HAJIME SAKITA
Musical Saw Player, Guitarist, Composer, MC
Hajime is a multi talented musician and composer whose works are highly acclaimed and widely sought after in Japan. He is one of the top musical saw players in the world today who has won a number of international awards.
Featured in Charlie Chaplin’s film, “Dog’s life,” the musical saw has a history of 200 years. In 1991 Hajime heard the performance by Miyaoka Utaroku, the leading saw player in Japan at the time, and was instantly captured by the ethereal beauty of the sound of the instrument. He immediately picked it up and proceeded to teach himself how to play.
In 1995 Hajime as the guitarist formed the acoustic duo HAJIME NI KIYOSHI with the melodica player Kiyoshi Shintani. It was during the duo’s performances where Hajime introduced his musical saw to their audience. Dubbed "feel-good Hanauta (humming) ambient music", HAJIME NI KIYOSHI continues to play many concerts as well as producing soundtracks for films, TV shows and commercials today.
In 2004 Hajime began performing as a solo musical saw player outside of the duo. In 2005 he organized the first ever Musical Saw Festival in Japan. The successful showcase of the high standard of artistry garnered him the Sakuya Konohana Award in the Popular Entertainment category. Hajime has also won the first place twice at the International Musical Saw Festival held in Santa Cruz, California.
Hajime makes it his mission to bring the art of the musical saw playing to the next level. He hopes that one day the saw will be accepted as a legitimate orchestral instrument next to the violin rather than a mere vaudeville prop. In addition to honing his performance techniques he has been creating and performing the world’s first musical saw concertos. He has debuted his works with Royal Chamber Orchestra in Tokyo in 2008, and with Central Aichi Symphony Orchestra and Osaka Symphony Orchestra respectively in 2009.
Hajime has released four studio albums to date: MUSICAL SAW SONGS 'S' (Feb. 2008), SAW MUCH IN LOVE (April 2011), and collections of classical standards, SAW CLASSIC 1 & 2 (Jan. 2014). In 2011 he received the New Face Award under the Minister of Education Awards for Fine Arts in the Public Entertainment category.
As a composer and producer, Hajime boasts a long list of credits including:
Gin Nikan (2-kan Silver), Thursday Historical Drama and the soundtrack CD (NHK, 2014);
Yokai Ningen Bem (Humanoid Monster Bem), prime time action series and a feature length film based on the series (Nippon TV);
Kuruma Isu De Boku Ha Sora Wo Tobu (I Will Fly in My Wheel Chair), Drama Special (24 Hour TV);
Tadaima Kasan (I'm Home, Mom), Premium Drama Series (NHK-BS).
Shakiin!, children’s morning show (NHK Educational Channel, 2008-now);
Moonlight Mystery, musical (Lovely Hall, Kawachinagano, 2010). His first musical project; and
Numerous musical and theater productions (Himawari Theatrical Company, Johnny & Assoc. talent agency, etc.).
Hajime is constantly in motion. When he is not busy meeting the deadlines, he seeks out ways to add new dimensions to his work and expand his horizons to stay inspired. He is currently in New York City where he prepares to reach the global audience with his new projects.
HAJIME SAKITA Musical Saw World `Other worldly Echoes` |
Original CD
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HAJIME SAKITA
SAW CLASSIC 1
22/01/2014 |
HAJIME SAKITA
SAW CLASSIC 2
22/01/2014 |
HAJIME SAKITA
SAW much in LOVE
06/04/2011 |
HAJIME SAKITA
MUSICAL SAW SONGS “S”
01/02/2008 |
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japan@musicalsaw.net
http://www.musicalsaw.net
https://www.youtube.com/user/sakitahajime
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