Takako Nagano is a marimbist, pianist, melodica player, jazz singer, and educator from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. She began studying classical piano at the age of five and entered the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point as a piano major. After meeting Robert Rosen, she shifted her focus to percussion and marimba. Following her graduation in 1994, she studied with Doug Walter at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned a Master of Music in percussion performance.
Nagano was invited to the International Marimba Players Festival in Chiapas, Mexico, where she presented a concert and master classes. After moving her base of activity to Osaka in 2005, she expanded beyond classical music into jazz, improvisation, original compositions, and singing, and also performs as a jazz singer and melodica player.
Nagano is currently represented by SPOONFUL MUSIC. Alongside her performing activities, she directs Nagano Music School, where she teaches piano and marimba to children and adults.