Terumasa Hino, born on October 25, 1942, in Tokyo, Japan, is a renowned jazz trumpeter and flügelhorn player, celebrated as one of Japan's finest jazz musicians. Growing up in a musical family, with a father who was both a trumpeter and a tap dancer, Hino began tap dancing at the age of four and picked up the trumpet at nine. By his teenage years, he was transcribing solos from jazz legends like Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, which laid the foundation for his career in jazz.

Hino's professional journey began in 1955, performing in American military clubs in Japan. He gained significant experience and exposure as part of Hideo Shiraki's Quintet from 1965 to 1969, after which he focused on leading his own band. His solo debut came in 1967 with the album "Alone, Alone and Alone," followed by the critically acclaimed "Hi-Nology" in 1969.

Throughout the 1970s, Hino's work was characterized by a fusion of funk, free jazz, and avant-garde elements, as seen in albums like "Into the Heaven" (1970) and "Journey Into My Mind" (1974). His international reputation grew as he performed at major festivals like the Berliner Jazztage and collaborated with prominent artists such as Gil Evans and Jackie McLean.

In the 1980s, Hino spent more time in Japan, continuing to innovate with the cornet and exploring acoustic sounds influenced by the neo-bop movement. His contributions to jazz have been recognized with honors such as the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 2014 and the Order of the Rising Sun in 2019.

Hino's discography is extensive, with notable albums including "City Connection" (1979) and "Double Rainbow" (1981), showcasing his versatility and enduring influence in the jazz world.