Sakai Yu

Sakai Yu

(1979–)

Tosashimizu, Kochi, Japan

Singer-songwriter from Tosashimizu, Kochi Prefecture. Moved to LA alone at 22 to busk on the streets. After returning to Japan, recorded with John Scofield, Steve Swallow, and Bill Stewart on Yu Are Something, and Terrace Martin and Nicholas Payton on Touch The World. Became the first Japanese singer-songwriter on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert (2025) alongside Nate Smith and Ben Williams's TBN Trio.

Singer-songwriter Yu SakaiSakai YuSakai Yuさかいゆう became the first Japanese singer-songwriter to appear on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert (April 2025), performing with TBN Trio featuring Nate SmithNate SmithNate Smithネイト・スミス (drums) and Ben WilliamsBen WilliamsBen Williamsベン・ウィリアムズ (bass). It happened because Smith invited the NPR crew to their Shibuya show. Sakai has also recorded with John ScofieldJohn ScofieldJohn Scofieldジョン・スコフィールド, Terrace MartinTerrace MartinTerrace Martinテラス・マーティン, and Nicholas PaytonNicholas PaytonNicholas Paytonニコラス・ペイトン across previous albums — a rare J-pop artist woven into both the LA and NYC jazz scenes.

— Yu Sakai feat. TBN Trio: Tiny Desk Concert