Message

I believe that high-quality music brings happiness to both the listener and the performer, and I strive each day to achieve this. I look forward to the day we meet at a performance.

Artist Biography

While studying at Kansai University, I began performing at jazz clubs in the Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe area. After graduation, I studied jazz theory and jazz piano under Sadayasu Fujii (P). In the 1980s, I spent several periods in New York, participating in numerous sessions. Around that time, on Mr. Fujii’s recommendation, I became a regular member of Masashi Nakayama’s (Ds) trio. I have also performed with many top artists in Japan and abroad, including Itaru Oki (Tp), Sadao Watanabe (As), Othello Molineaux (Weather Report, steel drum), Tiger Ohkoshi (Tp), and Mitsuru Furuya (As).

In 2009, I released my leader album 36 HEARTS, and the following year my original composition “Bossa Mood” won first place in the Jazz category of Australia’s Dolphin Award. The album itself placed in the top three. I have also participated in recordings for ZEH by Israeli singer-songwriter Amir Paiss and Jewel by vocalist Mayumi Takarada.

Currently, I perform at jazz clubs, events, and concerts throughout the Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe area, and serve as the resident pianist at the Kyoto club Repos.