Kazuyoshi Saito

Saito was born to parents who worked for a toy maker in Mibu, Tochigi.{{cite web |title=元日特集）斉藤和義、原発・青春の思い歌に |url=http://www.asahi.com/area/tochigi/articles/MTW20120105090660001.html |work=The Asahi Shimbun |language=Japanese |date=2012-01-01 |accessdate=2021-03-13}} He has two sisters, one older and one younger. He started playing with a guitar in elementary school.{{cite web |title=「モテる40代」の代表格・斉藤和義を支えるルーツ、 そしてふたつの輪とは？ |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/69066 |work=OK Music |language=Japanese |date=2015-02-20 |accessdate=2021-03-13|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607025208/https://okmusic.jp/news/69066|archivedate=2020-06-07}} Due to his elder sister's influence, in junior high and high school he became addicted to hard rock acts like the Michael Schenker Group, Kiss, Aerosmith, Van Halen and AC/DC. Around the same time, he was in a Loudness cover band. Saito graduated from Sakushin Gakuin high school. He dropped out of Yamanashi Gakuin University.

In 1992, Saito appeared on the TBS audition TV show Seiki Roku Wagayateki Denshi Miyake Yūji no Tenka Gomen!. He made his professional debut in August 1993 with the single "Boku no Mita Beatles wa TV no Naka" on BMG's Funhouse record label, and had his first one-man concert at Nissin Power Station on September 17.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義デビュー15周年を祝うオールタイムベスト登場 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/6428 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2008-04-05 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His first album, Aoi Sora no Shita..., followed on September 26, 1993. Saito's 1994 song "Aruite Kaerō" was used in the Fuji TV children's show Hirake! Ponkikki.{{cite web |title=クレモンティーヌが、アニソンカバーで斉藤和義とデュエット |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/85184/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2011-02-25 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His fourth album Fire Dog was released in February 1996.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義の名曲が吉祥寺舞台の映画テーマに |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2002839/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2011-10-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} 15 years later, its song "Sora ni Hoshi ga Kirei" was chosen to be the theme of the 2009 film Kichijōji no Asahina-kun. Saito's first release to reach the top-ten on the Oricon music charts was his 1997 album Dilemma. His seventh album, March 2000's Cold Tube, was his first after switching record labels to Victor's Speedstar. In 2006, Saito and other musicians born in 1966 performed under the name Roots66 for an event put together by FM802.{{cite web |title=1966-Born Artist Project "ROOTS66" Provides "Mr. Osomatsu" 2nd Season ED Song |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/08/07-1/1966-born-artist-project-roots66-provides-mr-osomatsu-2nd-season-ed-song |work=Crunchyroll |date=2017-08-08 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=スガ、和義、斉藤由貴ら1966年生まれ大集合！10年ぶり「ROOTS 66」開催 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/171154 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2016-01-01 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

After 15 years in the music business, Saito's popularity exploded between 2007 and 2008.{{cite web |title=15周年にして再ブレイク！ 斉藤和義の人気が遂にラジオにも飛び火！？ |url=http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/news/jumpup_080926/ |work=Hot Express |language=Japanese |date=2008-09-26 |accessdate=2021-03-13 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212075122/http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/news/jumpup_080926/ |archivedate=2012-12-12}}{{cite web |title=デビュー15年目で超ブレイク？斉藤和義が今熱い |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000042539 |work=Barks |language=Japanese |date=2008-08-13 |accessdate=2021-03-13}} In 2007, his songs "Wedding Song" and "Ai ni Kite" were hits after being featured in popular TV commercials.{{cite web |title=メディアの結婚騒動がCM結婚ソングにも波及 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/41368/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2007-01-21 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} The same thing happened with "Ya Mujō" and "Otsukare-sama no Kuni" the following year, with the former going on to win an Excellent Work Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、アリナミンCMソング続編を緊急リリース |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/10165 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2008-10-14 |accessdate=2021-03-26}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、3月に15周年記念ライブDVDを発売 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/62918/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2009-02-09 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito's March 2007 album Kurenai-ban is officially labelled a "concept album" because the songs are all about love. With few exceptions, it is mainly composed of covers of songs by other artists.{{cite web |title=[斉藤和義] 新作「紅盤」の全貌が明らかに |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/499 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2007-03-01 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His 12th studio album I Love Me was released in October 2007.{{cite web |title=[斉藤和義] 新作引っさげ15周年の全国ツアー |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/3654 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2007-10-05 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} The August 2008 compilation Utautai 15 Singles Best 1993–2007 reached fourth place on the Oricon Albums Chart. Music news websites reported that another reason for the late success was that celebrities, including some of which grew up listening to his music, were publicly praising Saito, such as Ryo Nishikido, Riko Narumi, Kazutoshi Sakurai and Puffy.{{cite web |title=なぜここにきて斉藤和義がアツいのか、その理由 |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/2085 |work=OK Music |language=Japanese |date=2008-08-14 |accessdate=2021-03-13|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422192649/https://okmusic.jp/news/2085|archivedate=2023-04-22}}

Saito covered "Hells Bells" for the March 2008 AC/DC tribute album Thunder Tracks.{{cite web |title=話題のAC/DCトリビュートが続々先行配信開始 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/6146 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2008-03-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He has made guest appearances with the rock band Lazy since 2008. He is a featured artist on the 2009 version of their 1980 song "Kanjite Knight" for the TV show Shin Mazinger Shōgeki! Z Hen!.{{cite web |title=LAZY復活、奥田民生、斉藤和義がサポート |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/63812/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2009-03-06 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito composed the music to "Niji ga Kieru Made", which Kyōko Koizumi sang as the theme of the 2009 film Honokaa Boy.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、『KAZUYOSHI SAITO LIVE TOUR 2011-2012“45 STONES”』先行受付中 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2001795/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2011-09-15 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His song "Don't Worry Be Happy" was a theme song of the variety show Mezanyu~, while "Ai no Akari" was the theme of the TV drama Limit -Keiji no Genba 2-.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義の声で早起き「めざにゅ～」新テーマソング |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/13523 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2009-02-18 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義新曲は「救いを感じさせる」刑事ドラマ主題歌 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/16556 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2009-05-18 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} At Nishikido's request, Saito wrote the title track for his band Kanjani Eight's album Puzzle.{{cite web |title=関ジャニ∞・錦戸 亮が斉藤和義に"お願い"したこととは? |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/65165/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2009-04-13 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He also wrote "Hare Onna" for Puffy's 2009 album Bring It!.{{cite web |title=PUFFY新作「Bring it!」に林檎、細美、斉藤和義が楽曲提供 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/16031 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2009-04-30 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito's album Tsuki ga Noboreba was released in September 2009, and includes "Phoenix" which he wrote in memoriam Kiyoshiro Imawano.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義待望のニューアルバム「月が昇れば」リリース決定 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/18892 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2009-07-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} For Fumiya Fujii's 2009 album F's Cinema, Saito wrote the song "Tsumihoroboshi".{{cite web |title=藤井フミヤコラボ第2弾に石野卓球、The Birthdayら参加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/19324 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2009-07-31 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Saito provided vocals to "Kimi to Boku 2010" for Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra's 2010 album World Ska Symphony.{{cite web |title=スカパラ新アルバムにCrystal Kay、斉藤和義が参加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/26887 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2010-01-27 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His own album, Are You Ready?, was released in October 2010 and won an Excellent Work Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.{{cite web |title=「レコ大」大賞候補にいきもの、AKB48、植村花菜ら |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/40908 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2010-11-20 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His music video for "Zutto Suki Datta", which recreated The Beatles' rooftop concert, later won Best Male Video at the 2011 Space Shower Music Video Awards.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、新曲PVでポール・マッカートニーを熱演 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/30111 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2010-04-06 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=スペシャ「MVA」大賞はカエラ、サカナ、RADWIMPSの手に |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/47619 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2011-04-10 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Image:TatsuyaNakamura Tokyo August2016 (3).jpg to form the duo Mannish Boys in 2013.]]

Saito covered "Uguisu" for the 2011 Reichi Nakaido tribute album OK!!! C'mon Chabo!!!, and recorded a duet version of his own 1994 song "Aruite Kaerō" in French with Clémentine for her album Zoku Animentine.{{cite web |title=CHABOトリビュートにさだまさよし、民生、YO-KINGも参加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/42073 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2010-12-15 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} In June 2011, Saito formed the rock duo Mannish Boys with drummer Tatsuya Nakamura. They had their first concert at the Join Alive music festival on July 24, and their second at the Fuji Rock Festival on July 31.{{cite web |title=北海道フェス〈JOIN ALIVE〉に斉藤和義×中村達也、ユニコーン追加 |url=https://tower.jp/article/news/2011/06/21/79247 |work=Tower Records |language=Japanese |date=2011-06-21 |accessdate=2021-03-13}}{{cite web |title=〈FUJI ROCK FES〉第8弾でJIMMY EAT WORLD、8ottoら31組追加 |url=https://tower.jp/article/news/2011/06/16/79101 |work=Tower Records |language=Japanese |date=2011-06-16 |accessdate=2021-03-13}} Saito's October 2011 album 45 Stones includes two songs written with Nakamura and his own version of "Niji ga Kieru Made". It reached number two on the Oricon, sold 28,000 copies in its first week, and was supported by a 42-date national tour.{{cite web |title=【オリコン】テゴマス新作がアルバム首位 斉藤和義は19年目で初のTOP3 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2003041/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2011-10-25 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、42公演全国ツアー開幕「粗探ししないでね」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2003490/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2011-11-07 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito wrote and performed "Yasashiku Naritai" to be the ending theme of the 2011 TV drama Kaseifu no Mita.{{cite web |title=【オリコン】『家政婦のミタ』主題歌が7週ぶりTOP10 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2005141/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2011-12-27 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} It has sold over 2.5 million physical and digital copies,{{cite web |title=斉藤和義コナン曲でアニメ主題歌初挑戦 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20130301-1091547.html |work=Nikkan Sports |language=Japanese |date=2013-03-01 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} making it one of the best-selling singles in Japan. That year he also wrote the number one single "Boku no Hanbun" for the boy band SMAP.

Saito is a featured guest on "Naraku to Sōshitsu Kibō to Yume" from Number the.'s January 2012 album Night Songs, and covered "Angel" for the Imawano tribute album King of Songwriter ~Songs of Kiyoshiro Covers~.{{cite web |title=Number the.新アルバム「ナイトソングス」に斉藤和義参加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/62220 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-01-04 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=吉井和哉、忌野清志郎カバー集で87年のあの名曲に挑戦 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/66391 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-03-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He wrote his May 2012 single "Gekkō" to be the theme of the TV drama Kazoku no Uta, and composed the music to "(500) Nichi no Magic" for Halcali's album Halcali no Okawari.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、オダジョー主演ドラマで「家族」を歌う |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2008709/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2012-03-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=HALCALI新作でO.T.Fオカワリ！斉藤和義、SHINCOら参加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/68373 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-04-25 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito recorded his own version of "Hare Onna" for the July Puffy tribute album Puffy Covers.{{cite web |title=氣志團、Birthday、魂、ウルフら16組がPUFFY名曲カバー |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/69628 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-05-18 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Mannish Boys released their first album, Ma! Ma! Ma! Mannish Boys!!!, on September 19, 2012.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義新作アルバム＆MANNISH BOYSデビュー盤同発 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/72677 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-07-10 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} That same day Saito released the special album One Night Acoustic Recording Session at NHK CR-509 Studio, which as the title suggests is a studio live album recorded in a single night. Under the pseudonym {{nihongo|Saitō Maraemon|齋藤摩羅衛門}}, he is a featured guest on "Himegimi Shake!" from Rekishi's December album Rekimi.{{cite web |title=レキシ新作ゲストは斉藤和義、Salyu、真城めぐみ、山口隆 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/77525 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-10-01 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} "Yasashiku Naritai" won an Excellent Work Award at the 54th Japan Record Awards, and Saito performed it at the 63rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of the year.{{cite web |title=第54回『レコ大』各賞発表 AKB、斉藤和義らが大賞候補 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2018968/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2012-11-22 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義　紅白出場は誤算！？「"ガキ使"が見れないなと…」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2012/11/26/kiji/K20121126004645650.html |work=Sponichi |language=Japanese |date=2012-11-26 |accessdate=2021-03-13}}

Saito marked his 20th anniversary as a professional musician in 2013 and held his first arena tour to 35,000 people.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、20年で初の単独アリーナ公演「これからもヨロチクビ」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2022606/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2013-03-14 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He wrote "One More Time" to be the theme of the anime film Detective Conan: Private Eye in the Distant Sea, and "Kagerō" for the live-action film adaptation of Kiyoku Yawaku.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、映画『潔く柔く』主題歌にスローバラードを書き下ろし |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2027183/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2013-08-01 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He released two studio albums that year, Saito and Kazuyoshi. The former collects the singles he released since 45 Stones and his own versions of two songs he wrote for other artists, "Puzzle" and "Tsumihoroboshi", while the latter album is all new material.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義『20周年を迎え感じる意識の変化とは？"好きなシングル"ランキングも発表☆』 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/763/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2013-10-22 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} They reached numbers 2 and 3 on the Oricon, respectively. The albums' tour featured 62 performances in 55 cities and mobilized 140,000 people. Throughout the year, Saito also collaborated with Takashi Hamazaki on "Detarame" for his January 2013 album Gachi × Dachi, with Ren Takada on "Machi Bōke" for his June album Ensemble, and with Kaela Kimura on a cover of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" for her October album Rock.{{cite web |title=浜崎貴司新作に民生、和義、CHABOら"ガチダチ"参加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/81255 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2012-12-07 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=高田漣新作にYMOメンバー、小山田、知世ら豪華ゲスト |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/88790 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2013-04-15 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=カエラが靖幸、民生、岸田、和義、チャット、細野とコラボ |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/99962 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2013-09-24 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Mannish Boys released their second album, Mu? Mu? Mu? Mannish Boys!!!, in September 2014 and went on their first one-man tour.{{cite web |title=MANNISH BOYSツアー前に2年ぶりアルバム |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/123089 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2014-08-07 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito wrote, produced and performed all the instruments on "Player" for Mari Natsuki to sing as the ending theme of the anime Ronja, the Robber's Daughter.{{cite web |title=夏木マリ×斉藤和義、アニソンで"説教ソング" |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/125161 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2014-09-03 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He also collaborated with Shinobu Otake on a cover of Miyuki Nakajima's "Kitsune Kari no Uta" for Otake's December 2014 album Utagokoro Koigokoro.{{cite web |title=大竹しのぶコラボ盤に鬼龍院翔ら参加、曲目も |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/129465 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2014-10-23 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Saito wrote "Jun Ai" for Masayuki Suzuki to be included on his March 2015 compilation All Time Best ~Martini Dictionary~.{{cite web |title=鈴木雅之、ベスト盤に斉藤和義提供曲＆大滝詠一の参加音源も |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/138171 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2015-02-09 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He also composed, produced, co-wrote and is featured on Kavka Shishido's 2015 song "Don't Be Love".{{cite web |title=シシド・カフカ、新曲は斉藤和義と共作 斎藤工主演ドラマ主題歌に |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/special/763/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2015-03-23 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito covered "Shiroi Parasol" by Seiko Matsuda for the Takashi Matsumoto tribute album Kazemachi de Aimashō.{{cite web |title=作詞活動45周年 松本隆ワールドを草野・和義・YUKIら歌う |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2052440/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2015-05-03 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He is a featured musician on "(Just Like) Starting Over" and "Mō Ichido Sekai o Kaeru no Sa (Album Ver.)" from Theatre Brook's July 2015 album Love Changes the World.{{cite web |title=シアターブルック豪華ゲスト参加のアルバム全曲試聴スタート |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/153561 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2015-07-10 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito's October 2015 album To the End of the Wind was recorded in Los Angeles with musicians such as Darryl Jones, Money Mark and Charley Drayton, and reached number two on the charts.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義2年ぶりフルアルバム発表、初回盤付属DVDは7年分のMV収録 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/159496 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2015-09-09 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=【オリコン】斉藤和義、キャリア25年で初首位 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2107851/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2018-03-20 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He held a 62-date national tour from November 2015 to May 2016.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、追加公演で武道館2DAYS ＆最新MV公開 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/166780 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2015-11-21 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Saito appears on two songs from Ohashi Trio's February 2016 album 10 (Ten), providing guitar on "Ai de Kimi wa Kirei ni Naru" and featured vocals on "Koisuru Rider".{{cite web |title=大橋トリオ、新アルバムで斉藤和義とコラボ |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/170545 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2015-12-25 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He wrote and is featured on "Don't Cry Baby" from Toko Furuuchi's March 2016 album Toko Furuuchi with 10 Legends.{{cite web |title=古内東子、ホールコンサートで斉藤和義ら"レジェンド"と生デュエット |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/190919 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2016-06-15 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} After 10 years, Roots66 was revived with many more participating musicians for three performances in March and April 2016. Saito wrote "Muddy Water" to be the theme of the TV drama Fukigen'na Kajitsu, and "Ikisaki wa Mirai" to be the theme of the film Samurai Hustle Returns.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、栗山千明×市原隼人の不倫ドラマに主題歌書き下ろし |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/184114 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2016-04-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、映画『超高速!参勤交代 リターンズ』主題歌書き下ろし |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2073156/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2016-06-10 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} In October 2016, Mannish Boys released their third album Uruwashi no Furasuka.{{cite web |title=MANNISH BOYS、約2年ぶりの新作は「Naked」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/306852 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-11-06 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Saito wrote, co-composed and features on "Zatchunōza" for Special Others' March 2017 album Special Others II.{{cite web |title=「この曲は宝物」SPECIAL OTHERS、斉藤和義との念願コラボに歓喜 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/216358 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2017-01-11 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} His 1997 song "Utautai no Ballad" was chosen to be the theme song of the May 2017 anime film Lu over the Wall.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義「歌うたいのバラッド」、湯浅政明監督の最新アニメ映画主題歌に決定 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/217375 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2017-01-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He wrote "Iden" for the TV drama Gekokujō Juken and "I'm a Dreamer" for the drama Izakaya Fuji, which is about an actual izakaya that he knew.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、新曲は連ドラ『下剋上受験』主題歌 4年ぶり弾き語りツアーも発表 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2082567/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2016-12-06|accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web|title=斉藤和義、TVドラマ『居酒屋ふじ』に主題歌 「I’m a Dreamer」書き下ろし|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000143103|work=Barks|language=Japanese|date=2017-06-10|accessdate=2021-03-20}} As Roots66, Saito and 26 other musicians recorded the song "Let's Go! Muttsugo! ~Rokushoku no Niji~" to be an ending theme of Mr. Osomatsu in October. Saito covered "Tasogare My Love" for the November 2017 Yū Aku tribute album Chikyū no Otoko ni Akita Tokoro yo ~Aku Yū Respect Album.{{cite web |title=阿久悠トリビュート盤にゆきりん＆まゆゆ、CKB、島袋寛子、ISSAら |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/254899 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2017-10-31 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Saito's March 2018 album Toys Blood Music, which he recorded almost entirely by himself, became his first number one record.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義の新作アルバム詳細発表、初回盤はタイアップ曲収めた特典CD付き |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/265557 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-01-17 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Its national tour featured 47 performances in 41 cities. Saito covered Elephant Kashimashi's "Kakedasu Otoko" for the Elephant Kashimashi Cover Album 3 ~A Tribute to The Elephant Kashimashi~.{{cite web |title=エレカシトリビュート第3弾にスカパラ×高橋一生、田島貴男、リトグリmanakaら |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/267498 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-01-31 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} To celebrate his 25th anniversary, he held a nine-date anniversary tour and released the compilation album Utautai 25 Singles Best 2008–2017 in July.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義デビュー25周年ツアーは武道館2DAYS含む9公演 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/273123 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-03-12 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義デビュー25周年記念シングル集発売、本人選曲の"裏ベスト"付き |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/283286 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-05-22 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} On July 11, 2018, Saito, Yohito Teraoka (Jun Sky Walkers), Tamio Okuda, Takashi Hamazaki (Flying Kids), Yo-King (Magokoro Brothers) and Tortoise Matsumoto announced the formation of a supergroup called the Curling Sitones. Each member is a multi-instrumentalist with all of them at-least being able to provide vocals and guitar and, like the Traveling Wilburys, each uses a pseudonym featuring "Sitone"; Saito goes by {{nihongo|Saito Sitone|斉藤シトーン|Saitō Shitōn}}.{{cite web |title=奥田民生・斉藤和義・トータス松本ら"全員50代"新バンド結成 9・23デビューライブ |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2115335/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2018-07-11 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} They formed for a concert on September 23, 2018, at Zepp Tokyo celebrating Teraoka's 25th anniversary as a musician.

Saito wrote the lyrics to and is featured on "Mystery Train" and "Hana Ichi Monme" from Yoshitaka Minami's September 2018 album Dear My Generation.{{cite web |title=デビュー45周年の南佳孝、斉藤和義ら迎えたニューアルバム発売 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/301212 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-09-26 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} On November 8, Saito organized a concert at Zepp Diver City featuring numerous other musicians such as his Curling Sitones bandmates, Chara, Yōko Oginome, Yasuyuki Okamura and Sakura Fujiwara where the proceeds went to reconstruction from the 2018 Japan floods.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義の復興支援ライブに荻野目洋子登場 奥田民生らが"バックダンサー"に |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2123257/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2018-11-11 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito wrote "Color" for the 2018 film Kazokuiro -Railways Watashi-tachi no Shuppatsu-.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、有村架純＆國村隼ダブル主演「RAILWAYS」最新作に主題歌提供 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/295882 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2018-08-17 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Mannish Boys released an EP titled Naked in January 2019. Saito wrote "Are" to be the theme of the TV drama Your Home is My Business! 2nd Attack, and co-composed "Beautiful Dreams" for Kemuri vocalist Fumio Ito's March 2019 album Friendship.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義『家売るオンナ』続編の主題歌に決定 北川景子「心に響く楽曲」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2125770/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2018-12-19 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}{{cite web |title=斉藤和義や難波章浩が曲提供、伊藤ふみおソロアルバム「FRIENDSHIP」3月に発売決定 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/319668 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2019-02-12 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} He also played guitar on "Okusoko no Uta" from Takehara Pistol's September album It's My Life.{{cite web |title=竹原ピストル、全国ツアーに代々木第一＆ファイナル大阪城ホール追加 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/346286 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2019-09-04 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Using lyrics that Momoko Sakura wrote about him before she died, Saito composed "Itsumo no Fūkei" to be an ending theme of the anime adaptation of Sakura's Chibi Maruko-chan.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、11・20『ちびまる子ちゃん』EDシングル コラボジャケット解禁 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2146694/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2019-10-16 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito wrote nine songs for the musical Rockabilly Jack by Yukinojo Mori.{{cite web |title=屋良朝幸、斉藤和義とのコラボに感激「想像もつかなかった」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2150061/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2019-12-05 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} The Curling Sitones' first album Hyojo no Rogue was released in November 2019.{{cite web |title=カーリングシトーンズ代表曲が『日本カーリング選手権大会』初のテーマソングに |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2155070/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2020-02-10 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Their song "Suberi Shirazu Shirazu" was named the theme song of the 2020 Japan Curling Championships, the first ever in the competition's history.

Saito's 20th studio album 202020 was released in January 2020.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、20枚目アルバムは「202020」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/357530 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2019-11-29 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} That year, he wrote "Junpu" to be the theme song of Junji Takada's TV show Jun Sanpo.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、『じゅん散歩』新テーマソングを書き下ろし 高田純次も絶賛 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2165121/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2020-06-22 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Saito's next album, 55 Stones, was released in March 2021.{{cite web |title=来年55歳になる斉藤和義、通算21作目となるニューアルバム「55 STONES」リリース |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/410580 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2020-12-26 |accessdate=2021-03-20}} Pineapple followed in April 2023, with its English-language title track that features Sakura Fujiwara.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義ニューアルバムは「PINEAPPLE」、ジャケットに本人作の招き猫|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/512266 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2023-02-09 |accessdate=2023-04-16}} On December 25, 2023, it was announced that Saito had formed the duo Okamura Kazuyoshi with Yasuyuki Okamura. One of impetuses for the group was when Saito appeared on Okamura's NHK Radio 1 show Okamura Yasuyuki no Come On Everybody in January 2020 and the two improvised a song together on the spot.{{cite web |title=岡村靖幸と斉藤和義がユニット「岡村和義」結成、全国8都市12公演のツアー開催|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/554659 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2023-12-25 |accessdate=2025-01-19}} "I Miss Your Fire" was released digitally on January 17, 2024, and was followed by "Haru, Hakudaku" on February 14, which is based on the improvised song from 2020.{{cite web |title=岡村靖幸＆斉藤和義の新ユニット、恋心を軽快に歌う第1弾楽曲リリース|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/557331 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2024-01-17 |accessdate=2025-01-19}}{{cite web |title=岡村和義のバレンタインは「春、白濁」|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/560806 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2024-02-12 |accessdate=2025-01-19}} Their first album, Wakaba, was released on May 16. Their first tour began on the same day and saw them play 12 shows in eight cities. Okamura Kazuyoshi won Best Collaboration at the 2024 GQ Men of the Year Awards.{{cite web |title=岡村靖幸と斉藤和義の岡村和義、目標は海外でも活動すること「2人とも静かな野心は持っている」|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/602349 |work=Natalie |language=Japanese |date=2024-12-05|accessdate=2025-01-19}}

Saito married a woman of the same age, who works as a writer, in 1995. After 15 years of marriage, they had their first child, a boy, on June 3, 2010.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義に第1子男児誕生 |url=https://beauty.oricon.co.jp/news/76973/full/ |work=Oricon |language=Japanese |date=2010-06-07 |accessdate=2021-03-20}}

Saito has collaborated several times with author Kōtarō Isaka. Isaka quit his company job and focused on writing after hearing Saito's 1997 song "Kōfuku na Chōshoku Taikutsu na Yūshoku".{{cite web |title=斉藤和義との出会いから生まれた伊坂幸太郎の恋愛⼩説集『アイネクライネナハトムジーク』が映画化 |url=https://rockinon.com/news/detail/174068 |work=Rockin' On |language=Japanese |date=2018-03-11 |accessdate=2021-03-13}} The author wrote the 2007 short story "Eine Kleine" after receiving a request for song lyrics from Saito, and a character in it is named after the musician.{{cite web |title=伊坂幸太郎と斉藤和義、2人の"出会い"が生み出した『アイネクライネナハトムジーク』の面白さ |url=https://realsound.jp/book/2019/10/post-430086.html |work=Real Sound |language=Japanese |date=2019-10-13 |accessdate=2021-03-13}} Saito wrote the song "Very Very Strong -Eine Kleine-" based on the story, and Isaka then wrote a story titled "Light Heavy" in response that was included with the limited edition of the single. When Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, the Isaka collection that includes the two previously mentioned stories and others, was adapted into a film in 2019, Saito provided its music. Saito previously provided music to the film adaptations of Isaka's Fish Story, Golden Slumber and Potechi.{{cite web |title=斉藤和義、伊坂幸太郎原作の映画『ポテチ』の音楽を担当 |url=https://rockinon.com/news/detail/56538 |work=Rockin' On |language=Japanese |date=2011-08-18 |accessdate=2021-03-13}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.kazuyoshi-saito.com/ Official website]
• [http://mannishboys.jp/ Mannish Boys Official website]
• [http://curlingsitones.com/ Curling Sitones Official website]
• [https://okamurakazuyoshi.com/ Okamura Kazuyoshi Official website]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Saito, Kazuyoshi}}

Category:1966 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century Japanese male singers

Category:20th-century Japanese singer-songwriters

Category:20th-century Japanese guitarists

Category:21st-century Japanese male singers

Category:21st-century Japanese singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century Japanese guitarists

Category:Japanese male singer-songwriters

Category:Japanese male rock singers

Category:Japanese rock guitarists

Category:Japanese multi-instrumentalists

Category:Singers from Tochigi Prefecture

Category:Folk rock musicians

Category:Japanese folk musicians