In the mid-70s, Masuda moved to the United States and became a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers , a rare feat for a Japanese musician at the time.

Mikio Masuda (born August 14, 1949, in Osaka) is a highly respected figure in the Japanese jazz scene .

"I Saw the Light" is a standout track by Japanese jazz pianist and keyboardist , featured on his 1976 album "Mickey’s Mouth" . The song is a prime example of mid-70s Japanese jazz fusion, blending funky, electric grooves with sophisticated arrangements. Track Overview: "I Saw the Light"

The recording features a stellar lineup of Japanese jazz musicians and international talent: Synthesizers, Keyboards, Organ, Rhodes Piano. Kohsuke Mine: Soprano Saxophone. Osamu Kawakami: Electric Bass. Arihide "Jess" Kurata: Drums. Guilherme Franco: Percussion, Vocals, Tabla, Cuica. Masayoshi Saitoh: Electric Guitar. Artist Background

Mickey's Mouth (Released August 25, 1976, on the East Wind label ). Genre: Jazz-Funk / Fusion.

He began as a bassist at 16 before switching to piano. He gained prominence in the early 70s playing with heavyweights like Terumasa Hino and Sadao Watanabe .