Being Japanese, Leo couldn't understand why he was interested in the Jew's harp so much, particularly as the tradition seemed to have disappeared in Japan. After encountering two iron instruments from the 10th century, excavated from neighbouring town, however, he started to think that there were possibilities. Moreover, he found a country - Sakha (Yakutia) - where the Jew's harp player is considered as a normally respected person. Now Leo is established as one of the regions – and world’s – great players, invited to perform in concert and on recordings, and has found other players in Hokkaido whom he enthusiastically promotes.