A Powerhouse Drummer with Genre-Bending Spirit
Yoshihito Eto has carved a dynamic path in the Japanese jazz scene since he went pro with Fumio Karashima’s trio in 1996. Eto’s talent propelled him to join Sadao Watanabe’s band in 1998 performing in numerous concerts including the Montreux Jazz Festival. He has also collaborated with diverse artists like Yoshio Ikeda, Mari Nakamoto, Chie Ayado, and J-pop unit “orange pekoe”.
Never content with convention, Eto formed his own groups, “a.t.m.” in 2003 and “Karate Chops” in 2012. He has consistently led sessions featuring young talent while participating in established groups like Terumasa Hino, Yosuke Inoue Quartet and Akira Ishii Trio. His “Eto Matsuri” series and live sessions featuring new talent have garnered consistent acclaim, including events at NARU Jazzhouse in Ochanomizu and Mellow Brown Coffee (Jiyugaoka).
Shinpei Ruike (Trumpet)
Shinpei Ruike began his career as a trumpet player in the Maritime Self-Defense Force Band. After six years, he moved to Tokyo to study jazz trumpet under Ryuichi Takase.
Following his debut album urb in 2004, he gained recognition performing with Kikuchi Naruyoshi Dub Septet and DCPRG, appearing at Fuji Rock Festival and other major events. As a bandleader, he has released five albums with RS5pb and performed at international jazz festivals. He has toured Europe with Yoshihide Otomo’s group and released a duo album with pianist Kakuji Nakajima. He also contributed trumpet dubbing for the anime and film adaptation of Kids on the Slope, expanding his influence beyond jazz.
Dairo Suga (Piano)
Kamakura-born Suga Dairo traded biology for piano, impressing Yosuke Yamashita in his audition, gaining himself a place at the prestigious Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. He honed his skills at Berklee College of Music (with Hiromi Uehara and others) before returning to Japan to join “Shibusa Chizu” and “Isao Suzuki OMA SOUND”. Dairo’s collaborations are as diverse as his talent: Akira Sakata, Shota Koyama, Hidenori Mukai (from:ZAZEN BOYS), Tavito Nanao, and more. His 2016 major debut solidified his status as a free jazz pioneer in Japan, a genre-bending pianist defying categorization.
Takashi Seo (bass)
Sapporo- born Takashi Seo studied double bass under Mitsuo Fujisawa, former principal of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. In 2006, he won the Grand Prix at the Yokohama Jazz Promenade Competition with the Mikio Ishida Trio. Known for his nuanced gut-string bass playing and harmonic-rich arco technique, he has performed with Fumio Itabashi, Akira Sakata, Yasuhiro Yoshigaki, and international artists across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Beyond jazz, he collaborates with vocalists, Noh theatre, and dancers. In Hokkaido, he leads Handachi no Low String, organizing workshops and concerts. His solo album Wind Dance (2020) and The Bass Collective’s Blinking Forest (2024) showcase his innovative approach to bass.
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