A native of Japan, Chihiro began to play piano at age four. After eight years of studying classical piano, she won the grand prize at a Fresh Talent competition in Japan. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2000 where she received numerous awards, including Downbeat magazine's Outstanding Performance award. Chihiro also won the IAJE's Sisters in Jazz competition and toured Europe with the group in 2000. Chihiro has performed with Gary Burton, George Russell, Curtis Fuller, Terri Lynne Carrington, Ed Thigpen and George Benson.