“Blues may sound like a simple form of music on the surface, but it contains an extraordinary depth of emotion and a remarkably wide range of expression. I believe that is what has captivated so many people in Japan and why they have continued to love this music for so long.”

Hiromi Takai: 88 Keys of Rhythm & Soul

Bridging cultures and genres, pianist Hiromi Takai has spent her life redefining her musical voice. From her classical upbringing in Japan to her recent collaboration with blues legends, her career is a testament to the universal power of rhythm and soul. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Hiromi Takai began classical piano lessons at the age of six. Her passion for music led her to the United States, where she spent a year in Columbus, Nebraska, as an AFS exchange student, performing in both a marching band and a jazz combo. She continued her music education at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University), earning a B.A. in piano performance.

(Photo: Hiromi Takai)

After returning to Japan, she turned her focus to jazz, performing regularly in local clubs. Around 2016, she discovered a deep connection with the blues and began playing with Hideaki Tanaka’s band. In 2026, she played keyboards on the album “Blues—It’s Powerful Stuff” alongside Chicago legend Carlos Johnson and Hideaki Tanaka, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

Hearing Hideaki Tanaka perform was a turning point. Until then, I hadn't really listened to the blues, let alone played it. His passionate playing, expressive dynamics, and emotional intensity were unlike anything I had experienced before. That experience sparked my curiosity about the blues, and as I began playing it myself, I realized that music can express far more than technical skill—it can also reflect a person’s life, emotions, and experiences.

Recording with Carlos Johnson in 2024 became one of the most meaningful experiences of my musical career. He showed me that people of different countries and backgroundscan connect through music beyond language. It not only inspired me as a musician but also strengthened my belief that music has the power to bring people together, no matter where they come from.

What keeps a musician passionate over the years in Blues music? What musicians have continued to inspire your music?

One of the biggest musical influences on me has been Roosevelt Purifoy's keyboard playing, which I heard through recordings Hideaki Tanaka made while living in Chicago. Until then, my impression of a blues keyboard was mostly played by tasteful acoustic piano. But Roosevelt Purifoy's approach was completely different. It was colorful, groovy, exciting, and almost magical. He used a wide variety of keyboard sounds while staying true to the blues' feeling, and his playing went beyond the traditional boundaries of the genre, both technically and musically. Hearing him made me realize that the keyboard could be used to express so much more within the blues. After hearing Roosevelt play, I became interested in the great Otis Spann and Pinetop Perkins.

More recently, recording with Carlos Johnson has also been a major milestone in my musical journey. Being able to experience his raw emotion—every subtle tremor and surge in his playing—moved me deeply and inspired me. The more I learn about music, the deeper it becomes, and every time I perform, I discover something new. I think that endless sense of discovery is what continues to fuel my passion for making music.

“I believe the blues is no longer a genre of music but a part of history and culture. Living in Kyoto, I am reminded daily of the importance of preserving tradition. Kyoto is home to countless cultural treasures with long histories—Yuzen dyeing, the tea ceremony, traditional Japanese sweets, and the old machiya townhouses, to name a few.”  (Photo: Hiromi Takai with Chicago bluesman Carlos Johnson, Hideaki Tanaka, Yohei Kisanuki, and Shigeo “Sanpei” Hirayama)

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Japan?

I think that many people in Japan have a deep appreciation for tradition and for preserving older forms of culture. Some collect records, while others study classic performances in great detail. I believe it's the dedication of these passionate fans and musicians that has helped sustain the blues scene in Japan.

Of course, Japanese people cannot fully share the historical and cultural background of the blues as those in the United States, where it was born. Even so, I believe the emotions at the heart of the blues—sadness, joy, longing, humor, and the strength to keep moving forward—are universal. They transcend national borders and cultural differences.

Blues may sound like a simple form of music on the surface, but it contains an extraordinary depth of emotion and a remarkably wide range of expression. I believe that is what has captivated so many people in Japan and why they have continued to love this music for so long.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

We live in a time when it's incredibly easy to listen to music from all over the world.

Even while living in Japan, I can listen to Chicago blues whenever I want. In fact, this year's Chicago Blues Festival was officially streamed on YouTube, and I really enjoyed watching it.  The livestreams from Rosa's Lounge are a real treat, and I watch them every week. In that sense, we have more ways than ever to discover great music.

Yet, I worry that easy access may keep people from experiencing the true magic of live performances. As a musician, I know some things can never be fully captured online: the power of the sound in the room, vibration, the interaction between the musicians, the atmosphere created by the audience, and the tension and excitement that exist only in that moment. That's why I hope to visit the Chicago Blues Festival and Rosa's Lounge in person in the near future and experience that incredible music. And if I'm fortunate enough, I would love to perform there myself someday.

Older musical traditions valued the irreplaceable experience of hearing music live.  While the easy access we have today is a gift, it can never replace the transformative power of being present at a live performance. If people settle for screens alone, we risk losing what makes music most meaningful. No matter how much the future of music changes, I believe that what truly moves people's hearts will always be the sound created by musicians giving everything they have in that moment.

“From the Japanese Blues Scene, I learned that the importance of carrying the heart of the blues—sadness, joy, longing, humor, and the strength to keep moving forward. “ (Photo: Hiromi Takai)

What is the status of women in music? How do you find opportunities for women in the music industry and the blues scene in particular?

As a woman musician, I see more doors opening for us now than in the past, even though the blues is still seen as a male-dominated genre. Most of the guitarists, harpists, and bandleaders I encounter are men. Yet, I truly believe women bring our own perspectives and emotional depth to music, shaped by our unique life experiences. This is a real strength, especially in the blues, where storytelling and vulnerability matter so much. I hope to see more women stepping into every part of the blues world—not just as singers, but as instrumentalists, songwriters, bandleaders, producers, and more. What matters most to me is that we’re recognized for our artistry, not our gender, and that every woman feels free to express herself fully through music.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the Japanese Blues Scene?

The way I see it, Japan has developed its own kind of blues, paying respect to the traditional blues. Cultures don't just spread—they evolve. As they take root in new places, they adapt to local tastes and traditions, creating entirely new forms. Just as Japanese sushi in the States evolved into California Rolls—delicious but quite different from the original—the blues can also change form when removed from their roots. While change is natural, it’s important to remember and respect where it all began. From the Japanese Blues Scene, I learned that the importance of carrying the heart of the blues—sadness, joy, longing, humor, and the strength to keep moving forward.  

How easy or difficult is it for the younger generation to relate to the blues in Japan?

Today, there is an overwhelming amount of music and an endless stream of information. In that environment, young people may have fewer opportunities to encounter the blues.Unfortunately, it seems fewer people in Japan are listening to the blues than in the past. There was a time when countless authentic blues artists came to Japan—B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Otis Rush, Eddie Taylor, and many more than I could list. I believe Japanese people who had the chance to experience genuine performances in person developed a deep love and appreciation for the blues.

However, due to economic conditions in Japan, it is now less common for foreign blues artists to tour here. I don't believe it is a coincidence that opportunities to experience authentic blues have declined while the number of blues listeners in Japan has decreased. That said, I don't believe the blues is a genre that simply doesn't resonate with younger people. As long as they have the opportunity to experience authentic blues, I'm convinced that many young people will find something in it that speaks to them because the blues carry joy, sorrow, hardship, humor, and the strength to keep moving forward, universal human experiences that transcend time and national borders. Perhaps what the younger generation needs is simply the chance to encounter the authentic blues.

“Older musical traditions valued the irreplaceable experience of hearing music live.  While the easy access we have today is a gift, it can never replace the transformative power of being present at a live performance. If people settle for screens alone, we risk losing what makes music most meaningful. No matter how much the future of music changes, I believe that what truly moves people's hearts will always be the sound created by musicians giving everything they have in that moment.” (Photo: Hiromi Takai)

Why is it important for us to preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society?

I believe the blues is no longer a genre of music but a part of history and culture. Living in Kyoto, I am reminded daily of the importance of preserving tradition. Kyoto is home to countless cultural treasures with long histories—Yuzen dyeing, the tea ceremony, traditional Japanese sweets, and the old machiya townhouses, to name a few. None of these traditions survived by being frozen in time. They have remained alive by gradually adapting to the lives and sensibilities of each new generation while preserving their essential character.

I think the blues share something in common with that. It has always been living music, constantly evolving with each generation. Albert King and Freddie King profoundly influenced rock musicians, while B.B. King reached audiences far beyond the blues through his connection to soul and popular music. Today, artists like John Mayer often serve as a gateway, introducing listeners from pop and neo-soul to the blues. Some of those listeners eventually trace that path back to its roots, discovering artists such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Otis Rush. To me, what matters is preserving its essence, and that essence lies in human emotion, groove, pain, joy, humor, and the strength to keep moving forward.

In Japan, we have a concept called fueki ryūkō. It means preserving what is timeless and essential while embracing change and new ideas as the times evolve. I believe this philosophy is just as important if we hope to pass the blues on to future generations. We must hold on to its authentic essence while allowing it to continue evolving with the times. That balance—honoring the roots while welcoming change—is what will keep the blues alive, relevant, and able to move new hearts for generations to come.

(Photo: Hiromi Takai)