Akira Sakata (坂田明) is a pioneering Japanese saxophonist, composer, and improviser whose dynamic energy and fearless creativity have shaped the landscape of avant-garde jazz since the 1970s. Rising to prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Yamashita Yosuke Trio, Sakata’s fierce, expressive playing bridges free jazz intensity with a uniquely Japanese sensibility. Beyond performance, he is also a marine biologist and actor, reflecting his wide-ranging curiosity and intellect. With decades of international collaborations, Sakata remains a vital force in contemporary experimental music.