Eiko Rikuhashi was born in Osaka, Japan and began playing piano at the age of eight years old with the assistance of her music teacher. She studied both classical and popular music and in 1999 won her first piano competition. As she became a more experienced musician, Eiko decided to study her instrumental on a more formal level by enrolling at the AN Music School in Kyoto , Japan. While attending school, Eiko began performing at the local venues and composing her own original works. Such was her love and devotion to music that she could gain more experience at working with other artists. Eiko also wanted to hone her skills at performing as both a side person as well as leader of her own group.

Since her arrival in New York City , Eiko has worked with jazz luminaries such as pianist Anthony Wonsey (Elvin Jones,Marlena Shaw,Nicholas Payton) , baasist Dmitri Kolesnik (Lenny White, Eric Aexander) and saxophonist Keith Loftis (Ray Charles , Dave Koz , Mary J.Blige)