Ikumi Koyama

Ikumi Koyama is a Japanese jazz singer and pianist whose musical journey began in Yokohama, where she started playing piano at the age of two. After studying jazz piano at Shobi University in Japan and further honing her craft in New York, she embarked on an international career that has seen her perform across Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. In February 2020, Koyama moved to London, where she recorded her debut album, "The Things In The Past," released under the Elsden Music label. Recorded in March 2021 alongside guitarist Alban Claret, bassist Tom Mason, and drummer Kuba Miazga, the album showcases her dual talents as a vocalist and instrumentalist. Her repertoire bridges the traditional and the contemporary, featuring vibrant takes on jazz standards like "Blue Moon" and "Fly Me To The Moon," as well as inventive arrangements of Joe Hisaishi’s Studio Ghibli soundtracks, such as "The Name of Life" (from Spirited Away) and "Merry Go Round of Life" (from Howl’s Moving Castle). As a composer, Koyama explores diverse textures, from the 80s jazz-funk and soul-inspired title track "The Things In The Past" to the delicate, healing oriental melodies of her original piece "Hopeful." Recognized for her attractive vocal tone and clear piano style, Koyama continues to perform regularly in Japan and abroad, blending a deep respect for jazz tradition with a forward-looking artistic identity.