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Piano: Mayumi Koba
Born in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, Mayumi Koba began studying piano at an early age under the guidance of her father.
While attending Osaka College of Music, she was drawn to jazz and has since pursued a performance career centered on free musical expression unconstrained by genre.
Often described as having a singing piano style, her performances gently resonate with listeners’ hearts, evoking vivid scenes and stories through their warmth and emotional depth.
In addition to her original compositions, she moves seamlessly across genres, including jazz, pop, and classical music, performing in a wide range of settings from solo recitals to ensemble projects.
Alongside her performing career, she is also involved in planning and producing music events, focusing on creating meaningful musical spaces and atmospheres that connect closely with audiences.

Guitar: Kentaro Sumiyoshi
Kentaro Sumiyoshi began playing guitar at the age of 14. After graduating from music school, he has supported major artists in live performances and participated in TV commercial recordings. He also performed as a guitarist at a gospel event held at Osakajō Hall.
Currently, he remains active as a live and recording support guitarist for various artists while also working energetically as a guitar instructor.
His emotionally rich sound, at times gentle and enveloping, deeply touches listeners’ hearts, revealing different colors and expressions depending on the musicians he collaborates with.
In February 2013, he formed the acoustic unit KenKoba with pianist Mayumi Koba. Centered on original compositions, the duo creates and performs music that expresses their unique artistic world: sounds that captivate audiences and linger in the heart.
KenKoba released their first album, Dear... , in April 2015, their second album, With..., in November 2017, and their third album, Home, in May 2021.
In June 2023, joined by Akira Hasegawa (bass) and Ayuko Ikeda (percussion), they released the first album, TetRA, under the project name KenKobaHassA~yu⤴.
Their works are available through the KenKoba and Sumiken online shops.

Next Japonism Erika – Shamisen Artist
Born in Osaka Prefecture, Erika began studying piano in early childhood and developed a strong interest in arranging and composition. At the age of 13, after hearing the sound of the shamisen for the first time, she was captivated by its distinctly Japanese tone and began studying the instrument.
In addition to her solo performance activities, she appears in shows for international visitors to Japan and plans and produces stage performances in Japan. She also creates original freestyle compositions that incorporate elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics, exploring new expressions rooted in Japanese sound.

Next Japonism Hikaru – Shinobue Artist
Hikaru is a flutist from Kaizuka, Osaka, who expresses emotion through sound. With delicate breath control and a passionate tone, Hikaru is a shinobue performer who moves the hearts of listeners.
Cherishing tones that reflect landscapes and subtle shades of human emotion, Hikaru continues to expand the possibilities of the shinobue by embracing free and innovative forms of expression.