Kazué Sawai, a prominent koto musician who expanded the boundaries of koto expression and gained international recognition, passed away on the 15th at the age of 85 due to pneumonia. Her funeral services will be held on the 20th at the Rakan Kaikan in Meguro, Tokyo. She was renowned not only for her mastery of traditional koto music but also for her innovative collaborations across genres, making significant contributions to the musical landscape both in Japan and abroad.

Born in Kyoto, Sawai began her koto training at the age of eight under the guidance of Michio Miyagi. After graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, she co-founded the Sawai Koto Institute with her husband, the late composer Tadashi Sawai, in 1979. Throughout her career, she was known for her inventive engagements with contemporary music, jazz, and pop artists, fostering a fusion of traditional and modern styles that brought koto music to new audiences.

Sawai collaborated with many notable figures, including composers like Fumio Japanese Cello and Yūji Takahashi, percussionist Sumire Yoshihara, and violinist Midori Goto. Her international presence included performances at music festivals in the United States, Germany, and France, and her involvement with jazz and pop musicians helped to elevate the profile of koto music globally. Her debut of Ryuichi Sakamoto's Koto Concerto further marked her as a pioneering figure in bridging the world of traditional Japanese music with contemporary Western influences.