Toshiya Chiba: Japanese musician’s journey from Japan to Istanbul’s Beyazit Square
49-year-old Toshiya Chiba, an electrical engineer from Japan, has been delighting the people of Istanbul with his saxophone performances in Beyazit Square since moving to the city three years ago, Türkiye, September 19, 2024 (AA Photo)
Toshiya Chiba, a 49-year-old former electrical engineer from Japan, has captivated the people of Istanbul with his saxophone performances in Istanbul’s Beyazit Square. Having moved to Istanbul three years ago, Chiba has embraced his new life as a street musician, sharing the joy of music with locals and visitors alike.
Chiba’s artistic journey, documented in the second part of an Anadolu Agency’s report titled “Global Sounds Echoing in Istanbul’s Streets,” highlights his transition from a conventional career in Kanagawa to a vibrant life as a street performer in Türkiye.
After deciding to make a change in his life, Chiba found what he was looking for in Türkiye and settled in Beyoglu in 2021. He learned to play the saxophone from a friend and enrolled in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IMM) project “Art in the Streets.”
His repertoire blends diverse cultural influences, featuring pieces ranging from traditional Turkish Mehter marches like “Ceddin Deden” to Baris Manco’s beloved song “Arkadasim Esek.” Chiba supports himself through tips from listeners, using the earnings to cover his rent and daily expenses.
Passion for music and Turkish culture
In an interview with AA, Chiba expressed his deep affection for Türkiye and Istanbul, stating, “I feel free on the streets of Istanbul. I’m 49 years old, and I came here three years ago. I was an engineer before, but now I’m a street artist. Performing here is wonderful, and people enjoy my music.”
Chiba describes his time in Istanbul as the best period of his life. “I want to continue playing the saxophone in Türkiye. My favorite place in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia; it’s stunning,” he shared.
Reflecting on the cultural bond between Türkiye and Japan, Chiba noted, “The Turkish people are very kind; I love them. Türkiye and Japan are like siblings. Istanbul is beautiful, and I feel happy making music here. I want many people to listen to me. As a street artist, I earn enough to pay my rent, making between 400 to 2,000 lira a day.”
Chiba is continually amazed by Türkiye’s rich traditions and enjoys discovering new aspects of the culture. He loves Turkish artists like Baris Manco and Tarkan and delights in local culinary treats, particularly honey and clotted cream on bread during breakfast, fish sandwiches in Eminonu, and delicious cag kebap.
Toshiya Chiba’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of music and cultural exchange. His story not only celebrates his passion for saxophone playing but also highlights the warmth of Turkish hospitality, bridging connections between Japan and Türkiye.
