KURUMIKI
KURUMIKI is a Japanese music duo consisting of Kurumi Fujioka and Miki Takahashi. The project is built around Jazz, which originally brought the two musicians together, while incorporating elements of World Music, Progressive Rock, Video Game Music and traditional Japanese music.
KURUMIKI approaches music as a creative experiment. Under the concept of “Adult Free Research” (大人の自由研究), the two musicians create original works that cross the boundaries between genres and instruments. Their music explores different sounds, musical forms and instrumentation without being restricted to a single musical style.
A central artistic concept of KURUMIKI is “a fantastical Japanese world” (幻想的な和の世界). Their original compositions combine contemporary instrumental music with the atmosphere and aesthetics of Japan, creating a distinctive musical world that moves between Jazz, Fusion, Progressive Rock, World Music and Japanese musical traditions.
The Artists
Kurumi Fujioka – Piano, Keyboard, Whistle, Vocals
Kurumi Fujioka is the pianist and keyboard player of KURUMIKI. In addition to Piano and Keyboard, she performs on Whistle and Vocals and is involved in composition, arrangement and music production. Kurumi is the daughter of Chihiro Fujioka, the renowned Japanese game director, composer and musician. His background in both video game development and Progressive Rock represents an important part of KURUMIKI’s musical heritage.
Miki Takahashi – Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, EWI, Aerophone, Whistle, Vocals
Miki Takahashi is a highly versatile multi-instrumentalist and forms the second half of KURUMIKI. Her instrumentation includes Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, EWI, Aerophone, Whistle and Vocals. Together with Kurumi Fujioka, she is involved in the creation, arrangement and performance of KURUMIKI’s original music.
Chihiro Fujioka – Guest / Support Musician
For selected live performances, KURUMIKI is joined by Chihiro Fujioka on Drums and Percussion. Chihiro Fujioka is a renowned Japanese game director, composer and musician, known internationally for his work in the video game industry as well as his long-standing involvement in Progressive Rock. He is also Kurumi Fujioka’s father, creating a unique musical connection within the project. Depending on the live format, Chihiro Fujioka performs with KURUMIKI as a guest and support musician.
Music & Concept
KURUMIKI’s music is based on Jazz and incorporates elements of:
Jazz
World Music
Progressive Rock
Video Game Music
Traditional Japanese Music
Rather than simply combining different genres, KURUMIKI treats music as an ongoing creative exploration. Their concept of “Adult Free Research” reflects their desire to experiment freely across musical genres, instruments and forms.
1st Album – 「佳宵花宴」(Kasyo Hana no EN – Moonlit Flowery Feast)
KURUMIKI released their first album, 「佳宵花宴」(Kasyo Hana no EN – Moonlit Flowery Feast), in 2025. The album contains eight original compositions inspired by the concept of a fantastical Japanese world.
Tracklist:
– 初めの音 (The First Sound)
– 赫けし龍 (The Radiant Dragon)
– 劫廻〜生けるものらの歌〜 (The Cycle – Song of the Living)
– 創造 (Creation)
– 夢幻郷 (Dreamland)
– 可惜夜 (The Precious Night)
– 神舞 (Dance of the Gods)
– 零れ桜 (Falling Cherry Blossoms)
The album reflects KURUMIKI’s approach to creating music that crosses the boundaries between genres and instruments while maintaining a strong Japanese identity.
Live Performance
KURUMIKI performs in different configurations depending on the venue and production. The core duo consists of Kurumi Fujioka and Miki Takahashi, while selected live performances can be expanded with additional musicians.
Chihiro Fujioka can join the group on Drums and Percussion, creating an expanded live arrangement with a strong rhythmic and progressive character.
This flexible format allows KURUMIKI to perform both as an intimate duo and as a larger ensemble for concert and festival settings.
Notable Works:
– KURUMIKI 1st Album 「佳宵花宴」(Kashōkaen)
– 初めの音 (The First Sound)
– 劫廻〜生けるものらの歌〜 (The Cycle – Song of the Living)
– 神舞 (Dance of the Gods)
– 零れ桜 (Falling Cherry Blossoms)
Location:
🇯🇵 – Tokyo
Useful Links
