Fumi Tomita - Yokai: Songs of the Japanese Supernatural (2026)

Bassist and composer Fumi Tomita turned to Japanese folklore for “Yokai,” an album devoted to the yokai, the strange, mysterious and often mischievous creatures of folk tradition. His starting point was the woodblock prints of the 19th century that depict them. Nine original compositions were written from these images, bringing to life monstrous snakes, foxes and thunder beasts. Each creature’s personality is rendered in modern jazz: the music is by turns spacious, haunting, lyrical and swinging.

Saxophonist Carl Clements, guitarist Jason Ennis and drummer Gary Fieldman join him on the recording. For Tomita, it continues a path begun with his earlier acclaimed interpretation of Haruki Murakami’s work, now showing another side of his musical imagination, where folklore, visual art and improvisation meet. Critics at Next Bop called the result mature, cerebral and vibrant, and described the work as respectful and devoted to its source of inspiration.



Tracklist:
01-01 Fumi Tomita - Daija [6:51]
01-02 Fumi Tomita - Kitsune [4:39]
01-03 Fumi Tomita - Betobeto san [4:27]
01-04 Fumi Tomita - Wakana-Hime [7:38]
01-05 Fumi Tomita - Kiyomori [4:33]
01-06 Fumi Tomita - Amabiko [4:55]
01-07 Fumi Tomita - Genjũ Zukushi Emaki [5:32]
01-08 Fumi Tomita - Okiku [5:15]
01-09 Fumi Tomita - Hyakki Yagyo [5:25]