Ayako Okubo was born in Fukui, Japan, and began studying the flute at an early age. She pursued advanced musical studies in Europe, attending conservatories in Arnhem, Amsterdam, and Strasbourg, where she studied with renowned flutist Mario Caroli. She specializes in contemporary and experimental music and has established an international career as a soloist and chamber musician.

Since 2009, Okubo has performed extensively with the Strasbourg-based ensemble Accroche Note and, in 2010, co-founded the ensemble HANATSUmiroir with percussionist Olivier Maurel, serving as its artistic director. She has appeared at major venues and festivals throughout Europe, Japan, and North America, including the Venice Biennale, Tokyo Opera City Hall, the Opéra national du Rhin, the Musica Festival, and the Météo Festival.

A leading advocate for new music, Okubo has worked closely with composer Joji Yuasa and has inspired numerous composers to write works specifically for her. In recent years she has become one of the foremost performers of the contrabass flute, significantly expanding its repertoire and performance techniques through commissions and premieres.

In addition to her concert career, Okubo has recorded numerous albums with Accroche Note, HANATSUmiroir, and other contemporary and improvisational music projects. She is also deeply involved in music education and community engagement, creating programs for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and underserved communities in collaboration with cultural organizations throughout France and beyond.