Sadao Watanabe

Who is Sadao Watanabe?

Sadao Watanabe is an influential and award-winning Japanese musician who plays the alto saxophone, sopranino saxophone and flute. He is known for his bossa nova recordings although his work encompasses a large range of styles with collaborations from musicians all over the world.

Born in Utsunomiya, Japan, Sadao first began learning music at the age of 18 and started performing professionally in 1953. By 1958 he had established himself as a world-class saxophonist having performed with leading musicians and quartets. In 1962 he left Japan to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 1995 the college awarded him an honorary doctorate degree for his contributions to music. Among his more prestigious awards are the Order of the Rising Sun, the imperial medal of honour for his contribution to the arts, numerous cultural awards from around the world, the Fumio Nanri award and his cities first honour award. In addition to his musical career, Watanabe has also published six photography books in Japan.

He is also a citizen of Los Angeles, California, United States.