Master of traditional Japanese flutes. Known particularly for playing the shakuhachi, made of bamboo.
A one time sushi chef, he often served as a sushi chef at parties for friends.
He studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.
As a child, he played the piano, accordion, Western woodwinds, and the shakuhachi. By the time he was 19, he was performing with orchestras in Japan and as a studio musician.