Makoto Kuriya | TEDxTokyo 2013
Struggling people probably need music more than others. What makes Makoto Kuriya such a distinctive pianist are the soulful groove he developed while living among the Appalachian black community and clarity. After graduating from high school, Makoto moved to the US and started playing live shows while studying linguistics at West Virginia University. He worked as a jazz teacher after graduation, and later shared stages with jazz giants such as Chuck Mangione.
Upon returning to Japan, Makoto formed his own group and played with Herbie Hancock at Tokyo Jazz, Japan’s largest jazz festival, and in Paris for “International Music Day” with such greats as Billy Cobham, John Faddis, and Jonny Griffin. Makoto has over a dozen music releases, did the soundtrack for the platinum-winning Neo Genesis Evangelion, and produces not only jazz but pop music and classical orchestral compositions.