Known for their jazz reinterpretations of Studio Ghibli’s beloved theme songs, ALL THAT JAZZ has made the genre feel warm, familiar, and effortlessly approachable. Seizing the opportunity of their upcoming performance in Taiwan, the group’s core member—pianist Asao Nogami—shares his thoughts on music, allowing Taiwanese listeners to step even closer into the creative universe of All That Jazz.

The moment the piano begins to play and Yukiro’s gentle, cheerful voice floats in, vivid scenes immediately come to mind: Satsuki, Mei, and Totoro dashing down a forest path; Kiki soaring across the sky on her broomstick; or Sophie and Howl walking side by side across the windswept fields. All these memories are quietly awakened—softly, naturally, like magic.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, and your music in another three, what would they be?

Nogami：Myselfearth, moon, and the version of me I have yet to meet.
My music: water, light, and love.

This is your first solo show in Taiwan. What impressions or expectations do you have about Taiwan’s culture, music scene, or fans?

Nogami：I feel that listeners in Taiwan have an incredible sensitivity.
They pay close attention to melodies and genuinely receive the emotions carried by the music.
The cultural atmosphere also feels very gentle and open-hearted to me.

Through the music of Studio Ghibli, I hope to share a sense of emotion with the audience—
to discover the joy and resonance we all naturally hold in common.

Is there anything special you hope to experience together with the audience in Taipei?

Nogami：What I look forward to the most is creating a moment of quiet, unified resonance.
Even without words, I hope we can feel music move between us as naturally as breathing.
That, to me, would be the greatest happiness.

Is there any food you want to try or places you hope to visit while in Taiwan?

Nogami：Xiaolongbao and the night markets are definitely on my list.
I’d also love to explore local cafés and record stores—
places where music lovers gather.
If anyone has recommendations, I’d be very happy to hear them.

Are you preparing any surprises or special elements for your fans in Taiwan?

Nogami：Yes, I’ve prepared a few special arrangements,
and I’ll also be bringing a limited-edition CD available only at the venue.
I’ll keep the rest a surprise for the day of the show,
but I believe the audience will feel that the experience is something they can only have here.

Could you share your recent updates and upcoming plans?

Nogami：I’m currently working on new music.
This time, I’m experimenting with approaches that are a little different from my previous jazz-based arrangements.
I’m doing my best so everyone can hear these new pieces in the near future.

Lastly, could you share a message for your fans in Taiwan?

Nogami：I’ve always believed that music crosses borders and brings hearts together.Being able to finally bring my performance to Taiwan makes me truly happy and excited.
I can’t wait to meet everyone at the show. Thank you.

Message from vocalist YURIKO

YURIKO：It’s my first time visiting Taiwan,
and being invited to perform on stage here is such an honor.

I’ve always loved Ghibli and other animated works,
so knowing that people in Taiwan enjoy them too would make me really happy.
I hope we can connect through music and spend a wonderful time together.

Taiwan also has so many foods that sound delicious to me.
In Japan, I often go to Taiwanese restaurants and food fairs—
xiaolongbao, braised pork rice, beef noodles, fried chicken, douhua, bubble tea…
I love them all and eat them quite often.

And since I love tea,
I’m very excited to try oolong and high-mountain teas in Taiwan.
If you have any recommendations for tea shops or specific teas, please let me know!