Photo/Illutration Masanori Takumi (Photo by Yumi Gejo)

Japanese composer and arranger Masa Takumi won the Best Global Music Album of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 5, taking home his first Grammy. 

“I’m proud, as a Japanese composer, to receive this honor,” Takumi said. “I’m grateful to the music industry of Japan, which raised me, and that of the United States, which welcomed me.”

The 65th annual music award went to “Sakura,” released in September 2022. Filled with a Japanese flavor, the album showcases the country’s traditional instruments and sounds. 

The artist, born Masanori Takumi, won his first Grammy following two past nominations for projects he participated in. 

The 44-year-old from Osaka Prefecture is the nephew of the late pop star Hideki Saijo, who passed away in 2018.

Meanwhile, South Korean boy band BTS failed to capture a Grammy after being nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with the song “My Universe,” a collaboration with the British band Coldplay.

The award for Best Music Video also eluded the K-pop stars who were nominated in the category with the song “Yet to come.”

All eyes were on BTS because missing out on the award this time may keep the septet away from the prestigious awards ceremony for the coming years.

The group's oldest member, JIN, entered the South Korean military in December 2022 as part of the country's mandatory military service and other members are shifting to solo works.

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