I liked that a friend of mine once called me a “Renaissance Girl", not just because I love Italy, but because the words described me so well. I am a person with a curious and adventurous spirit. But if I had to describe myself in just one word, it would be singer. Singing is definitely a sacred part of my life.

Emi sings traditional jazz, accompanying herself on the piano.  Her sound is often described as something reminiscent of an old movie from the golden age of jazz.

Emi has won multiple awards at classical piano competitions in Tokyo during her youth. Her vocal skills were developed through her immersion in Baroque and late Renaissance choral music during high school, and she still loves to sing Italian opera arias. As a Linguistics major (Phonology) at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, she confidently sings in multiple languages. After relocating to Los Angeles, she toured with her husband, Paul Gilbert, performing as a keyboardist and backing vocalist at over 300 shows worldwide. Throughout her touring career, Emi continued honing her craft as a jazz singer and pianist.

Now, she regularly performs—both as a soloist and bandleader—at venues in Portland, captivating audiences both locally and online. She is also a dedicated piano and vocal instructor at a local music school.