Takeru Muraoka, a saxophonist who played an active part in a group that symbolized the times, including Hideo Shiraki Quintet, Terumasa Hino Quartet, Count Buffaloes led by Akira Ishikawa, and Freedom Unity. He pursued a cutting-edge musicality while in the mainstream and led the Japanese jazz scene. As a sideman, he wields a number of works, while leaving leaders such as Takeru and Ride and Tie, who have a strong presence in the era as if to wedge.