Born in Kanagawa, Japan, Akiko began to play piano at the age of 3, surrounded by the pupils of her mother who taught classical piano at home. In her early teenage she started to take a deep interest in improvisational music, fascinated by the music of jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Lennie Tristano and Paul Bley, to name a few, then started to collect recordings. While attended Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, she decided to take a sabbatical study to attend Berklee College of Music, resulted in choosing her second home Boston and eventually NY for the sake of music.
In 2002, Akiko Grace released her debut album "From New York" form the Savoy label, Columbia Music Entertainment Japan as a Savoy's first Japanese artist. Backed by bassist Ron Carter and drummer Bill Stewart, Akiko Grace displayed a deft touch with a driving force in remarkably crystalline piano melodies. "From New York" was selected as "Best Gold Disc of the Month "of Swing Journal Magazine.
Akiko Grace's japan debut concert in Tokyo, backed by bassist Eddie Gomez and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, was reported as the birth of a new jazz movement in japan. Shortly after, second album "Manhattan Story" was recorded with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Bill Stewart, released in September 2002. Following the first album, this album was selected as Best Gold Disc of the Month, and awarded "New Star of the year "of Swing Journal Disc Award. In December 2003 Akiko formed special trio with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jorge Rossy. This performance was chosen as "Best Popular Concert Performance of The Year" of Music Pen Club Japan Award 2002, selected by poll of 200 music critics and writers. Third album "New York Style", the last one of "NY Trilogy "works, won "Japan Jazz Grand Prize" of Swing Journal Disc Award, and "Outstanding Record of the Year" from National Arts Festival organized by the Agency of Cultural Affairs in Japan.
In 2004 March 3, Akiko released her fourth album "Tokyo" creating a new realm of jazz with the theme of Japan, blended, fused contemporary jazz and japanese traditional repertoire into new modern. Participated musicians were bassist Kiyoto Fujiwara, drummer Tappy Iwase, violinist Toshihiro Nakanishi, Shakuhachi player Dozan Fujiwara. The national concert tour featuring original recording members was well-received not only by jazz fans but also by various music lover.
In December of 2004, "From Oslo" was released. Recorded at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, with bassist Larry Grenadier and Oslo-based legendary drummer Jon Christensen, whose impressionistic approach flamed songs into special art form. In 2006 Akiko ventures further to explore ambient world, welcomed Bill Laswell as a producer, bassist and sound creator using electric devices. This album "Illume" which contains extensive mythical vibes, assured diverse expression which pushes piano music further ahead.
In 2008 July 22, monumental work "Graceful Vision" was released, recorded with new trio, Larry Grenadier on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums. "Graceful Vision" carries freedom of interpretation and highly artistic vibes to piano trio music, creative approach to all the art-form lovers. In January 2009, Latest CD, piano solo album "Pianorium" was released. All of 12 song is original works. This album clearly reflects rich contents of Akiko Grace's "Mode".
In April 2009, 12 inches Analog LP version of "Graceful Vision" has been released.
"Jazz transcends barriers like race, age, sex and nationality in its creation. That's the wonderful thing about jazz, Akiko Grace remarks. "
-Herald Tribune International
