I grew up in Sapporo, Japan. I studied classical piano and jazz saxophone at the local YAMAHA music school. There was a big band for kids that was operated by the city called Sapporo Junior Jazz School. We had many concerts throughout the year. We were lucky to have the opportunity to have a workshops from the professional musicians. One time, Herbie Hancock came to give us a clinic! I studied with several teachers back then. Yosuke Sato who played the saxophone with Gregory Porter's band is one of my former teachers. Of course, he was an outstanding player in Sapporo so I decided to study with him. I'm the only musician in my family. My father is an architect and my mother is a designer for the playground equipment. But they love music, especially my father. Although my cousin in high school is trying to be a musician.
