Akira Tana and Otonowa
—Bridging Cultures Through Jaz

Akira Tana and Otonowa is a uniquely inspired ensemble of Japanese and Japanese American musicians who create jazz interpretations of traditional Japanese folk melodies. By blending classic jazz instrumentation with traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and uchiwa daiko (fan drum), Otonowa offers a transcendent musical experience that honors both cultural heritage and jazz innovation.

Featuring Akira Tana (drums), Masaru Koga (reeds and flutes), Art Hirahara (piano), and Ken Okada (bass), the group reimagines folk songs from Japan — some dating back over a century — through the dynamic lens of American jazz.

The roots of Otonowa, meaning “Sound Circle,” trace back to an earlier ensemble known as the Asian American Jazz Trio and their recording Otonowa, released on King Records (Japan) and Evidence Music (US). The group reformed under its current name after being invited to perform at a benefit concert organized by Lake Hanyu of the Elsewhere Gallery in Fairfax, California, in response to the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan. Since then, Otonowa has performed annually in commemoration of the disaster and continues to support ongoing relief efforts with performances and outreach in affected communities.

Otonowa embodies the spirit of jazz as an evolving, inclusive American art form. The ensemble is composed of both Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans who were raised and musically trained in the United States. Their work reflects a deep reverence for tradition, while also showcasing the possibilities of reinvention — breathing new life into Japanese folk melodies by interpreting them in the jazz idiom.

To date, the group has released four albums dedicated to commemorating the victims and recovery efforts in Northern Japan. Each album showcases their mission: to explore and expand the cultural fabric of jazz by incorporating global musical influences and educating audiences about the richness of cross-cultural dialogue through music.

Akira Tana and Otonowa stand as a powerful testament to music’s ability to heal, connect, and transcend borders — preserving history, celebrating diversity, and redefining the boundaries of jazz.