沢井忠夫 (Tadao Sawai) was a remarkable Japanese composer and koto player whose contributions to traditional Japanese music have left a resounding impact. Born on March 23, 1937, in Tokyo, Sawai began his journey in music at a young age, under the tutelage of Michio Miyagi, a renowned koto master. He quickly distinguished himself as a virtuoso, capable of both honoring the rich heritage of koto music and infusing it with contemporary sensibilities.

As a composer, Sawai's prolific output included numerous pieces that expanded the boundaries of koto music, often incorporating Western instruments and ideas into his compositions. His wife, Kazue Sawai, also an accomplished koto artist, frequently collaborated with him in performances and recordings. Sawai's dedication to his craft extended into education, where he trained a new generation of players, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in the koto community. Noteworthy among his expansive discography are his own collections, "箏 沢井忠夫作品集," which showcase his innovative approach to the traditional koto repertoire. The series captures the essence and evolution of his work. Tadao Sawai passed away on December 2, 1997, but his music remains influential and celebrated, both in Japan and internationally, for its extraordinary blend of the traditional and the avant-garde.