Today's playlist, the 31st one, features "Tadao Sawai."
I bought this at Flash Disc Ranch, my regular record store in Shimokitazawa.
This shop is a record store I've been frequenting since I first moved to Setagaya. Their loyalty card, which is valid as long as the store exists, has a popular, crazy system: collect 50 stamps and you get 50% off any number of records under 15,000 yen.
Tadao Sawai: The Koto Revolutionary and His Musical World
His Journey as a Musician
Tadao Sawai (December 16, 1937 - April 1, 1997) was a renowned Japanese koto player and composer, as well as the founder of the Sawai Koto Academy. His musical journey began in Nakashima District, Aichi Prefecture (now Bisai City), where he was born into a prestigious family of shakuhachi players. He started playing the koto in fifth grade, and though he initially studied under Michio Miyagi, Miyagi's sudden death marked a turbulent beginning to his path.
Education and Early Success
In 1960, Sawai graduated from the Traditional Japanese Music Department of Tokyo University of the Arts, and completed his advanced studies in 1962. During his time there, he was honored as one of NHK's "Hopes of the Year Nationwide." He also began composing in high school, creating his first piece, "Yuki Monogatari" (Snow Story). Afterward, he honed his composing skills under Shusaku Shimizu.
The Folk Music Group and Creative Activities
In 1964, he formed the "Folk Music Group" with Rinbo Aoki, Matsuhiro Ito, Kazuyuki Takano, Eizaburo Kineya, and Hozan Yamamoto. This group explored not only traditional music but also sought to fuse it with jazz and classical music, pioneering new musical horizons. In 1971, following the success of his "Tadao Sawai Koto Solo Recital," he received the Art Festival Excellence Award, gaining widespread recognition for his talent.
Founding of Sawai Koto Academy and Media Appearances
In 1979, he established the Sawai Koto Academy with his wife, koto player Kazue Sawai, and trained many disciples. Furthermore, in 1985, he appeared in a commercial for Nestle's "Nescafé Gold Blend," making his name known to the general public.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1997, Tadao Sawai passed away due to a recurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage. His death was a great loss to the Japanese music world, but his innovative style and contributions to education continue to be remembered.
Innovations in His Style
Tadao Sawai's musical style, while incorporating many traditional melodies and motifs, also explored the possibilities of the koto in a modern context. He composed numerous pieces using not only Japanese pentatonic scales but also twelve-tone scales, and adopted various techniques such as playing the koto percussively and even using drumsticks. As a result, his repertoire ranged from short practice pieces to works demanding advanced playing techniques.
In Conclusion
Tadao Sawai, as a musician who integrated tradition and innovation, made significant contributions to the development of Japanese koto music. His legacy continues to inspire many to this day.
Many of you might know him from the famous Gold Blend commercial with the "Daba-da-daba-da ♪" jingle.
At WAITER-U, we not only offer camping gear but also curate music, books, and movies.
We've also created playlists on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to them on your way to a camping trip.
