Born on February 1, 1933. Began playing the alto sax at age 18. Made a name for himself in the Jazz scene, participating in Toshiko Akiyoshi’s Cozy Quartet and various other sessions. Studied abroad at the Berklee Music of College, he enriched his musical style by performing with big acts such as Chico Hamilton and Gary McFarland. Forming his own band after returning to Japan in 1965, became more active in the national music scene and played a major role in creating in the big “Bossa Nova” boom in Japan in the 60’s. Appearing at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1968 marked the beginning of his international career.

In 2001, he was appointed as the Executive Producer of the Japanese Government Exhibition Project for the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. He culminated in the events in which he performed with youth percussion and chorus groups who gathered from 5 continents in an extraordinary cross-cultural blend of rhythm & song. This project has outspreaded to foreign countries in Jakarta, Guam and Zaragoza Expo 2008. On behalf of his long career as a musician, receives an award “The Mainichi Art Awards” last year.

He wrapped up performing at Montreal Jazz Festival and Toronto Jazz Festival with his Japanese band in July. His 70th album, “INTO TOMORROW” was released in September.