In recent months, Japanese composer, saxophonist, and producer Yasuaki Shimizu has captivated audiences across the United States with his first-ever sold-out tour. Spanning a career of over four decades and featuring more than 40 albums, Shimizu has made significant contributions to various music genres, including techno, new wave, synthpop, jazz, and experimental music.
The tour included a remarkable performance at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco in March, where he collaborated with fellow musician Ray Kunimoto. Shimizu’s journey in music has been diverse, marked by his early contributions with the band Mariah, whose albums Kakashi and Utakata No Hibi have garnered renewed attention through their recent reissues by Palto Flats, a Brooklyn record label.
During an interview with KALW’s Charlotte K, Shimizu shared insights into his artistic evolution, which began in his childhood surrounded by the sounds of nature. Growing up in a rural environment, the sounds of insects and frogs impacted his understanding of music and sound waves.
“I was really into technology because insect sounds are like sound waves,” he remarked, explaining how he played instruments mimicking these natural sounds.
His early interactions with music were encouraged by his father, who had a passion for various styles, from Latin music to modern jazz. Shimizu recalls a pivotal moment when his father gifted him a saxophone, leading him to explore the instrument and eventually launch his musical career.
In a recent New York Times article, he spoke about the significance of the pentatonic scale in his work, describing it as something that resonates within him.
This exploration of traditional Japanese music, particularly after his time with Mariah, began to manifest in albums like Kakashi and Utakata No Hibi. Shimizu aimed to move beyond Western musical imitations, seeking a more authentic representation of Japanese cultural heritage.
Charlotte K highlighted his unique approach to recording, especially with the cello suites that he produced using different spaces and ambient reverb. Shimizu explained that he initially attempted to include reverb artificially but later found inspiration in physical spaces, like a stone mine or a swimming pool, to enhance the relationship between Bach’s compositions and his saxophone.
“I found it interesting to try the relationship with Bach, space, and tenor saxophone,” he stated, framing the saxophone’s nature as a tube that interacts well with larger, reverberant environments.
On tour, Shimizu collaborates with Kunimoto, where they incorporate sound effects alongside performances of older songs, further evolving the soundscapes he creates.
Their collaboration, which began in 2018, emphasizes the adaptability and transformation of Shimizu’s musical repertoire, showcasing how he breathes new life into his work while maintaining the essence of his saxophone sound.
The fruitful exchange of ideas extends to his extensive work in film and television, where he composed soundtracks for various projects and contributed to commercials. He described his experience in the late ’70s and early ’80s, where he produced music for advertisements that featured a high level of artistic integrity.
During this period, he would often create music by improvisation immediately after viewing the images, reflecting the organic connection he fosters between sound and visual media.
Shimizu’s film work includes collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto and notable projects for NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, leading to a fruitful partnership that has resulted in approximately ten soundtracks. One of his latest works, Kaminoko, is a documentary film that blends fiction with reality.
Looking ahead, Shimizu is excited for the future of his project, Saxophonettes, which he formed in the early 2000s. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of this group, leading him to consider creating another album.
“I want to make another Saxophonettes album,” he exclaimed, indicating his desire to continue pushing the boundaries of his creativity and collaborative spirit.
As fans and newcomers alike embrace his music, Yasuaki Shimizu remains a testament to the power of evolution and exploration in the world of sound.
For further insights into his journey and to celebrate his recent accomplishments, listeners can hear the entire interview on KALW’s platform or find more about his work on Bandcamp and Instagram, in addition to the Palto Flats label.
image source from：https://www.kalw.org/2025-06-17/yasuaki-shimizus-first-us-sold-out-tour-confirms-his-legacy-in-music-history
