QCEG MAG || LIVING ARTS – KEIKO BÖRJESON: THE JAZZ OF LIFE

Japanese jazz phenomenon Keiko Börjeson is a pianist of rare originality, celebrated for her fearless gift of improvisation — a talent that has taken her from festival stages across the globe to the White House itself. Her music exudes elegance and rhythmic sophistication, infused with the spirited fire of bebop, yet every performance carries the spontaneity of a soul entirely alive in the moment.

Born in Tokyo, Keiko began performing at the tender age of three and made her first television appearance at five. After graduating from the Toho Musical Academy, she refined her craft in Italy and later at the Harry Field Music School in the United States, immersing herself in jazz piano and vocal performance. Her illustrious career spans more than thirty countries — including Italy, Sweden, China, Poland, Germany, England, Hong Kong, and Egypt — earning her distinguished accolades such as the Jazz Audio Prize, the Jazz Critics Award, and the North Star Medal from the Swedish Royal Academy.

In recent years, Keiko has devoted herself to music education, founding initiatives such as the Keiko Piano Festival for Children in Ho Chi Minh City, inspiring young musicians to embrace creativity and pursue their dreams. For her, improvisation is more than a musical technique — it is a philosophy of life. “All life is improvisation. There is no time for rehearsals,” she reflects.

— SUNA MOYA

In Conversation with Keiko Börjeson

QCEG: How did it feel to perform in Paris for the first time, and what emotions did the city and its audience inspire in you?
Keiko Börjeson: In Paris, the audience already understands the basics — classical, rock, blues, pop — so I can freely mix styles and rediscover my original way. That freedom inspires me to experiment and create in the moment.

QCEG: Your music blends classical technique with jazz improvisation. How do you navigate the balance between structure and spontaneity?
Keiko Börjeson: Jazz took a long time for me to learn. Many American pianists begin in church or through practical experience, but in Japan, we start with classical training before adapting to jazz or pop. It’s not easy — you must change chords, approach, swing, and feeling. Many simply imitate classical pieces, but without true understanding. I compose my own pieces, adding a distinct Japanese sensibility to my sound.

QCEG: Improvisation is central to your work. How do you know when a note or phrase is exactly what the music needs?
Keiko Börjeson: Lyrics, harmony, and piano all come together naturally. Sometimes the accompanying musicians don’t know the tune, so I often prefer solo performances. It’s challenging but liberating — playing solo allows me to follow the music wherever it wishes to go.

QCEG: Your albums À la Ebisu and Not Alone have received great acclaim. How do you decide which emotions to express in a recording?
Keiko Börjeson: Recording has always been a challenge — selling CDs hand to hand, finding markets — but I live and love music for joy and for the soul. Jazz is like Zen: one moment, one joy. Music comes from the soul. To play, you must know how to live and how to love.

QCEG: How important is your connection with the audience during a concert?
Keiko Börjeson: The audience and I are joined by a bridge of music. Whether they are children, students, young or old — I never change who I am. I share myself through my music.

QCEG: How do different cultures influence your interpretation of jazz?
Keiko Börjeson: Every country has its own culture, and that diversity brings me joy and inspiration. Reuniting with old friends after many years is part of my jazzy life. My life and my music move as one.

QCEG: How does teaching young musicians inspire your own artistry?
Keiko Börjeson: At the Keiko Piano Festival for Children in Ho Chi Minh City, I meet so many young pianists, listen to them play, and answer their questions. Their curiosity inspires me as much as I hope my music inspires them.

QCEG: Looking ahead, what directions are you most excited to explore?
Keiko Börjeson:I don’t plan projects. I want to continue living with my soul and my music. The world may be difficult, but through music I can say: “Share and love each other.”

QCEG: After your Paris debut, what would you like your audience to remember?
Keiko Börjeson: Jazz is a moment of joy. Every joyful moment opens a new direction — that is what I hope they take with them.