山川恵津子

**山川恵津子 (Etsuko Yamakawa)** is a Japanese jazz pianist and composer who became a standout figure in Japan’s jazz fusion and city pop scenes during the late 1970s and ’80s. Known for her lush, melodic keyboard work and sophisticated arrangements, she blended jazz with pop sensibilities, creating music that felt equally at home in cozy cafes and neon-lit cityscapes. Her collaborations with legends like Haruomi Hosono and involvement in projects like the *Swing Journal Super Session* band cemented her reputation as a versatile and inventive musician.

Though she peaked in popularity during Japan’s bubble era, Yamakawa’s smooth, nostalgic sound has found new life in recent years, resonating with fans of vintage city pop and jazz fusion. Releases like *UTOPIA* and *Do Yah!* showcase her knack for breezy grooves and emotive piano lines, while tracks such as *Namida wa Biyaku* (“Tears Are a Beauty Elixir”) highlight her playful yet polished approach to songwriting. Whether you’re digging into her classics or her newer material, her music remains a perfect soundtrack for laid-back vibes and retro-daydreaming.