NEWS
New York-Based Guitarist Sakai Spices Bossa Nova With '60s Japanese Pop, Blues, And Folk On New CD
SOURCE: LAUREN ROGERS
2011-12-06
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Guitarist Sakai opts for a different take on a well-worn musical genre on his recently released album, Gradation—Bossa Nova No Kaze. Instead of offering a familiar take on Brazilian jazz, Sakai strings it with threads of '60s Japanese pop and folk. The result is a record that will rejuvenate jaded fans of bossa nova while reeling in casual listeners with its carefree, spicy hybrid of Latin American and Asian cultures.
Sakai's guitar style is light and breezy, suitable for the chill-out, easygoing nature of bossa nova. However, there is depth to his playing as well. For example, on “Gura to Baku," Sakai produces ripples of enchanting acoustic riffs. His Japanese lyrics actually make the song sound more exotic. Sakai can sing as well. Even though his words will not be understood by those who cannot translate Japanese, the emotional depth of his croon is keenly felt, especially on “Natsu No Omide."
What truly impresses about Sakai's skills with the guitar is its ability to conjure a mood. For example, on “Manhattan Rain," Sakai delivers a moody performance that illustrates a grey metropolis caught in a nighttime shower. Sakai's romantic ear is doing the navigating here as the sweet caress of his guitar is made for an after-dinner stroll.
Based in New York, Sakai was born in Shizuoka, Japan in 1966. After becoming a professional guitarist in Tokyo, Japan in 1989, Sakai started experimenting with Brazilian jazz, folk, rock, and the blues, the latter definitely making its presence known in the sizzling “Esperanza."
Kaz&Sakai performed at Lincoln Center for the performing Arts on January 7th 2016
Press Release
Masafumi Sakai, guitarist, painter, and longtime New York-based musician, celebrates his 60th birthday on June 15.
Since beginning his professional career in October 1988, Sakai has built a life in music shaped by both challenge and inspiration, performing, teaching, and creating across decades between Japan and New York.
Now entering this milestone year, he reflects with deep gratitude on the many people who have supported his journey—family, mentors, fellow musicians, students, friends, and collaborators in both Japan and New York.
Having come to New York in his twenties through the guidance of his mentor Mr. Anabuki, Sakai continues to live and work as a musician and visual artist, dedicating himself to creative expression and education.
In this significant year, he reaffirms his commitment to music and art as a way of giving back, especially in a world marked by uncertainty. He continues to believe in the quiet but essential role of artists: to create, to connect, and to leave meaningful traces through their work.
He looks forward to sharing upcoming performances and meeting audiences throughout the coming months.
Masafumi Sakai
Guitarist / Painter
June 2026
News
SAKAI ART SHOW2025
1/1 to 2/2 at Ukehut
Wednesday to Sunday
12pm to 6om
Guest Artists:
Masumi(Calligrapher) 1/8 to 1/12
Mikiko Nakayama (Potter). 1/15 to 1/19
Misato Ugai(Illustration) 1/22 to 1/26
Group Exhibition 1/29 to 2/2
Guest Singer and Musician
Misuzu 1/4
The Bossa Nova Breeze(Haruna). 1/11
Pink Lagoon (Ribo Aise) 1/18
Yuka Mito 1/25
Closeing Party 2/1
Akemi Yamada
2/1
7pm Open
7:30pm Music Starts
10pm Close
2/2 Exhibition
12pm to 6pm
Finale
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Sakai released new album
Title:New World
2/14/2021 released
CD:$30.00
https://www.amazon.com/New-World-Sakai/dp/B08WLSRGJ2
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SAKAI got a New York Stats Assembly
Sartificat of Merit
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158807841133146&set=pcb.10158807841248146&type=3&theater
SAKAI will be performed in August 15th 2018 7pm at Socrates Sculputure Park at Astria New York .
http://socratessculpturepark.org/program/tampopo/
Sakai,s new article is now at The Huffington post
Please check it out
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/57c2dc5ee4b0b01630df8965?timestamp=1476781058815
Sakai at AllAboutJazz
https://news.allaboutjazz.com/new-york-based-guitarist-sakai-spices-bossa-nova-with-60s-japanese-pop-blues-and-folk-on-new-cd.php
