MOONRISE Brings Japanese Artists to New York
Ryota Kikuchi (piano) and MAOSHO (piano, trumpet, and Tsugaru shamisen) to perform at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center on September 19, 2026
MOONRISE Japan Artists – Ryota Kikuchi: Piano
Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m.
MOONRISE Japan Artists – MAOSHO: Jazz & Shamisen
Saturday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center – 129 W. 67th Street
Admission: $35 Prime | $25 General | $20 Seniors & Students
Disclosure: The author is providing public relations services for MOON and Mar Creation in support of the MOONRISE concert series and received compensation for this work. The event information presented here is based on materials provided by the organizers.
MOONRISE, an international artist development initiative dedicated to introducing Japanese artists to audiences in the United States and beyond, will present two performances at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The concerts will feature the innovative musical duo MAOSHO and acclaimed pianist Ryota Kikuchi, bringing contemporary and traditional Japanese artistry to one of New York City’s premier concert venues.
Presented by Moon and Mar Creation, the performances reflect MOONRISE’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for Japanese artists to engage with international audiences through live performance, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration.
“MOONRISE exists to help Japanese artists reach the world—not simply by performing overseas, but by building meaningful cultural connections through music,” says Akie Osawa, producer of MOON. “We believe every performance is an opportunity to share Japan’s creativity, inspire dialogue, and create lasting relationships between artists and audiences.”
MOONRISE Japan Artists –Ryota Kikuchi: Piano
A pianist, composer, arranger, and YouTube creator, Ryota Kikuchi began playing the piano at the age of four. While still a student at Nihon University’s College of Art and Graduate School, Kikuchi composed music for various artists, and since he has worked on numerous TV programs, film scores, as well as anime and video game music. He gained attention for composing the music for the web commercial of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In November 2024, he became the first Japanese soloist to successfully perform all four of Gershwin’s concerto works in a single evening. His YouTube channel has more than 850,000 subscribers, and the total number of views has exceeded 400 million. Kikuchi’s unique style, built on the solid technical foundation cultivated through classical music, combined with outstanding improvisational and arrangement skills, allows him to perform across various genres, earning him high praise as a one-of-a-kind pianist. Learn more at his website.
“I’ve been fortunate to connect with people around the world through YouTube, and I’m excited to finally meet many of those listeners in person through live performance,” says Kikuchi. “I hope this concert will be a special opportunity to share music together and create unforgettable memories.”
PROGRAM
George Gershwin – “Rhapsody in Blue”
Ryuichi Sakamoto – “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”
Akira Ikufube – “Bon Odori”
Movie Music Medley
To purchase, please visit Kaufman Music Center’s website. As a special benefit, JapanCulture•NYC members will receive a promotional code for discounted tickets by email. If you'd like to learn more about membership, please visit our Membership page.
MOONRISE Japan Artists – MAOSHO: Jazz & Shamisen
Mao Sone is a jazz artist who masterfully performs on both piano and trumpet. Sho Asano is one of Japan’s leading shamisen performers and folk singers.
Traditional Japanese music and jazz come together in a bold and unique collaboration with MAOSHO. The powerful sound of Tsugaru shamisen, the spirit of Japanese folk song, and the freedom of jazz improvisation create an energetic and emotional performance. The duo received a standing ovation in 2025, when they first performed a series of concerts in New York City.
“Our music is a conversation between tradition and innovation,” says MAOSHO. “We hope audiences in New York will experience not only the sound of Japan, but also the universal joy of creating something new together.”
Joining MAOSHO on the Merkin Hall stage will be guest artist Keita Ogawa, one of the most versatile and sought-after percussionists in New York City.
PROGRAM
Mao Sone – “Sakura Sakura Fantasy”
Mao Sone – “HAYASHI”
Richard Rodgers – “My Favorite Things” (arr. Sho Asano)
Japanese Folk Song – “Yagibushi” (arr. Mao Sone)
To purchase tickets, please visit Kaufman Music Center’s website. As a special benefit, JapanCulture•NYC members will receive a promotional code for discounted tickets by email. If you'd like to learn more about membership, please visit our Membership page.
About Mao Sone
A native of Chiba Prefecture, Mao Sone was born into a musical family: His paternal grandmother was a Shamisen player, and his maternal grandmother was a former jazz cafe owner. After studying classical piano from a young age, Sone added trumpet at age eight. He made his professional debut in his senior year of high school, performing alongside Norio Maeda and Takeshi Inomata. He attended Berklee College of Music on a full-tuition scholarship, and after graduating at the top of his class in 2014, he became a member of the inaugural class of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute’s master’s program, completing his degree with the highest honors (Summa Cum Laude) in 2016.
Mao Sone is a rare and versatile multi-instrumentalist who has garnered international acclaim as a "Jazz Dual-Threat"—a virtuoso on both the trumpet and the piano. An accomplished performer, composer, and producer, he has established a unique presence in the global music scene through his innovative blend of tradition and modernity. Visit Sone’s website to learn more.
About Sho Asano
Influenced by his grandfather, Sho Asano began learning wadaiko, traditional Japanese drums, at age three and the Tsugaru shamisen at age five. Throughout his childhood, he regularly won shamisen competitions, breaking records as the youngest winner in various categories. In 2004, at the age of 14, Asano became the youngest winner of the highest tier of the Tsugaru-jamisen National Competition (now known as the Tsugaru-jamison World Competition). He released his debut album, Shofu, at age 17 and has performed extensively overseas, including a concert at the Kennedy Center.
Incorporating elements of Japanese folk songs, classical music, rock, jazz, pop, and flamenco, Asano’s performance style transcends genres. He has worked with a wide range of artists, collaborating with world-class musicians such as jazz legend Will Lee (bass), rising jazz star Marcus Gilmore (drums), and two-time Grammy Award winner Richard Stoltzman (clarinet). Hear Asano’s music on his YouTube channel.
About Keita Ogawa
New York-based drummer and percussionist Keita Ogawa is a prodigious talent, playing practically any percussion instrument with fluency and musicality. The three-time Grammy winner studied at Berklee College of Music, and he spent three months in Rio de Janeiro, immersing himself in learning Brazilian percussion from some of the country’s most respected musicians. His passion for crossing musical borders and cultures shows in his impressive list of collaborators since moving to the U.S.: Yo-Yo Ma, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, and Charlie Hunter, Snarky Puppy, and Bokanté, among many others.
New York City is the final stop of a series of events for the MOONRISE project. Together, the performances of MAOSHO and Ryota Kikuchi showcase the diversity and vitality of contemporary Japanese music, offering New York audiences an opportunity to experience distinctive artistic voices that bridge tradition, innovation, and global cultural dialogue.
About Merkin Hall
Located within Kaufman Music Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Merkin Hall is one of New York City’s leading venues for classical, contemporary, jazz, and cross-cultural performance. Known for its exceptional acoustics and intimate setting, the hall has presented internationally acclaimed artists and emerging voices from around the world, serving as a vibrant home for musical innovation and artistic excellence.
About MOON
Moon, Inc. specializes in concert production and artist management, organizing numerous performances annually. The company is led by representative director and producer Akie Osawa, who has a proven track record in discovering and nurturing young talent, such as violinists Ai Okumura and Rina Matsuda, pianist Aya Nagatomi, and bandoneon player Kazuma Miura. Osawa established Moon in 2020 and continues to support artists’ global development and cross-cultural collaborations with the focus of presenting Japanese performers on the world stage. Learn more at Moon’s website.
About MOONRISE
Launched by Moon in 2025, MOONRISE is an international artist development and cultural exchange initiative that supports Japanese artists in expanding their presence beyond Japan through performances, audience engagement, and artistic opportunities abroad. As part of Moon’s “Global Expansion Project for Performing Artists,” MOONRISE is centered around music, collaborating across diverse fields such as food, traditional culture, fashion, film, and technology, showcasing the beauty and talent of Japan through the collective strength of “All Japan.” The full vision of MOONRISE is not “from Japan to the world,” but “making Japan shine within the world.” By fostering connections between artists and international audiences, MOONRISE seeks to deepen cultural understanding and create new pathways for creative exchange.
About Mar Creation
Established in 2003, Mar Creation, Inc is a full-service resource for creative needs ranging from video and music production, graphic and web design, event planning and booking, PR, artist management, and film distribution. The organization has been involved with and supports various charitable events for AIDS, Japan earthquake/tsunami relief, and peace-making projects.
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Japanese Jazz Pianist to Perform in NYC
Japanese jazz pianist Miho Nobuzane performs at Klavierhaus in New York City as part of the series From Tokyo to Times Square by Decibel
From Tokyo to Times Square: Miho Nobuzane
Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.*
Klavierhaus – 790 11th Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets)
Admission: $30 in advance | $35 at the door | $15 Students
Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with pianist Miho Nobuzane, a versatile musician whose captivating performances blend jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and dynamic improvisations. This concert is part of the Japanese jazz piano series From Tokyo to Times Square by Decibel, a nonprofit dedicated to live music, and celebrates the rich musical and cultural connections between Japan and New York.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Decibel’s website at decibelpresents.com.
About Miho Nobuzane
Born in Osaka, Japan, Miho Nobuzane began her piano journey at the age of four. After studying classical piano, she discovered her passion for jazz and Brazilian music, which led her to New York City, where she quickly became a distinguished figure in the Brazilian jazz scene.
Nobuzane has collaborated with legendary musicians including Bernard Purdie, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Bakithi Kumalo, Filo Machado, Paula Lima, Nanny Assis, Lincoln Goines, and many more. She has performed at iconic venues like Blue Note NY, Iridium NY, Long Beach Jazz Festival, as well as in Brazil, Hawaii, and Japan.
Miho’s three albums — Make You Happy, Simple Words ~Jazz loves Brazil, and Anata Ni Deaeta — showcase her incredible talent as both a composer and performer.
About From Tokyo to Times Square
From Tokyo to Times Square is a unique concert series featuring top Japanese jazz pianists performing live in New York City. The series, which began in November 2024, spans seven months, with one pianist performing each month, showcasing the talent and creativity of Japan's jazz scene. Kyoko Oyobe and Yayoi Ikawa performed in November and December, respectively, and the series continues until May.
Upcoming Performances
All set times are at 7:00 p.m.*
Miki Hayama – February 4
Eri Yamamoto – March 4
Martha Kato – April 1
Rina Yamazaki – May 27
*The original post of this event stated that there is also a set at 8:30 p.m., but there is not. The only performances will be at 7:00 p.m. JapanCulture•NYC regrets the error.
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HIROMI AT SONY HALL
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder
Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors at 5:30 p.m.) and 9:30 p.m. (Doors at 9:00 p.m.)
Sony Hall – 235 W. 46th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
General Admission: $45 Advance | $50 Day of Show
VIP Reserved Seating: $65 | $70 Day of Show
Blue Note presents Japanese jazz composer and pianist Hiromi for her Sonicwonderland album release shows at Sony Hall. The new album, which will be released on October 6, features a new quartet, known as Hiromi’s Sonicwonder. Her twelfth album, Sonicwonderland is heavy on synthesizers, and the music video for the title track is inspired by ‘80s video games such as Super Mario Bros.
Tickets
To purchase tickets, please visit Sony Hall’s website. General Admission seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. VIP reservations include guaranteed seating in a designated section. This all-ages show will have a full dinner menu available.
Hiromi from Blue Note
About Hiromi
Ever since the 2003 release of her debut, Another Mind, Hiromi has electrified audiences with a creative energy that encompasses and eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical, and pop, taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication. On her album Silver Lining Suite, Hiromi exemplifies her virtuosic hybridity and emotional range, finding strength and hope amidst the turmoil of the pandemic.
Born in Hamamatsu, Japan in 1979, Hiromi’s first piano teacher, Noriko Hikida, exposed Hiromi to jazz and introduced her to the great pianists Erroll Garner and Oscar Peterson. She enrolled in the Yamaha School of Music and started writing music.
Hiromi moved to the United States in 1999 and studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Among her mentors was jazz bassist/arranger Richard Evans, who took Hiromi’s demo to his friend, the legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal Evans and Jamal co-produced Another Mind. The album was a critical success in North America and Japan, where it shipped gold and received the Recording Industry Association of Japan’s Jazz Album of the Year Award. Hiromi’s astonishing debut was but a forecast of the shape of jazz to come.
In 2009, she recorded with pianist Chick Corea on Duet, a live recording of their concert in Tokyo. She also appeared on bassist Stanley Clarke’s Grammy-winning release, Jazz in the Garden. Hiromi performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with famed kabuki star Ebizo Ichikawa.
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Japanese Enka at The Red Pavilion
Tokyo Boogie Night
Thursday, July 27 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with music beginning at 7:30 p.m.)
The Red Pavilion Brooklyn – 1241 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn
Admission: $10 in advance | $15 at the door
Join the Red Pavilion for the first and only Tokyo Boogie Night in New York City dedicated to vintage Japanese enka, jazz, boogie, and blues featuring Kuni Mikami and the Tokyo Boogie Band! Celebrate Japanese culture, music, and dance with a unique, nostalgic 1960s twist.
Kuni Mikami and the Tokyo Boogie Band
Kuni Mikami – Keyboards
Asako Takasaki – Vocals
Frank Han – Vocals
Daisuke Konno – Drums
Bonz Sato – Sax
Tomoya Ogawa – Guitar
About Kuni Mikami
Japanese jazz pianist Kuni Mikami came to New York in 1975 and has performed at major jazz clubs and concert halls. Mikami toured in jazz legend Lionel Hampton’s band, and he played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Birdland. In 2003, he and mime performer Haruka Moriyama created “iMimenation.” He is the author of two jazz piano instructional books in Japanese. Learn more at his website.
This event welcomes guests 21 and older. There is a one-drink minimum for table service.
To purchase tickets, please visit Tock.com.
Klavierhaus to Spotlight Japanese Pianists
Love Letter from Japan
Wednesdays in June at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Klavierhaus – 790 11th Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets)
Admission: $25 in advance | $30 at the door
Klavierhaus, New York City’s premier fine piano showroom, presents some of the finest Japanese pianists in the world this June.
Produced by Jim Luce and Charles Carlini, the series promises to be a month-long celebration of the deep musical and cultural ties between Japan and New York City.
Each Wednesday in June, with sets at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., you can witness some of the most talented Japanese pianists in New York City, showcasing their unique styles and sounds to create an unforgettable musical experience.
Grab your tickets now at Klavierhaus’s website and immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Japanese jazz pianists. JapanCulture•NYC.com members will receive a special promo code for a $5 discount. Not a member? Join now by clicking here.
Love Letter from Japan Lineup
June 9 – Miki Hayama
Miki Hayama
Grammy-nominated pianist Miki Hayama studied jazz piano with the renowned jazz pianist Sadayasu Fujii in Kyoto and came to New York in 2003 after graduating from the Osaka College of Music. She has toured and/or recorded with Roy Hargrove, JD Allen, Kenny Garrett, Vincent Herring, Christian McBride, Ralph Peterson, Greg Osby, Mark Shim, and others. She is featured in a rare solo piano setting at Klavierhaus at 7:30 p.m.
June 14 – Yayoi Ikawa
Yayoi Ikawa
As a composer and arranger, Yayoi Ikawa received commissions from Modern Music Society of Tokyo, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Montreal-based sculptor David Baumflek. She is a veteran of bands led by Reggie Workman, Michael Carvin, Howard Johnson, Michal Urbaniak, Butch Morris, Craig Harris, Lenny Pickett, Frank Lacy, Lonnie Plaxico, Fostina Dixon, and others. She is featured in a rare solo piano setting at 6:00 p.m.
June 21 – Toru Dodo
Toro Dodo
Grammy-nominated pianist Toru Dodo was born in Tokyo and started playing classical piano at age four. In 1995, after graduating Meiji University in Tokyo, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and graduated summa cum laude in 1998. Following his graduation from Berklee, Dodo moved to New York. Dodo has released five solo albums, all produced by legendary guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo for the Japanese label Jazz City Spirits. He has performed with Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Louis Hayes, Ruth Brown, and Terumasa Hino, among others. At this concert, he will be joined by special guest singer Alicia Olatuja.
June 28 – Miki Yamanaka
Miki Yamanaka
Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” (Mike Jurkovic in All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most intimate release, Stairway to the Stars, features Jazz masters Mark Turner and Orlando le Fleming. Additionally, Yamanaka has emerged as a leader of the New York Scene via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series titled “Miki’s Mood,” where she features a veritable who’s who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator, drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers.
“Our Japanese Jazz Piano Series is a celebration of the deep musical and cultural ties between Japan and New York City. We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented Japanese pianists in the city to share their unique musical perspectives with audiences."
— Jim Luce
About the Series
The Japanese Jazz Piano Series is the inaugural event of the new weekly Klavierhaus Wednesday Night Concert Series, which features curated sets of today’s most interesting pianists in jazz today. It is a must-see event for anyone who loves jazz music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Japanese jazz or simply looking for a night of great music, this series promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Japan Village’s annual Summer Festival is a free Japanese event that brings together nearly 8,000 attendees for a day of food, games, and cultural performances.