Masaru Imada

Masaru Imada is a Japanese pianist and composer whose work spans Hard Bop, Modal Jazz, and Fusion. His career timeline shows his central role in Japan’s jazz scene: from his early work in the 1970s to his prolific output on the Three Blind Mice label, where albums like “Green Caterpillar” established him as a leading voice in Japanese jazz piano. His trio work demonstrated technical command and a distinctive approach to post-bop piano that incorporated both American jazz tradition and Japanese musical elements. He collaborated extensively with Japanese jazz musicians including Isao Suzuki and Takeshi Inomata, while also working with visiting American artists. His leadership and sideman work on Three Blind Mice helped define the label’s sound during its most creative period.