Since her debut as Japan’s piano wunderkind, Hiromi Uehara has been on quite a journey. After getting worldwide recognition thanks to her brilliant technique and catchy fusion of jazz, progressive rock and more classical styles, playing a host of prestigious venues, she has now received one of  the ultimate honors by shining at the latest Grammys, earlier this month in Los Angeles: the Stanley Clarke Band’s album in which she played a key role was awarded the prize in the Best Contemporary Jazz category. What are the secrets behind this success? The New Yooxer met Hiromi for an exclusive interview.

At first glace, she looks as if she could be the featured star of a video by the Japanese artist Mairko Mori, but attending one of her concerts is like participating in a “happening”, each one remarkable for its overwhelming strength and hypnotic sound. Her look is post-punk – a bit romantic, a bit bohemian, she’s married to the designer Mihara Yasuhiro, and she talks to The New Yooxer about her latest album “Place To Be”, revealing small details about her artistic life.