is a Japanese jazz drummer[1] who participated in some of Japan's more well known fusion bands. He was a former member of jazz-fusion band Casiopea.
In 1979, he joined a fusion group called Guitarist Creek. They participated in Cross-Wind (a large fusion concert also known as East-West). Masaaki met Casiopea at this time and they became good friends. He also met Hidehiko Matsumoto and his group. He played with the jazz vocalist Henri Kanno, Mikio Masuda, jazz pianist, and other jazz groups.
In 1990, Tetsuo Sakurai and Akira Jimbo left Casiopea to form Jimsaku. Yoshihiro Naruse and Hiyama joined Casiopea.
In August 1992, Masaaki resigned from Casiopea under doctor's advice due to health issues because of his smoking habit. Masaaki recorded four albums with Casiopea.
After regaining his health, Masaaki returned to jazz. He joined a music school that was dedicated to teaching.
Today, Masaaki participates in both rock and jazz fields in his drum project along with band members. His nickname, given to him by Yoshihiro Naruse, is "The Godfather".
