Ryo Kawasaki (born 25 February 1947, Kōenji, Tokyo, Japan - died 13 April 2020, Tallinn, Estonia) chose a career as a jazz fusion guitarist after spending some years studying as a scientist. During the 60s he played with various Japanese jazz groups and also formed his own bands. In the early 70s he came to New York where he settled and found steady work in very distinguished company, including the bands of Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, Chico Hamilton, Ted Curson and Joanne Brackeen.