Born: 1st February 1933 in Tochigi Prefecture.Renowned Japanese jazz musician playing alto saxophone, sopranino saxophone and flute is one of the pioneers of "Jap Jazz". Moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school and then, in 1962, moved to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music. He has released more than 50 albums and is also recognised as a talented photographer having produced six publications of his work.