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 saxophone players (21–30)
Nakamura Seiichi
In addition to his work as a performer, tenor saxophonist Seiichi Nakamura serves as a professor in the Jazz Course of the Instrumental Music Major at the Faculty of Music, Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
“Just Friends,” performed by a quartet with piano, bass, and drums, showcases the tenor in a rendition that combines depth and lightness.
Georgia on My Mindheigen makoto
Makoto Hirahara, also known as the father of Ayaka Hirahara, was born into a musical family—his father was also a trumpeter.
As a studio musician, he has taken part in recordings and tours for artists such as Anzen Chitai, B’z, Spitz, Tatsuro Yamashita, and Masashi Sada, so many people have likely heard his performances without realizing it.
You can also hear his playing in anime songs.
He is an artist who continues to demonstrate a wide-ranging, multifaceted talent.
Famous Japanese saxophonists (ages 31–40)
Fade into LightNakamura Kensa
Mr.
Kensa Nakamura, a native of Tokyo, has a unique background: after graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, he worked at Honda R&D and even earned an invention patent thanks to his outstanding performance, but in 2002 he left the corporate world to become a street musician.
In 2018, he composed On Brand-New Stage to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Aderans Co., Ltd.
He continues to steadily perform on the streets as a busker today.
His passion and focus when he commits to something are truly remarkable.
Softly As In A Morning SunriseKōketsu Ayumi
Ayumi Koketsu is a female saxophonist from Gifu Prefecture.
Her surname is unusual, so her name is one you’re likely to remember after hearing it once.
Influenced by her father, who played the trombone, she began piano at the age of three, joined a school wind band in junior high, and started playing the alto saxophone.
She took up jazz in high school and later studied it at a vocational school.
She made her major-label debut in 2010.
She is a performer whose superb playing goes beyond the category of “female saxophonist.”
Rocking chairTakahashi Tatsuya
Tatsuya Takahashi is a jazz tenor saxophonist from Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture.
The songs by “Tatsuya Takahashi and Tokyo Union,” the band he led, have a unique charm.
Let their sound carry you as you spend time swaying gently and unhurriedly.
Tohoku (Solo Voice-and-Guitar ver.)Umezu Kazutoki
Kazutoki Umezu is known for performing mainly free jazz.
In the 1980s, he also became well known as a supporting member of RC Succession.
His approach to playing gives the impression that he isn’t particularly conscious of genre, engaging in musical activities that transcend categories.
He is one of those artists whose strong individuality truly shines.
BE ALL SMILESKayō Masaki
Masaki Kayō, an alto saxophonist with a brilliant track record who won both the Grand Prize and the Best Soloist Award simultaneously at the Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest while enrolled in the School of Science and Technology at Meiji University.
Born in 1978 and immersed in music from an early age, Kayō has a broad, global career that includes recording with the Count Basie Orchestra.
He serves as lead alto in groups such as the Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band and Masaru Uchibori & MU BIGBAND, while also being highly active as a session musician and recording artist.
In June 2020, he performed his own composition “BE ALL SMILES” online and released the video.
Its fusion-flavored, sophisticated melody makes for a positive and pleasantly memorable tune—be sure to check it out!
