Taipei, Taiwan, September 5th, 2025... XO Brass is proud to welcome Hikari Ichihara and Chihiro Murata to our XO Artist roster. Both trumpet players from Tokyo, they are recognized for their expressive tone, versatility, and dynamic performances across jazz, pop, and brass ensemble settings. With their extensive careers as soloists, leaders, and collaborators, Murata and Ichihara represent the depth and diversity of Japan’s vibrant trumpet scene.

▍Hikari Ichihara is a seasoned XO artist whose partnership with the brand spans more than 20 years. A graduate of the Jazz Course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, she quickly established herself as one of Japan’s most prominent jazz trumpeters, releasing numerous albums that showcase her lyrical style and technical brilliance. Her discography includes Ichiban no Shiawase (2005), Sings & Plays (2019), and her forthcoming 11th album Brain Candy (2025). In addition to her own recordings, Ichihara has collaborated widely as a featured soloist on projects by legendary artists including Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, Yuji Toriyama, and Hajime Mizoguchi, extending her influence far beyond the jazz community.

For more information about Hikari Ichihara, please visit: Hikari Ichihara - XO Sophisticated Brass

▍Chihiro Murata began her musical journey on piano and French horn before switching to trumpet in junior high school. She gained early recognition in national competitions and further developed her artistry at Waseda University, studying trumpet with Masahiro Makihara and jazz theory with Hidefumi Toki. Her career has been marked by creativity and leadership: she has led her own quartet, formed the band “Marine Sailors” for the Tamori Cup, and released a wide range of recordings including PASSION (2015), Selfie (2017, as part of Muratanaka), School of Jazz (2019), ’Tis Love (2021), and In the Mood for Chet (2025). Beyond her own projects, Murata has reached broader audiences as a touring band member for singer MISIA, bringing her sound to large stages across Japan.

For more information about Chihiro Murata, please visit: Chihiro Murata - XO Sophisticated Brass

Together, Ichihara and Murata embody the artistry, versatility, and passion that XO Brass celebrates. Their contributions to both jazz and popular music in Japan have inspired audiences and fellow musicians alike, and their continued partnership with XO highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting world-class artists.

XO Brass warmly welcomes Hikari Ichihara and Chihiro Murata, and looks forward to sharing their exceptional performances with audiences in Japan and around the world.