Celebrating 20 Years of MAYU: A Musical Journey and New Beginnings

MAYU, the talented singer-songwriter renowned for her unique voice, is commemorating her 20th anniversary in music with a live performance that promises to be an incredible experience. The event, titled "静と動。MAYUという楽器が奏でる、最高純度の音楽体験。" (Quiet and Motion. The Instrument That Is MAYU Produces the Purest Musical Experience), will take place on May 31, 2026, at the Live House Hey-JOE in Yokohama.

MAYU has established herself in the music world, first by launching her solo career and collaborating with Japan's finest jazz musicians. This upcoming concert will mark a significant return to a band-style performance, showcasing the rich synthesis of her experiences over two decades. Joining her are prominent musicians, including drummer GAAA Kiyo from Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe, bassist Masao Nakamura known for his work with the SWINGING 1984 band, and versatile guitarist Eiichi Takahashi, who is favored by musicians from various genres.

"When I look back, I realize I have walked alongside music for 20 years. My encounter with Toshiki Kadomatsu kickstarted my journey, leading me through pop band styles and my recent explorations in acoustic music. All these experiences have shaped the voice I possess today. Celebrating this milestone alongside trusted new supports, I feel an unprecedented excitement in being able to sing again amid the energetic band sound. This performance is not merely a commemoration; it's the starting point of a new chapter in my musical career," says MAYU.

She reflects on how she has consistently delivered her music over the past two decades, stating, "Perhaps now is the most 'exposed version of MAYU.' After honing my skills in the world of solo and jazz music, I am diving back into the intense currents of a band environment. Together with my trusted new members, this night will be an explosion of the culmination of 20 years. I hope to share the essence of my evolved vocal purity with both long-time supporters and those experiencing my music for the first time."

MAYU's latest album, "The End Is the Beginning," released on November 1, 2024, features five tracks showcasing the peaceful landscapes within her musical soul, crafted in collaboration with esteemed jazz players. "Having experienced the stillness within that quiet world, I now fully appreciate the preciousness of the 'moving' energy that the band brings, especially at this pivotal 20-year mark. After a long journey, I have finally discovered the form of singing that feels true to myself. Alongside newly met reliable companions, I promise a stage that is the most free and passionate we've ever had."

Live Information

Date: May 31, 2026
Venue: Live House Hey-JOE
Venue Website
Doors open: 17:30 | Show starts: 18:30
Advance ticket price: ¥5,000 | Day-of ticket price: ¥5,500 + 2 drink orders
Address: 6-72 Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0013
Phone: 045-211-6907
Access:

- 3-minute walk from Bashamichi Station (Minatomirai Line)
- 4-minute walk from Kannai Station (Yokohama City Subway Blue Line)
- 5-minute walk from Kannai Station (JR)

Tickets will be available for online reservation starting March 31, 2026. Visit the Live House Hey-JOE for details.

Album Information

MAYU's latest album, "The End Is the Beginning," is now available. It presents a journey of rich sounds emerging bravely from a monochrome silence, embodying both beauty and passion in its music. The album is structured around MAYU's original piano-led compositions and features a collaboration with renowned musicians, such as bassist Koosuke Sakai and sound engineer Shoichi Shimura.
Price: ¥2,500 (tax included)
Tracks:
1. Final Voyage
2. Stars of Wish
3. Shiro
4. Tokyo Serenade
5. Realize
Available for purchase at the MAYUMUSIC shop or at her concerts, where fans can receive signed copies.

Artist Profile

MAYU, born in Yokohama, began composing at the age of four and debuted as a singer-songwriter in 2006 under the production of Toshiki Kadomatsu. She regularly performs at Mazda's "Drive & Music" events since 2022 and has been focusing on acoustic live performances with jazz guitarist Takeshi Yamaguchi and bassist Koosuke Sakai since 2023.

Follow MAYU on social media:
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Event Organizer:** TORA Planning, dedicated to producing high-quality musical experiences, focusing on artists from the 1980s and beyond.
Their mission is to create memorable and touching live music experiences for audiences today.