Yu Hagiwara
Yu Hagiwara is a Tokyo and Hong Kong-based saxophonist and producer known for his seamless fusion of jazz, pop, and black music. With a multicultural background, he has earned acclaim as a prominent figure in the Asian jazz scene, notably recognized as an 'MVP' at Jazz Fest. Through projects like 'GTS - Groove Turtles,' Hagiwara showcases his technical mastery and soulful original compositions, bridging cultures with his distinctive, professional artistry.
Yu Hagiwara is a Tokyo and Hong Kong-based saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger, and producer. Born in 1992 in Chōfu, Tokyo, to a Japanese father and a Hong Kong mother, his multicultural background informs a musical language that seamlessly bridges jazz, pop, and black music. A graduate of Senzoku Gakuen College of Music (Class of 2014), where he studied Jazz Saxophone, Hagiwara has earned significant recognition across Asia’s music scene for his technical mastery and sincere performances. He is a former member of the band ALI and has become a prominent figure in the local Hong Kong jazz scene, recently earning "MVP" acclaim for his performances at Jazz Fest and with the group The Hertz. His creative projects include "GTS - Groove Turtles," named after his long-time pet turtle, which features original compositions documenting his musical life in Hong Kong. Whether performing with his own ensemble or collaborating with local talents, Yu Hagiwara continues to impress audiences throughout Japan and Hong Kong with his professional spirit and soulful artistry.