The Outer Rim is a band that meshes Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Free music to create a sound that is instantly recognizable yet hard to define.  Everyone in the band plays more than one instrument and uses a variety of effects to create "soundscapes".  Fans of the band have often said that they "trip" while listening to the music.  Hence the name "The Outer Rim".

Their brand-new album will be available at their performances during this tour, 2 months prior to the album’s release in Japan.

Profile of Band Members

Norihiko Hibino (Saxophone)
Norihiko is globally renowned as a composer / sax player, particularly for his brilliant work on the soundtrack of the famous videogame, the Metal Gear Solid series.  This game has sold 15 million copies worldwide, and Norihiko has a strong legion of fans in the United States of America. He also produces for J-pop stars such as Yuki Koyanagi, Chihiro Yonekura, and many others.  He is also a serious businessman, running both a music production company called “Gem Impact” and a live café-bar named “Vanilla Mood Roppongi” at the center of Tokyo.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, US, Norihiko is the head of the alumni committee in Tokyo.  He has conducted a workshop on “Video Gaming Music Industry” at Berklee College of Music, US and also another workshop on “Artist Career Planning” at Tokyo University, sponsored by CESA (Japan Computer Entertainment Association).


Hakuei Kim (Piano)
Hakuei is one of the most in-demand pianists in the Japanese music scene.  After graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Hakuei moved back to Japan   and has since released three albums under the DIW label.  His debut album 'Open the Green Door' was nominated for the best jazz album of the year.  It also received 4-stars rating from  'Jazzman' magazine in France.


Jeff Curry (Bass)
Jeff is one of the busiest bassist in Tokyo. Before he moved to Japan, he played with many jazz giants including Jimmy Tunnel of Steps Ahead and Shelley Carol of Duke Ellington Band.  Currently he plays in Norihiko’s Metal Gear Solid series soundtrack, J-pop star Yuki Koyanagi’s album, as well as progressive J-pop band called “Jill-Decoy Association”.  His vast experience and versatility craft the uniqueness of his performance style and composition.


Nobuaki Fujii (Ds)
Nobuaki spent 10 years in New York, USA, where he performed as a host drummer at Blue Note, and toured USA and Europe with Ted Corson’s band.  After returning to Japan, he is the most wanted drummer for the jazz club scene, such as Cosmic Village, Kaima, Toku, Akiko, and so on. He now plays as a member of the contemporary jazz unit called “Sleep Walker” led by Hajime Yoshizawa.