Chie Otomi
Chie Otomi is an electronic musician based in Osaka.
Albums have been released on the ambient and experimental label Muzan Editions, the techno label Aum Recordings, and the German ambient label Unrush.
Alongside live performances, June 2026 saw the launch of the three-day listening space intimate / inward, a project dedicated to focused listening and creating a space where people can quietly engage with sound.
Albums have been released on the ambient and experimental label Muzan Editions, the techno label Aum Recordings, and the German ambient label Unrush.
Alongside live performances, June 2026 saw the launch of the three-day listening space intimate / inward, a project dedicated to focused listening and creating a space where people can quietly engage with sound.
Artist Interview
What are your musical roots?
The recording that had the biggest impact on me was From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah by Nirvana. It's a live album. Until then, almost everything I'd listened to had been studio recordings, and I'd never been to a live show. Hearing the feedback, the raw energy, the sheer loudness, and the way the recording captured the feeling of being in the performance space completely blew me away.
Which artists or labels are you most excited about right now?
- I don't really think about music that way. Rather than focusing on who's "up-and-coming," I'm more interested in what each artist or label is trying to do and what makes their work unique. So I don't really have anyone I'd single out as someone I'm especially watching right now.
Osaka's Local Scene
What is happening in your local music scene right now?
One thing that has really impressed me recently is *Night Picnic* in Kobe. It's a wonderful event that seems to have found a very natural rhythm. Held two or three times a year at Higashi Yuenchi Park, it features live performances and music in the evening, along with food and drink stalls from across Hyogo Prefecture. People simply spend time there however they like. It doesn't feel like a typical event or festival. Instead, everything unfolds naturally and effortlessly, creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the space in their own way. It's always a genuinely beautiful way to spend an evening.
What local spots would you recommend?
Listening Bar
Bar JAZZ | Record Bar— 東心斎橋 / Higashi-Shinsaibashi
I haven't been to many listening bars, but one place that comes to mind is BAR JAZZ in Higashi-Shinsaibashi. I've only been there twice, but I was really struck by its beautiful interior. I'm interested in creating spaces where people can truly listen to music, even if not in the traditional listening bar sense, so I'd like to explore more places like that in the future.
Record Shop
Tobira Records— 兵庫・北条 / Hojo, Hyogo
Beyond ambient music, I've discovered all kinds of unconventional techno and records that made me think, "What on earth is this?" Their in-store showcases are also incredibly inspiring. It's a place that goes far beyond the idea of a typical record shop.
Café
シェ・ドゥーヴル / Chef d'Oeuvre— 本町 / Honmachi
One place I truly love is Chef d'Oeuvre, which used to be in Hommachi, Osaka. It's currently on hiatus. Although it's primarily a café, it also has a gallery, serves casual French cuisine, and hosts live performances. People from all kinds of creative backgrounds gather there, and I always found myself discovering music, films, and art that I never would have encountered otherwise. The time spent there was always special. The owner's taste shines through every detail, making it a truly one-of-a-kind space. I hear they'll be reopening in a new location, and I can't wait to visit again.
Label / Series
As I mentioned earlier, I don't really have any particular artists or labels that I'm closely following at the moment. I don't pay that much attention to labels as such. That said, I do consistently keep an eye on Enmossed, Marionette, the mixes released by Unrush, and of course Muzan Editions.
Showcases
Artists from Osaka
A sound artist who explores the infinite possibilities of sound to create new sonic landscapes. Her work extends well be
Based in Osaka and performing in Tokyo and across Japan, YAMA is highly regarded for her ability to lock in the floor wi
A music composer and DJ from Hyogo, Japan. Beginning his career as a DJ and manipulator in a band, Lhinen has explored d
A devoted discaholic and discerning record digger, Mori Ra operates from Osaka, channeling years of experience in TV and
A sound creator and producer based in Osaka. By combining and repeating sounds and noises collected through field record
A sound artist who explores the infinite possibilities of sound to create new sonic landscapes. Her work extends well be
Based in Osaka and performing in Tokyo and across Japan, YAMA is highly regarded for her ability to lock in the floor wi
A music composer and DJ from Hyogo, Japan. Beginning his career as a DJ and manipulator in a band, Lhinen has explored d
A devoted discaholic and discerning record digger, Mori Ra operates from Osaka, channeling years of experience in TV and
A sound creator and producer based in Osaka. By combining and repeating sounds and noises collected through field record
Born and raised in Osaka in 1982. With Black Music as his entry point, he has cultivated a rich and versatile play style