The 75th GRist is music producer Masataka Matsutoya!

Mr. Matsutoya is well-known for his passion for photography and cameras. He writes for camera magazines, as a matter of fact. This time, we are featuring him in conjunction with Special Content. We hope you enjoy reading his thoughts on photography, cameras, and the GR, as well as the Special Content.

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It was Hiroshi Fujiwara who introduced me to GR. When he came to visit us, he was taking pictures with it for some reason. Perhaps, it was for his blog. I asked him why he was using this camera, because, as a member of the immediate postwar generation, my impression of Ricoh had ended with the Auto Half. He said, “I love this.” He had a reputation for good taste, so I trusted his recommendation and bought the first-generation GR Digital for myself. The lens was fixed. In other words, if you wanted to compose a picture, you had to move. In the age of zoom lenses, I wondered what on earth this was all about! But once I started using it, I began to see the advantages of the single focal length lens. In fact, I thought that all the basics of photography were there. The size is perfect, too! It fits in your pocket. Some people say, “I don't need it because I have my cell phone.” I also take pictures with my phone when I don't have my camera, but the difference between a phone and a real camera is like the difference between food with and without additives. The GR is like a little big man to me.

Masataka Matsutoya
Born November 19, 1951 in Tokyo.
He began classical piano lessons at the age of 4, and started playing in a band at the age of 14.
At the age of 20, he began his career as a professional studio player, playing in the bands “Caramel Mama” and “Tin Pan Alley” and participating in many sessions.
He has since worked as an arranger and producer for many artists, including Yumi Matsutoya, Seiko Matsuda, Yuzu, and Ikimono-gakari, and has also directed various concerts and events.
He is a member of the Japan Automobile Journalists Association and has been the anchor of “CAR GRAPHIC TV” for many years.
He is also a member of the selection committee for “Car of the Year Japan.