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 (ages 31–40)
ALL IS FINETakeda Shinji
Shinji Takeda made his debut in 1989 when, as a high school student, he won the second Grand Prix of the Junon Superboy Contest.
He was already known for playing the saxophone, and in recent years he’s also become popular for his muscular image.
Takeda, who started playing saxophone in middle school, reportedly had a dream from the time of his debut to succeed as a saxophonist.
He’s also known for his sax performance on the theme music of an NHK news program.
He’s a player whose unique activities we can continue to look forward to.
Chance has comeKONTA
In 1984, KONTA made his debut as the vocalist and soprano saxophonist of BARBEE BOYS.
His twin vocals, contrasting with Kyoko, were really cool.
After the band disbanded in 1992, he launched his solo career in 1993 and has also worked as an actor and voice actor.
In addition to saxophone, he reportedly plays guitar and piano as well.
There sure are many multi-instrumentalists among sax players.
The song of BirdsYamamoto Takuo
Takuo Yamamoto captivates listeners with a versatile artistry that transcends genre boundaries and a flexible musical sensibility.
A multi-reed player who deftly commands saxophone and flute, he has supported numerous artists as a studio musician and live sideman.
He has also been active for many years as a member of Bank Band and a touring/guest member for Mr.Children.
In 2013, he founded Halocline, a woodwind sextet ensemble he leads, releasing the albums “Halocline” and “GLOBE-TROT.” He has published scores of his original works, fully showcasing his talents as a composer and arranger.
With a warm tone and delicate expressiveness, he brings color to a wide range of music from pop and jazz to classical.
Be sure to experience the performances of this outstanding player at least once.
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.
Take FiveMiyaji Suguru
This is tenor saxophone player Suguru Miyaji.
In the video, he’s performing the standard number “Take Five,” but it’s arranged in a very modern and stylish way.
He delivers a highly technical performance with a warm, tenor-like tone.
Famous Japanese saxophonists (ages 41–50)
Clean UpMiyazato Yota
Yota Miyazato is an exquisitely sensitive yet passionate saxophonist who is active across a wide range of musical genres, with a focus on jazz.
His works are imbued with creativity that respects the traditions of jazz while fearlessly embracing new experiments.
Thanks to his high level of technical mastery and richly expressive emotional range, Miyazato’s music continues to captivate many fans.
His performances serve as a powerful source of inspiration not only for jazz enthusiasts but also for people who love diverse forms of music.
Sound RiverOtokawa Eiji
Mr.
Otogawa started playing guitar in junior high school, became interested in jazz in high school, and took up the tenor saxophone in college.
In 1984, he enrolled at Berklee College of Music in the United States, which has produced numerous musicians.
Although he returned to Japan in 1990, he went back to the U.S.
in 1994, and after returning to Japan again in 1996, he was active with groups such as the Takeo Moriyama Quartet and has continued to work energetically with his own trio as well.
We look forward to hearing more wonderful music from him in the future.