“At first, I honestly thought it was a joke. Even now, it hasn’t quite sunk in”: Eric Clapton recently named Toshiki Soejima as one of his favorite contemporary Japanese players – now, the neo-soul guitarist has finally met his guitar hero

Toshikini Soejima (left) and Nahokimama (right) meeting Eric Clapton (center).

Toshiki Soejima was first introduced to Eric Clapton's music through his dad, who once handed over a CD of the Robert Johnson cover album, Me and Mr. Johnson. Fast forward to 2025, and Clapton has just named him the contemporary Japanese guitarist the music world should keep an eye on.

"At first, I honestly thought it was a joke," Soejima tells Guitar World of Slowhand's endorsement. "Even now, it hasn’t quite sunk in. In fact, the more time passes, the more surreal it feels – like, did that really happen?"