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)
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.
sunflowerSakata Akira
Akira Sakata is one of Japan’s foremost saxophonists.
His unique musical world is showcased on albums such as “Counter Clockwise Trip” and “Peking,” captivating many fans.
His broad range of activities— including his friendship with Tamori and appearances in commercials for Teijin and KINCHO— is also part of his appeal.
He is also known as a researcher of water fleas (Daphnia), and in 2003 he received a special commendation from the Plankton Society of Japan.
Sakata’s great charm lies in his accomplishments that extend far beyond music.
Famous Japanese saxophonists (11–20)
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.
YES OR NOTerakubo Erena
Elena Terakubo, who began playing the saxophone at the age of nine, was already performing publicly by middle school.
At 13, she became the youngest recipient of the Boston Berklee Award.
In 2010, during her senior year of high school, she made her major debut, then studied abroad at Berklee College of Music in the United States, and subsequently built a brilliant career based in New York.
Her powerful performances—transcending gender, age, and nationality, and grounded in tireless effort—are truly compelling.
We look forward to seeing what she does next.
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.
Only a handfulMiyazaki Takamutsu
Takayuki Miyazaki is known as the saxophonist who was a member of T-SQUARE.
He also plays the EWI, which he began practicing after it was decided he would join T-SQUARE.
He started playing saxophone at age 13 when he entered Konan Junior High School in Kobe, and in September 1992 he went to the United States to enroll at Berklee College of Music.
Since leaving T-SQUARE in 2000, he has been active with his own projects and units.
He has also joined tours for artists such as Yuji Oda and Toko Furuuchi.