So much, in fact, that his old songwriting partner Paul Simon once wisecracked on the Late Show with David Letterman that Garfunkel was the kind of guy who has walked the length of Japan without being able to speak a word of Japanese. It was a true story – Garfunkel did hike the length of the country in 1982.

If he’s learned the language since then, he’ll have a chance to try it out – and maybe get some more walking in – beginning September 26 when he launches an extensive tour of Japan at the Koseinenkin Hall in Hiroshima.

He’ll be in the country for almost a month, performing in 17 cities including a two-night stand at the Orchard Hall in Tokyo.

Garfunkel hasn’t recorded a new album since 1997’s Songs From A Parent To A Child, and the concert recording Across America (Live) the same year, but continues to tour extensively.