NAGOYA -- A mysterious "samurai" has been appearing on the streets here, captivating audiences with his enigmatic presence. Dressed in a traditional kimono and concealing his face with a woven straw hat, he plays the saxophone with a clear, soulful tone. His unique appearance and mesmerizing music have charmed many, and he is becoming a new tourist attraction. Intrigued, this reporter set out to meet him.

On a chilly night in early December last year, the "Sax Samurai" was performing at Tsuruma Park in Nagoya's Showa Ward. Under the cold winter sky, the sight of a samurai gripping a saxophone was surreal. His straw "ronin kasa" hat only added to the air of mystery, sparking the imagination of onlookers.

As he began to play, ballads such as Misia's "Ai no Katachi" and Mika Nakashima's "Yuki no Hana" filled the air. The soft, tender tones of his saxophone captivated the audience, and before long, a crowd had gathered, drawn in by his music.

The Sax Samurai is the alter ego of a 40-something Nagoya resident. He lives with his wife, son and daughter, working at a company during the day and performing in the evenings. Despite his captivating sound, the Sax Samurai is mostly self-taught and has little ability to read sheet music. His journey began in middle school when he was profoundly inspired by the music of American saxophonist Kenny G. In university, he bought a saxophone and began playing, eventually taking to the streets after graduation. At first, he performed with his face uncovered, like a typical street musician.

However, the public's response was indifferent. "No one stopped to listen, and I felt on the verge of losing heart," he recalled. Still, he persevered, practicing and performing on the streets. About a year later, a middle-aged woman approached him with tears in her eyes and said, "My husband was just diagnosed with a severe illness. Your music truly moved me." It was then that he realized, "My music can provide comfort to someone." Although there were times when he had to pause his performances, he returned to the streets with his saxophone after his children grew older and more independent.

The samurai persona was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventing droplet transmission was essential, but face shields felt uninspiring. A history enthusiast with a fondness for samurai, he devised the idea of hiding his face with the straw hat. His mysterious appearance, paired with his delicate music, soon became a sensation.

It has been roughly four years since he began performing as the Sax Samurai. His social media accounts now boast over 100,000 followers. Referred to as a "human power spot" --- a place where people feel they can draw energy -- he has even attracted fans from distant regions. After his performances, people line up to take photos or ask for autographs.

But isn't performing in kimono difficult during the freezing winter months? "The cold isn't as bad as the summer heat. Knowing there are people waiting for me keeps me going, even in the heat of summer," he explained.

"Music is the essence of life. Every performance is heartfelt and done with all my energy," he declared. When asked about his aspirations, he said, "I'm a living tourist attraction in Nagoya. I'd love to be featured in guidebooks someday."

That dream may not be far off.

(Japanese original by Richi Tanaka, Nagoya News Department)