Casiopea, also known as Casiopea 3rd (カシオペア Kashiopea, derived from the name of the constellation Cassiopeia), is a Japanese jazz fusion band formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike. In 1977, keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya and drummer Takashi Sasaki joined, leaving out Hidehiko. They recorded their debut album Casiopea (1979) with guest appearances by American jazz musicians Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and David Sanborn. In 1980, Sasaki was replaced by Akira Jimbo. Casiopea has released over 30 albums in Japan and around the world.
The first label to sign them was Alfa Records, which released their album Casiopea. "Galactic Funk" appeared on their 1981 album Cross Point (1981) with ten different versions recorded both live and in studio. The album Eyes of the Mind was released in the United States in 1981. They then released Mint Jams (1982), followed during the same year by 4x4, which was recorded with Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, Nathan East, and Don Grusin. The band's first overseas concert was in the United Kingdom in 1983. The band has toured Europe, South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
In 1987, Casiopea signed to Polydor. Two years later Jimbo and Sakurai left the band after years of musical differences. They formed the duo Jimsaku. They were replaced by Yoshihiro Naruse (bass) and Masaaki Hiyama (drums). Casiopea then signed to Pioneer. In 1993, Noriaki Kumagai replaced Masaaki, and a year later the band returned to the Alfa label, then to Pony Canyon. In 1997 Jimbo returned as a part-time member, recording more albums and writing compositions.
In 2000, the band again signed to Pioneer. Four years later Pioneer changed its name to Geneon Entertainment. On August 1, 2006, Issei Noro, the group's leader, decided to freeze all activities of the band until further notice. In 2007, Noro and Jimbo formed the fusion band Inspirit
In January 2009, Casiopea pariticpated in the album Tetsudou Seminar Ongakuhen, based on Minoru Mukaiya's Train Simulator video games. On May 27, 2009, a limited-edition box set, Legend of Casiopea, was released to commemorate the band's thirtieth anniversary.
On April 20, 2012, it was announced that Casiopea would return with Kiyomi Otaka on keyboards, replacing Minoru Mukaiya, who led the music production team own music production team Mukaiya Club.
