Masaru Imada

Masaru Imada was born on March 21, 1932, in Tokyo, Japan. He received classical piano training as a youth and became interested in jazz while studying at Meiji University. After one year in business, he committed fully to music. By the early 1970s, Imada had become central to Japan’s jazz scene. He joined Three Blind Mice Records as a founding artist when the label launched in June 1970.

Imada’s debut album as a leader, “Now!!” (1970), featured saxophonist Ichiro Mimori, bassist Takashi Mizuhashi, and drummer Masahiko Ozu. The album showcased his lyrical, emotionally restrained playing style through original compositions. He recorded prolifically for Three Blind Mice throughout the mid-to-late 1970s, releasing “Poppy” (1973), “Green Caterpillar” (1975), and “Masaru Imada Piano” (1976). “Green Caterpillar” demonstrated the label’s approach of blending acoustic and electric instruments while respecting jazz tradition. His trio format became his signature, often featuring bassist Isoo Fukui and drummer Tetsujiro Obara. His Bosendorfer piano provided the warm, spacious tone that defined these sessions.

By the late 1970s, Imada’s work evolved toward fusion and funk. His 1979 album “Blue Marine” featured American jazz musicians including saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., trumpeter Tom Browne, guitarist Steve Khan, bassist Anthony Jackson, and drummer Steve Jordan. This album showed his ability to balance acoustic introspection with contemporary electric grooves. Imada also collaborated extensively with Japanese musicians including bassist Isao Suzuki and drummer Takeshi Inomata. These partnerships reinforced his role as a bridge between Western jazz traditions and the emerging Japanese scene.

Over five decades, Imada released more than eighty recordings and established himself as one of Japan’s most influential pianists. His technical command and sophisticated harmonic sensibilities defined his mature style. He maintained an unwavering commitment to melodic and emotional expression throughout his career. Imada died on May 30, 2025, at age 92, leaving a legacy as a central architect of Japan’s modern jazz identity.