[2] Moriyasu sold refrigerators for a short time, then became a professional musician in the late 1940s, when there was an increase in entertainment opportunities in Japan.
[1] Moriyasu's first pianistic influence was Teddy Wilson, but he turned to studying the bebop of Bud Powell around 1950, "transcribing not only melodies but solos, bass lines, drum fills, and harmonic progressions".
[2] He also attended jam sessions in the same city that included musicians who were part of the American military involved in the occupation of Japan.
[2] "Before long he was regarded as the most accomplished bopper in Japan, whose awesome technique and odd personal habits intimidated many musicians and audiences.
"[2] Moriyasu was an exception to the tendency of the time for soloists in jazz in Japan to play whatever most pleased the audience, which was made up of both American occupiers and locals.