Kazunori Kumagai “Kaz" is a "True Tap Artist” (New York Times), who is always searching his expression through the sounds and the rhythm. At age 19, Kaz came to NY and trained in the the New York Shakespeare Festival Institute of tap “Funk University" the training workshop for the big hit Broadway musical Bring in da' Noise, Bring in 'da Funk. Since then he has been performing and teaching all over the world. He is the recipient of numerous awards such as the 2016 Bessie Award “Outstanding Performer,” 2014 Flo-Bert Award, and 2006 Dance Magazine “25 to Watch.”

 And in 2019, News Week Japan selected him as one of the “100 Most influential Japanese People in the World.”

 In 2008, he opened his first tap dance studio—KAZ TAP STUDIO—in Japan and has been trying to pass his knowledge and passion to next generation.

Kaz recently appeared as a solo performer for the Tokyo Olympic 2020 Opening ceremony and he also choreographed and composed two songs for the ceremony.