPECIAL 1998 CHAGE 1998 FINAL COUNT DOWN** (1998-1999): A countdown live at Shibuya Public Hall.
• Sennen Yoru Ichiya Live ~Fukuoka Dome Bokura ga Home~** (1999-2000): A three-part concert at Fukuoka Dome featuring Chage (as part of MULTI MAX), ASKA, and CHAGE and ASKA.
• TUG OF C&A PRESENTS Sennen Yoru Ichiya Live 5.1ch Digital Surround Taikan Event Featuring CHAGE** (2000): A series of 25 immersive events.
• CHAGE Haku 2005 ~Time Machine ni Onegai~** (2005): Six fan club events.
• Utau Mon ni wa "Chage" Kitaru! "Chakai" Special Live 10days at Sogetsu Hall** (2009): Ten performances.
• Chage no Sakamichi "Shibuchakai"** (2010): Seven performances at SHIBUYA ENTERTAINMENT THEATER PLEASURE PLEASURE.
• Chage no Chakai 2011 ~Ginza Now!~** (2011): Six performances at Le Théâtre Ginza by PARCO.
• Chage Talk Live After Party ~De, Nani Sun no?~** (2012): Four talk events.
• Chage no Chakai 2012 ~Za Ai Tōyoko Hama~** (2012): Six performances at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
• Chage no Chakai 2013 ~Za Ai Tōyoko Hama~ Again** (2013): Six performances in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Yokohama.
• TUG OF C&A PRESENTS Chage Fan Meeting Tour 2014 ~Aoi Handkerchief o...~** (2014): An extensive fan meeting tour with 31 performances.
• Christmas Dinner show 2014** (2014): One performance at Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa.
• Chage Year End Dinner Show 2014** (2014).
• Chage Fan Meeting 2015 ~57-sai Hajimete no...~** (2015).
• Chage Christmas Dinner show 2015** (2015).
• Chage Year End Dinner Show 2015 ~Yume no Dai Bounenkai~** (2015).
• Chage Fan Meeting 2016 ~Koko ga Fanmi no Domannaka!~** (2016).
• Chage X'mas Dinner Show 2016** (2016).
• Chage Fan Meeting 2017 ~Doremi-fa♪ Family♪~** (2017).
• Chage Christmas Dinner show 2017** (2017).
• Chage Fan Meeting 2018 ~Hai Cheese! Kashashashin♪~** (2018).
• Chage Solo Debut 20th Anniversary & CRIMSON YEAR Kinen Event ~Chanto Iwatte Kureru ka na?~** (2018): One performance at Zepp Tokyo.
• Chage Christmas PARTY 2018** (2018).
• Chage Christmas Dinner show 2018** (2018).
• Chage Fan Meeting 2019 ~Douse Yatte Kurenai N Darou na...~** (2019): Eleven performances.
• Chage Christmas Dinner Show 2019** (2019).
• Chage New Year & Birthday Party 2020** (2020).
• Chage Fan Meeting 2020 ~Saikin Dou?~** (2020): Eleven performances (though some may have been impacted by global events).
• Chage Online Live 2020 ~Kimi ni Aitai Dake~** (2020): A single online live performance.
• Chage Christmas Party 2020** (2020).
• Chage 2021 Winter Event ~Chagekuri kara no... Happy Hosomichi~** (2021): Twelve performances.
• Chage FAN MEETING 2023 @Spa Resort Hawaiians** (2023): An event held at Spa Resort Hawaiians.
• Chage FAN MEETING 2024 @Spa Resort Hawaiians** (2024): Two events at Spa Resort Hawaiians.

Tour Members
Chage has performed with various backing bands and musicians throughout his solo career:

• Chage no Chakai / Chage no Hosomichi (Acoustic)**: Chage (vocals & guitar, ukulele), Tadahide Yoshikawa (guitar), Hitoshi Watanabe (bass), Hisako Nemoto (percussion, until 2011), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard, 2012-2013 Chakai), Chie Sawaguchi (narration, 2012-2013 Chakai), Goro Matsui (planning/composition, 2012-2013 Chakai).
• Chagetles**: This band name, a playful take on The Beatles, was used for the "ChageLiveTour10-11 'Mawase Ōkina Chikyūgi'" and "ChageLiveTour2012." Members included Chage (vocals & guitar), Fumina Hisamatsu (vocals), Keisuke Murakami (guitar & vocals), Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Takehiro Kojima (bass), Hisashi Ichinose (drums, replaced by Kyoichi Sato in 2012), Tetsuya Kobayashi (keyboard).
• 1/6 (One Slash Six)**: Formed for "ChageLiveTour2014." Members: Chage (vocals & guitar), Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Keisuke Murakami (guitar & vocals), Fumina Hisamatsu (vocals), Takehiro Kojima (bass), Kyoichi Sato (drums), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard). This name was reused for the "Chage Live Tour 2023 WINDY ROAD" and "Chage Billboard Live '65 to 66'," with members Chage, KB (guitar), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Naoko Yamada (bass), Yuko (chorus), and Kyoichi Sato (drums).
• Tenshi ga Kureta Hammer**: Chage (vocals & guitar), Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Kyoichi Sato (drums), Takehiro Kojima (bass), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Yoshihiko Haga (guitar), Yuko Ishibashi (chorus).
• Mō Hitotsu no LOVE SONG**: Chage (vocals & guitar), Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Jun Tanaka (drums), Takehiro Kojima (bass), Yoshihiko Haga (guitar), Yuko Ishibashi (chorus).
• Have a Dream! (The Primrose Hills)**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Naomi Oshima (drums), Naoko Yamada (bass), KB (guitar).
• Enkei / Landscape**: Chage, Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Jun Tanaka (drums), Takehiro Kojima (bass), Kouchi Hamaguchi (guitar), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Yuko Ishibashi (chorus).
• CRIMSON (The Crimsons)**: Chage, Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Naomi Oshima (drums), Naoko Yamada (bass), KB (guitar), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Yuko (chorus).
• feedback**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Yoshihiko Haga (guitar, only August 31), Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), KB (guitar), Naoko Yamada (bass), Naomi Oshima (drums), Yuko (chorus).
• Kimi ni Aitai Dake**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), KB (guitar).
• Boot up!!**: Chage, Susumu Nishikawa (guitar), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Naoko Yamada (bass), Yuko (chorus), Kyoichi Sato (drums).
• Chagekuri kara no... Happy Hosomichi**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), KB (guitar), Yoshiaki Chiyonobu (guitar), Daisuke Miki (percussion).
• Chage no Zutto Hosomichi**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), KB (guitar), Daisuke Miki (drums & percussion), Tadahide Yoshikawa (guitar, special guest for Tokyo performances in 2022).
• 64 to 65**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Kouchi Hamaguchi (guitar, Osaka 2022), Susumu Nishikawa (guitar, Yokohama/Tokyo 2022-2023), Naoko Yamada (bass), Kyoichi Sato (drums), Yuko (chorus).
• ちゃげっていうひと (Chage with 1/6)**: Chage, Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Kyoichi Sato (drums), Naoko Yamada (bass), KB (guitar), Hiroto Tateoka (guitar, from theSoul), YUKO (chorus), Kentaro Kono (chorus, from theSoul). This lineup recorded the album Kazarino Nai Uta, with self-covered titles noted as "-1/6 ver -."

Dinner Show Musicians

• 2014**: Hitoshi Watanabe (bass), Tsuneo Imahori (guitar, Dec 21), Takashi Saikai (guitar, Dec 28), Ikuo Kakehashi (percussion), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), AMAZONS (chorus).
• 2015-2016**: Hitoshi Watanabe (bass), Takashi Saikai (guitar), Ikuo Kakehashi (percussion), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), AMAZONS (chorus).
• 2017**: Hitoshi Watanabe (bass), KB (guitar), Yasuo Sano (drums), Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), AMAZONS (chorus).
• 2018**: Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Naoko Yamada (bass), Naomi Oshima (drums), KB (guitar), Mika Shirasawa (violin), Yuko Ohtaki (chorus).
• 2019**: Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Naoko Yamada (bass), Naomi Oshima (drums), KB (guitar), Ryoko Okouchi (violin), Yuko Ohtaki (chorus).
• 2020 (1)**: Rie Rikiishi (keyboard), Naoko Yamada (bass), Naomi Oshima (drums), KB (guitar), Kazunari Suma (violin).
• 2020 (2)**: Rie Rikiishi (piano), Yoshihiko Haga (guitar), Naoko Yamada (bass), Kyoichi Sato (drums), Yuko (chorus).

5.3. Festival and Event Appearances

Chage has made numerous appearances at various music festivals and special events:

• Expo 2005 "SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL EXPO 2005"** (2005)
• Naoto Otomo PRODUCE POPULAR WEEK** (2008)
• 6th Yuzawa Field Music Festival** (2008)
• CHAGE SUMMER CONCERT in OISO** (2008)
• Ongaku de Tsunagu Asia no Kizuna Osaka Asia Ongakusai** (2008)
• Live W Kogarashi no Concerto** (2008)
• AIR-G' FM Hokkaido "GOTCHA!" presents 'CHAGE Acoustic Xmas Night'** (2008)
• Tokyo Bunka Kaikan POPULAR WEEK 2009 Produced by Naoto Otomo** (2009)
• Super Generation 2009 ~Ryoichi Hattori, Katsuhisa, Takayuki Sandai Concert~** (2009)
• DEBUT 30TH ANNIVERSARY Chage ACOUSTIC LIVE 2009** (2009)
• Summer Greeting Live Chage In Azumino** (2009)
• Monbetsu produced by Tadahide Yoshikawa** (2009)
• Otodama OTODAMA SEA STUDIO 2009 ~Chage no Yorimichi Nagisa Hen Chagezons~** (2009)
• Aki no Sagajo Honmaru Goten FM Saga Radio Matsuri** (2009)
• Chage no Yorimichi Nagisa Hen ~Oonami~Konami~** (2010)
• Nippon Paper Presents Sapporo Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert vol.8** (2010)
• Mori e no Ongaishi Concert 2010** (2010)
• LOVE FOR HAITI** (2011)
• Miyagi Bikkinokai Presents Higashi Nihon Daishinsai Shien LIVE ~Dream Chain~** (2011)
• MJQ WEDDING PRESENTS Date fm Yūsuzumi Concert Let's go TOHOKU ~AYA for EAST JAPAN~** (2011)
• Tsuruoka Hachimangu Hōnō Live Concert Kamakura Ongakusai Tsurumai 2011** (2011)
• LOVE RADIO Kyou Koko ni Iru to Iu Koto** (2012)
• Sound Messe in Osaka 2014 "Yamaha Music Japan YAMAHA presents SPECIAL LIVE"** (2014)
• Yamaha Acoustic Mind 2014 ~ L Series 40th Anniversary Special Live ~** (2014)
• LOVE no Kyou Koko Osaka ni Iru to Iu Koto** (2015)
• Souvenir ~Sōon no Utahime~** (2016)
• Bokura no Popcon Age 2016 ~Forever Friends, Forever Cocky Pop~** (2016)
• @Acoustic Party 2016 10th Anniversary produced by Tadahide Yoshikawa** (2016)
• Rakuen Ongakusai 2016 35th Anniversary Stardust☆Review with Nna Ahona Horns in 20th Teatron** (2016)
• Minna no UHB Live** (2016)
• Chage Collaboration Live Special with Oku Hanako & Yuji Nakata Presented by "THE MUSIC TRAVEL"** (2016, cancelled)
• Rakuen Ongakusai 2016 35th Anniversary Stardust☆Review with Nna Ahona Horns in Tendōshi Wakuwaku Land Yagai Stage** (2016)
• Kenta Maeno Debut 9th Anniversary Performance "Kashu da"** (2016)
• LIVE SDD 2017** (2017)
• Kyou Koko Tokyo ni Iru to Iu Koto ~6-nenme no Omedetou~** (2017)
• Otoichi Otoza 2017** (2017)
• Chieko Mizutani (Tomochika) Keep on Shining Kayōsai 2017** (2017)
• Bokura no Popcon Age 2017 ~Forever Friends, Forever Cocky Pop~** (2017)
• Keep on Smiling for Children Project in Hieizan Enryakuji ~Kodomotachi no Atarashii Ashita e~** (2017)
• Katsuhisa Hattori ~Sanju no Ongakukai~** (2017)
• Otona Heavy Rotation Live Vol.4** (2017)
• ONE＋NATION music circus in Miyakonojo 2018** (2018)
• Bokura no Popcon Age 2018 ~Forever Friends, Forever Cocky Pop~** (2018)
• Sakae Minami Ongakusai 2018** (2018)
• IMPERIAL JAZZ 2018** (2018)
• Kuro Fes 2018 ~Shirokuro Utagassen~** (2018)
• GORO MATSUI SONGBOOKS Vol.10** (2018)
• Heijōkyō Tenpyōsai FM OH! Dramatic LIVE** (2018)
• Keiji Kawashima & Sonoda Orchestra String Quartet & SPECIAL Guest Chage Holiday Concert 2018 'The Sacred Moment'** (2018)
• Dear BEATLES 2019** (2019)
• Bokura no Popcon Age 2019 ~Forever Friends, Forever Cocky Pop~** (2019)
• Tesshi Nayoro Matsuri Chage Live Stage** (2019)
• Keiji Kawashima no "Kimi no Tame ni Utai Maho" Special Stage with Chage** (2020)
• Keiji Kawashima no "Kimi no Tame ni Utai Maho" Special Stage with Chage ~Dai 2 Dan~** (2020)
• Bokura no Popcon Age Online 2020 ~Forever Friends, Forever Cocky Pop~** (2020)
• Keiji Kawashima STRINGS CONCERT 2020 ~My Sweet Ume Town~** (2022)
• Olympic Torch Relay Ignition Ceremony Kinen Special in Mojikō Chage Mini Live** (2022)
• PREMIUM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONCERT feat. Chage, Keiji Kawashima** (2022)
• Cocky Pop Concert 2023** (2023)
• Umi no Zekkei Cruise ~Tsunoshima, Kamigoto, Kinko Bay~** (2023)

Chage fes. 2015 ~Oto Fureau mo Tashō no En~
Chage organized his own music festival, "Chage fes. 2015 ~Oto Fureau mo Tashō no En~," which took place on January 17 and 18, 2015.

• Participating Artists**:
  • January 17, 18**: Chage, Chage fes.band (Ba: Hitoshi Watanabe, Gt: Susumu Nishikawa, Dr: Kyoichi Sato, Key: Rie Rikiishi, Cho: AMAZONS (Tomoko Yoshikawa, Kumi Saito, Yuko Ohtaki), Gt: Keisuke Murakami (guest member)).
  • January 17**: Keiji Kawashima, Shikao Suga, chay.
  • January 18**: Kenta Maeno, Motoo Matsumoto (GOING UNDER GROUND), Hitomi Yaida.
  • Opening Act (Jan 17-18)**: Nijū-hasshō.

6.1. Radio Appearances

Chage has hosted and appeared as a guest on numerous radio programs:

• Hitachi Hello Saturday Chage & Yuko no Music Plaza (October 6, 1984 - May 30, 1987, Bunka Broadcasting)
• Super FM Magazine: CHAGE no NORU SORU (October 3, 1989 - March 1994, Tokyo FM)
• CHAGE no Rajio (April 5, 1994 - February 28, 1995, Tokyo FM)
• CHAGE no Treasure Box (April 6, 1998 - December 25, 2000, Tokyo FM), part of DEEPER STREET (1998-1999) and Radio Ōgon Jidai (1999-2000)
• Konya wa Chage Raccho (July 7, 2003 - December 29, 2003, Air-G')
• DAY BREAK FRIDAY -CHAGE no DAYBREAK TIME- (April 6, 2007 - March 26, 2010, JFN network)
• Chage no Otomichi (April 4, 2010 - present, JFN network)
• Chage no Big Special: Mayonaka no Ongaku-shitsu (October 27, 2011 - March 29, 2012, Tokyo FM)

6.2. Television Appearances

Chage's television appearances include regular roles and guest spots on various shows:

• P-Stock (April 17, 1998 - September 25, 1998, Fuji Television)
• Collab Lab: Yume no Ongaku Kōbō (April 8, 2008 - March 24, 2009, WOWOW) where he was a regular alongside Aya Matsuura.
• M Live (April 28, 2009 - March 23, 2010, TBS)
• Shabekuri DJ Chage no Music Hour! (November 9, 2016 - present, Kayo Pops Channel)
• Guest appearance on UTAGE! Haru no Saiten! Ano Dai Hit Kyoku Utai Odoru Utage no 2-jikan SP (March 31, 2015, TBS).
• He also appeared on Fuji TV's HEY!HEY!HEY! MUSIC CHAMP on August 30, 2004, where he discussed his first meeting with ASKA.
• On TBS's Utaban on November 17, 1998, he shared stories about the origin of his professional name.
• During TV Asahi's Music Station Millennium SP on January 1, 2000, he mentioned The Beatles' Abbey Road as his favorite album.

6.3. Commercial Appearances

Chage has featured in commercials for several brands:

• 1998: NEC corporate commercial.
• 2011: Mister Donut "Cool Misted" commercial, where he performed a duet with Riisa Naka.
• 2021: McDonald's "McDonald's de, Hawaii Now!" commercial.

7.1. Family and Personal Anecdotes

Chage, whose birth name is Shuji Shibata, comes from a family that operated a Japanese tempura restaurant in Fukuoka for generations. His father initially intended for him to become a chef and inherit the family business. Chage has an older brother who also possesses a high-pitched singing voice and was, by many accounts from relatives, considered a better singer than Chage, leading to some surprise when Chage pursued a professional music career.

Despite his public image as a sociable and witty individual, particularly during live performances and television appearances, ASKA reportedly described Chage as being shy with strangers. ASKA also noted that Chage is adept at understanding and fulfilling the character that the public expects of him.

Chage is a devoted fan of the Irish singer Enya. A significant personal event occurred on the final day of his 2008 concert tour when his first child, a son, was born.

Regarding his appearance, Chage began wearing sunglasses around 1985, coinciding with the release of his best album Standing Ovation. By around 1990, he adopted a style of slicked-back hair often accompanied by a hat or bandana. In late 1996, he started growing a beard. In recent years, he is frequently seen wearing a hat and sunglasses, often without a bandana.

9.1. Major Musical Achievements

Chage has achieved significant milestones throughout his career, both as part of the duo CHAGE and ASKA and as a solo artist. His collaboration with Yuko Ishikawa on "Futari no Ai Land" became a major summer hit in 1984. His solo debut in 1998 was marked by the release of a best album for the Asian market and a concert at the Shanghai Gymnasium, followed by a domestic best album and a solo concert at the prestigious Nippon Budokan.

His artistic endeavors extended beyond music with the short film missing pages in 2005, which he produced and scored. This film garnered international acclaim and received multiple awards at various short film festivals. Throughout his solo career, Chage has consistently maintained a presence on the music charts with his albums and singles, demonstrating his enduring appeal and musical output.

9.2. Musical Influence and Legacy

Chage's work, both as a member of CHAGE and ASKA and through his solo projects, has left a notable impact on the Japanese music industry. His distinctive vocal style and songwriting contributions have influenced the landscape of Japanese popular music. His deep respect for The Beatles is evident, notably in his naming of his touring band "Chagetles." He is widely recognized for his powerful and engaging live performances, which have captivated audiences throughout his extensive touring history.