A native of Fujiidera, Osaka Prefecture, Tochio graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1986. That same year, the Harmo Saxophone Quartet that he helped form took the first prize for chamber music performance in the 21st Min-on Competition. He also performed at the World Saxophone Congress in 1988 (Kawasaki), 1992 (Italy), and 1997 (Spain)

Tochio has embarked on a prolific career. He has performed as a soloist, in chamber music recitals, as a member of the genre-breaking Colors ensemble, and in concerts with leading symphonies throughout Japan. As a studio musician, he has recorded in movies as well as the music utilized by the synchronized swimming duo that won the Silver Medal at the Sydney Olympics, and also records for TV dramas and commercials.

Tochio has released numerous CDs to date, including three baritone saxophone solo albums ("Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano," "The Garden of Shadows," and "Caprice en forme de Valse"), seven albums with the Harmo Saxophone Quartet, and two albums with the Colors ensemble.

Tochio has studied saxophone under Osamu Kita, Arata Sakaguchi, and Kazuo Tomioka. He is currently a member of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and teaches aspiring saxophonists in his capacity as a part-time instructor for Musashino Academia Musicae, its affiliated high school, and Seitoku University.

Official website: http://ktochio.com/