Famous Japanese saxophonists
How familiar are you with saxophone players active in Japan?
While overseas saxophonists often get most of the attention, Japan also has a wealth of outstanding musicians!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of players—from superstars who have led the scene for many years to younger musicians who’ve been attracting attention in recent years.
We’re highlighting artists not only from the jazz and fusion worlds, but also those active in classical and pop scenes.
You might even discover the sax player who performed on one of your favorite songs.
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Famous Japanese saxophonists (1–10)
Nothing gonna change my love for youKobayashi Kaori
Born to a piano-teacher mother and a photographer father and raised in Tokyo, she began playing the flute in her junior high school wind ensemble and took up the saxophone in high school.
After enrolling in the Jazz Course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, she made her major-label debut the year after graduating.
Since 2012, she has also been dedicated to nurturing the next generation as a lecturer in her alma mater’s Jazz Course.
Active across genres such as fusion and rock, she also works as a recording and touring member for various artists.
A Taxing WomanHonda Toshiyuki
Toshiyuki Honda is a saxophonist and the son of jazz critic Toshio Honda.
He is also well known as a composer and wrote the theme for the film “A Taxing Woman.” It’s a real treat to hear the composer perform his own work, and it should be helpful for those studying saxophone as well.
Whether you know the film or not, please enjoy.
The Flight of the BumblebeeUeno Kohei
Born in 1992, he began playing the saxophone in his school wind band at age eight and studied under musicians including Nobuya Sugawa.
He graduated from the Department of Instrumental Music at the Tokyo University of the Arts.
He drew attention as a classical saxophonist by winning first prize and the Special Grand Prize at the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition in the saxophone division—the youngest winner in the competition’s history—and by taking second prize at the Adolphe Sax International Competition.
Yet his music is not confined to the classical realm; it keeps evolving in every direction, and it will be fascinating to see where he goes from here.
Famous Japanese saxophonists (11–20)
Lover Come Back To MeYukko Mirā
Yukko Miller, often called the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu of the saxophone world.
Among jazz musicians, her striking hair color and costumes leave a powerful impression—you won’t forget her once you’ve seen her.
Her name might make you think she’s from overseas, but she’s actually from Mie Prefecture and is a highly skilled artist who made her professional debut at 19.
She performs at various festivals and events!
Beat #5Katsuta Kazuki
Kazuki Katsuta, also known by the nickname “katsuo,” is a saxophonist born in 1966 from Kanagawa Prefecture and a member of the fusion band DIMENSION.
For TUBE fans, he’s a familiar face as a touring member.
As a player who deeply admires the legendary David Sanborn, Katsuta’s hallmark is a flexible style that spans everything from orthodox, highly technical performances to jam band–like sounds and emotional, tear-jerking melodies.
In 2012, he released Anison CX, a bold cover collection of anime songs that he sound-produced himself.
Beyond his work in bands and as a session musician, he has also launched the solo project JAFROSAX, continuing to be an active, top-tier player with tireless energy.
Wind, screamTanaka Yasuhito
Yasuto Tanaka was born in 1964 in Wakayama City.
While studying at Kunitachi College of Music, he won prizes twice at the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition.
In addition to pursuing his own solo career, he performs as a member of the saxophone quartet Trouvère Quartet and serves as concertmaster of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.
He also teaches at music universities, mentoring the next generation.
Unlike genres such as jazz, classical saxophone is appealing for its glossy, crystal-clear tone.
Take FiveHagiwara Takashi
Here we have Mr.
Takashi Hagiwara, a saxophonist and graduate of the renowned wind ensemble program at Tenri University.
He began playing in wind band in junior high school, initially on tuba.
He took up the saxophone in high school.
Many of you have probably heard him on the ending theme of the TV program “Heisei Education Committee” and the ending theme of the radio show “All Night Nippon.” He is also the author of the solo sheet music series “Meccha Mote Sax,” and perhaps some of you practiced with these scores in hopes of becoming more popular.