Written interview with pianist and composer Michika Fukumori.
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Michika Fukumori: – … I started my professional career as a jazz pianist in Tokyo, Japan, around 1992 or 1993.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
… My hometown is Iga in Mie Prefecture, where I was born. I’ve never forgotten it—surrounded by mountains, Igaueno Castle, and the rice farms in front of my parents’ house. These scenes have always stayed in my mind, and I believe they still give me the core sense of my music.
What performers have been your inspiration?
…. Steve Kuhn, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vladimir Horowitz and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
… I’ve been living in New York since 2000, and among so many musicians, one of the biggest challenges I face as a jazz artist is building a unique musical identity – something that makes people say, “This is Michika’s sound!”
What do you base your success on?
… I believe that if I can establish the originality I’ve been searching for in my music, that would be success for me. It’s a long journey.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
… My performance activities and recordings in New York have mainly focused on piano trios and solo piano. In the piano trio, I value the musical conversation with the bassist and drummer, while in solo piano, it’s a dialogue between myself and the piano. I also frequently collaborate with singers, and in these cases, I focus on the dialogue through our shared music. The sense of exhilaration, groove, and those magical moments that arise when our hearts connect through musical conversation bring me incredible experiences, and I believe these experiences influence the music I create.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest release is an album titled Eternity and a Day, which is scheduled to be released on June 6, 2025, by Summit Records.
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Michika Fukumori Eternity And A Day and what inspired its creation?
…. I will be touring in Japan for one month starting August 21, 2025, to celebrate the release of my new album, Eternity and a Day. After the Japan tour, I’m also planning to hold a release concert in New York.
This album reflects a progression in my work: my first trio album Infinite Thoughts featured mostly standards with just one original. The second, Quality Time, included four original pieces out of twelve. The third, Piano Images, was about 60% originals. Now, returning to the piano trio format and with encouragement from those around me, I’ve created a new album centered on seven original compositions and four standards—putting a stronger focus on my own musical voice.
The title track Eternity and a Day is based on the idea that ordinary moments can feel eternal, but once we realize their fragility, we begin to cherish each moment, living with a light in the heart. I hope listeners can feel that message throughout the album.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
… This album has become a milestone in my journey toward establishing my own musical originality. However, the goal is still far ahead—I’m still in the middle of a long journey. I want to continue cherishing each day and keep striving for something higher.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
… My songwriting process varies. Sometimes, I take a small musical idea or a melody that comes to me unexpectedly and spend time developing it. Other times, I start with a specific theme and create the piece based on that image.
If there are recurring themes in my music, they would be the nostalgic feelings I hold for my hometown, Iga, and the idea of living earnestly and positively—lighting a gentle light in the heart as we move through life.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
… As an indie musician, I value my artistic vision while also being mindful of how my music resonates with listeners. Creative freedom is very important to me, as it allows me to explore new sounds and ideas without limitations. At the same time, I understand that in order for my music to reach a broader audience, there must be a balance with commercial appeal.
Fortunately, in New York, I have had opportunities to refine this balance through my performances, and I always keep it in mind as I play. While I aim to create music that feels authentic to me, I also consider how it can emotionally resonate with others. In my daily performances, I’m constantly honing my ability to express my originality while connecting with people.
Ultimately, I hope to continue creating music that stays true to my vision while reaching more people, allowing them to connect with and enjoy it.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
… I am amazed and grateful that we now live in an era where I can directly reach people around the world with my music. As for whether I am making the most of this opportunity, I believe there is still room for improvement. I want to continue striving to make my music accessible to more people and reach a wider audience. It’s truly an incredible time we live in.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
… Moving to New York allowed me the incredible opportunity to perform and record with amazing musicians I had admired while in Japan, such as Billy Drummond, David Fink, and Adam Nussbaum, at venues like Blue Note NYC and Jazz at Kitano. I feel very fortunate and grateful for these experiences. The depth of their musical understanding, their grooving feel, and the many musical conversations we had through performances were truly remarkable and educational. These experiences have helped me grow as a musician and have had a profound impact on my own music, for which I am deeply thankful.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
… I hope that streaming platforms can become a place where the daily efforts we musicians dedicate to our music are truly rewarded.
I sincerely wish for a future where not only the musicians who create the music, but also the listeners and the companies or organizations that distribute it, can all be happy and move toward a win-win situation.
This is not only my hope as an indie musician, but also a guiding principle in my life — to seek happiness by sharing the fruits of our labor with everyone.
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
… I feel very grateful that the people who currently listen to my music are mainly my friends and acquaintances. Of course, I would be truly happy if I have fans who support my music. If I ever have the opportunity to build a community with them, my hope is to create a space where we can all share our feelings through music and find happiness together. That is both my ideal and my goal.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
…. You can find me on my YouTube channel,
Where I connect with people from all over the world.
It would mean so much to me if many of you take a moment to listen to my new album Eternity and a Day, and if it resonates with your heart in any way.
I truly hope that the happiness and light that music brings can reach people everywhere.
Thank you so much for your support.
By Olivia Peevas
