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Sadao Watanabe (渡辺貞夫, Watanabe Sadao?) (born Utsunomiya, Japan, February 1, 1933) is an influential Japanese jazz musician and saxophonist. He plays the alto saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute, and his work encompasses a large range of styles, with collaborations with musicians from all over the world, and also with friends such as Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, and Hank Jones. His more prestigious awards include the Order of the Rising Sun, the imperial medal of honour for his contribution to the arts, numerous cultural achievements from around the world, the Fumio Nanri award, and his cities first honour award. Sadao first began learning jazz at the age of 18, and established a name for himself. When he turned 29, he left Japan to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 1995, the college awarded him an honorary doctorate degree for his contributions to music. In addition to his musical career, Watanabe has also published six photography books in Japan.

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