Bio
She started learning piano when she was 2 years old. 9 years old, she started playing the flute in school band. While she was majoring in German literature in Rikkyo University, she joined Big Band and started playing alto saxophone. She learned from Hisashige Kato, one of the great saxophone players in the Japanese jazz scene. The big band, New Swingin' Herd was very high quality band and won prizes in some contests. Her flute was always first-call and also her firm and clear saxophone sound led the band to higher level. At the same time, she formed Latin Jazz Band.
Since she moved to United States, she has been playing flute/piccolo in Richmond County Orchestra and alto saxophone/flute in many Jazz bands, Big Bands, Rock bands and many other styles. She formed band called WaFoo which creates their own style, amalgam of Jazz sand Japanese traditional sounds. Their concerts have received many awards and great reviews throughout tri-state area. Her other project "Duo Nanashi" also received COAHSHI grant. She has been playing flute/piccolo/saxophone in Manhattan Symphonie since 2013. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kaufman Center Merkin Hall, Beijing Poly Theatre (in China), Shanghai Oriental Art Center (in China), Guggenheim Museum, The Morgan Library & Museum and also on National TV Fox and Friends.
Since she moved to United States, she has been playing flute/piccolo in Richmond County Orchestra and alto saxophone/flute in many Jazz bands, Big Bands, Rock bands and many other styles. She formed band called WaFoo which creates their own style, amalgam of Jazz sand Japanese traditional sounds. Their concerts have received many awards and great reviews throughout tri-state area. Her other project "Duo Nanashi" also received COAHSHI grant. She has been playing flute/piccolo/saxophone in Manhattan Symphonie since 2013. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kaufman Center Merkin Hall, Beijing Poly Theatre (in China), Shanghai Oriental Art Center (in China), Guggenheim Museum, The Morgan Library & Museum and also on National TV Fox and Friends.