Abstract

While he was a “hidden gem” known only to a select few during his lifetime, jazz pianist Ryo Fukui (1948–2016) saw his music rediscovered overseas after his death, spreading rapidly through YouTube and Spotify. The author, who knew Fukui personally, delves into his life through interviews with numerous associates, while also exploring the appeal of the music he created. From his childhood in a family of traveling performers, to the story of how he began playing the piano at age 22 and made his recording debut, to the untold background stories behind each of his works—including the secret origins of the masterpiece “Mellow Dream” that captivated the world—this book weaves together a wealth of previously untold episodes, accompanied by rare, unpublished photographs.

Author’s Information

Writer/Producer. Born in 1969. Joined NHK as a director in 1992. In the news department, he was in charge of programs such as "Ohayo Nippon," "Close-up Gendai," and "NHK Special." He has worked on a wide range of topics, from US presidential elections to sports documentaries. From 2023, he became the head of production at the Sapporo Broadcasting Station Media Center. In March 2026, he took early retirement and began working as a freelancer. He met Ryo Fukui during an interview in 2003 and has maintained contact with him ever since.