Azo compounds represented by general formula (1) or salts thereof are provided as highly water-soluble colorants which have hues of yellow, orange, brown or red, and excellent color development properties and which, when used in various recording processes, particularly in an inkjet recording process, ensure various excellent fastnesses such as light fastness, ozone fastness, and fading balance. Ink compositions containing the colorants are also provided. In general formula (1), R 1 to R 8 are each independently a hydrogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, or the like; and X is C1-8 alkylenediamino, xylylenediamino, or the like.