He moved to New Zealand in 1969 to be a student at the University of Canterbury and was the first Japanese player to play for their rugby team.

[5][6] He had introduced himself as "Deme" (relating to big eyes) but people instead called him "Demi" (meaning small or half-sized).

On 6 October 1973 he played against a Welsh XV at Cardiff Arms Park, the first representative match between the nations.

[7] In 2012, Sakata was the 51st player to be inducted into the International Rugby Board Hall of Fame, the first from Japan.

[8] In the 2021 New Year Honours, Sakata was appointed an honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to New Zealand–Japan relations and rugby.