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Kansai Jazz Crew

Kansai Jazz Crew

Miki Hirose (Trumpet)
Kobe-born trumpeter Miki Hirose began performing professionally at a young age, earning prestigious awards in Japan (2002, 2017). A versatile musician, he is active in jazz, salsa, hip-hop, and funk. He honed his skills in New York, performing as a freelance trumpeter at major venues and festivals across the U.S. and Europe. Returning to Kobe in 2014, he formed The Miki Hirose Jazz Orchestra, receiving the Kobe City Cultural Encouragement Award (2015) and the Naniwa Jazz Grand Prize (2017). Hirose has released multiple albums and continues to collaborate with various ensembles, including Junko Onishi Sextet and Shigeki Ikemoto Large Ensemble ISLES. His work includes music production for FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH (2023) and Kobe Jazz’s 100th anniversary. Passionate about education, he teaches at Osaka College of Music, Koyo Conservatory, and mentors young musicians through the Kobe Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Yujiro Nakamura

Yujiro Nakamura (Drums)

At 16, he began playing drums in his high school’s light music club and later performed with various indie rock bands in Tokyo. After high school, he moved to the U.S. to further his skills, enrolling at Berklee College of Music. Initially focused on rock and hip-hop, he discovered jazz and became deeply immersed in it. He studied under renowned musicians such as John Hazilla, Joe Hunt, and Kenwood Dennard. In his third year, he became a house drummer at Boston’s Wally’s Jazz Café, a launching pad for young talent. After graduating, he moved to New York, playing at legendary venues like St. Nicks Pub and Cleopatra’s Needle. He toured Japan with Akira Hasegawa, Toru Momo, and Miho Nozawa, and the U.S. with Jay Thomas and Patrick Wolff. Returning to Japan in 2016, he has since been active in Osaka, performing with Junko Onishi Trio, Takeshi Obayashi Trio, and at Blue Note Tokyo.
Ayu Yoneda

Ayu Yoneda (Alto Sax)

Ayu Yoneda, born in Kobe, began playing the saxophone at 13. In high school, he discovered jazz and joined a big band, which sparked his passion for the genre. He later enrolled in the jazz course at Osaka College of Music. Since graduating, Ayu has been active in his own quartet and various bands, primarily in the Kansai region. He has studied classical music with Hideki Kawamura, Hideshi Toki, Miki Yokoyama, and Shinji Iimori. In 2022, he participated in the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp. In 2023, Ayu released his debut album, Reminisce.
Sachie Fujikawa

Sachie Fujikawa (Piano)

Born in Osaka, began studying classical piano at an early age. After graduating from high school, he attended the Osaka School of Music, where he studied under Mamoru Motooka. Following his graduation, he began performing at live venues and restaurants across the Kansai region. In 2015, he joined the Yukie Fujikawa Trio and released his debut album, Aggregation, in 2017.

Miho Sakai

Miho Sakai (Bass)

Born in Shiga Prefecture, began playing double bass in high school with a brass band. At Tenri University, he joined the ALS Jazz Orchestra and won the Courage Award at the 41st Yamano Big Band Jazz Contest. After graduating, he expanded his musical career across various genres, particularly within big bands. His path took a pivotal turn when he met tenor saxophonist Akira Hasegawa and transitioned into a dedicated jazz bassist. Active primarily in the Kansai region, Miho has performed alongside notable artists like Chihiro Yamanaka and Takashi Matsunaga.

Artist Line Up

Keiko Lee

Yoshihito Eto Trio with Shinpei Ruike

Kansai Jazz Crew

Orquesta de la Luz

ANDREA MOTIS Duo featuring JOSEP TRAVER

Tomoaki Baba Trio

May Inoue Tokyo Quartet

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