INTRODUCING TOYKO GROOVE JYOSHI

Tokyo Groove Jyoshi (TGJ) is an all girl jazz/funk groove band formed in 2018 in Tokyo by their producer Koichi Kaneko (Neko), comprising top Japanese session musicians. The current members are Emi Kanazashi (keyboards/vocals), MiMi Kawakami (drums/vocals), and Rina Hoshino (bass/vocals).

TGJ aims to be a powerful groove band that transcends generations, genders, and genres. In February 2020, the band travelled to New York and performed at renowned jazz clubs such as the Bitter End, Shrine, Sugar Bar, Groove, and Café Wha? Renowned producer Ray Angry invited them for additional performances, leading to nightly gigs. They have toured extensively across Japan, performing at festivals and jazz clubs. In 2023, TGJ expanded their performances internationally, including Taiwan (Sound Wave Festival) and Singapore (headlining the inaugural Sentosa Music Festival’s “Jazz by the Cove”).

In April 2024, TGJ embarked on their first tour of Australia, selling out four out of seven shows in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. Due to popular demand, they returned to Australia in November 2024, with new stops in Adelaide and Brisbane. Additionally, TGJ performed in Las Vegas in June 2024 and returned in December 2024, again due to public demand. The band continues to tour globally, fuelled by their growing fan base.

The band continues to do sell out shows in Japan.

In March 2025, The band completed an epic “Sakura Down Under” Tour of Australia performing at 11 shows including some regional areas.

TGJ has released over 70 videos on YouTube, featuring both original compositions and covers. Their original piece “Funk No. 1” has over 25 million views, while their cover of Tower of Power’s “What is Hip” (Twin Bass) has achieved over 3 million views.

The band’s single, “Hot summer,” reached No. 1 in the R&B/Soul category on iTunes in Turkey two years ago, and their EP “Tokyo Groove” is ranked No. 8 in R&B/Soul on iTunes in Japan. Their third EP, “TGJ Grooving and Dancing,” released in January 2024, peaked at No. 2 in Japan and Germany in the iTunes R&B Soul category. A new single, “Dance to the Music,” released on December 24, 2023, is gaining significant traction in the R&B/Soul Top Songs on iTunes in Japan and Thailand.

Their latest single “Wanted to win” was released on 24 November 2024. This song was written for the TV series “Oh Tonbo” second season

The band released its first album “We are TGJ” on 1st June 2025 containing 9 new original tracks. The album was newly ranked No.1 in the “Top R&B/Soul Category” on the iTunes Stores in Singapore and India. It was newly ranked No.2 in the “Top R&B/Soul Category” on the iTunes Stores in Thailand, No.8 in Australia and No.13 in Japan.

These accomplished musicians are sure to captivate audiences with their smooth jazz music and endearing charm.

"This is their finest so far-if I closed my eyes I'd swear I was in the New York scene!"

TOUR DATES

Drums/Vocals/Composer

MiMi

MiMi was born in Ishikawa. She picked up her first drum sticks at age 7, and has established herself as a multiple-award-winning drummer. Graduating from the Showa University of Music in 2019, MiMi tours & performs with a range of artists including featuring in Yoko Hamasaki’s album and “Blind Love” tour. MiMi stars in musical productions, recently performing in Toshiki Kodamatsu’s production Tokyo Syoujo.

MiMi released her first solo album “The:O” in 2020, single “Love Salt” in 2021 and recently released her follow-up album “Family” in 2022 – Self-producing lyrics, composition, arrangements, drums & vocals. MiMi has continually contributed new songs to the band with “Nevada Chill” on the band’s latest album called “We are TGJ”.

Equipment

  • Ludwig & Istanbul Agop
  • Ride cymbal
  • Istanbul Agop traditional dark 20′
  • Cymbals
  • Istanbul Agop traditional dark 16′
  • Hi-hat
  • Istanbul Agop traditional light hi-hat 14′
  • Drums set Ludwig
  • Legacy mahogany
  • 22′ 12′ 16′
  • Snare drum
  • Ludwig LM400(vintage 80’s)
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Keyboards/Vocals/Composer

Emi

Emi was born in Shizuoka, and started playing piano & electric organ as a young child. She graduated from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music with a Major in electric organ. Featuring in albums & tours of other popular artists including Daichi Hamasaki & soul band Eldolphin H.K, Emi is constantly exploring new sounds and styles. Emi composed her first song “E Funk” for  the band’s latest album called “We are TGJ”.

Emi studied under Philip Woo, Ken Kawamura, Toshitaka Shibata, Yuko Ootaki (Vocals).

She respects borderless musicians such as Cory Henry, Bob James, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power, Sting and Alicia Keys.

Equipment

Nord Stage2 ex

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Bass/Vocals/Composer

Rina

Rina was born in Saitama, and is a second generation bassist. She started her musical journey in junior high school with clarinet, guitar & vocals. Going on to graduate from Maeserhaus and winning multiple awards, Rina has performed at multiple venues including at Ajinomoto Stadium for A-Nation.

In 2018, Rina released her first solo album “Attack!!”, closely followed by 2019’s “Aquarium” and 2020’s “ANCiENT”. She joined the band in 2020 and now performs full time with Tokyo Groove Jyoshi at over 100 live performances a year. Rina is a prolific song writer and has written quite a few for the band always something not expected in mainstream such as “Foxy”, “Copper Ravens” and then “Holic” on the latest album called “We are TGJ”

Equipment

[Bass]
  • Black Smoker Beta-P4 Experimental Blue
  • Sugi NB4IR ASH T-WH
  • Sugi NB4IR blue
  • Sugi NB6M A BM KORINA NAT
  • Greco WSB-STD,Black
  • ZEMAITIS A22B MF WAL
[AMP]
  • Orange Little Bass Thing
  • Orange OBC410&OBC115
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GIGS & TOURS

More info about upcoming tours across the world

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DIGITAL

New Album available in stores!

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