[2026] RAG 45th Anniversary Festival
This spring of 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of RAG, which began in April 1981 as a jazz café in Kitayama, Kyoto.
It has also been 38 years since we relocated and reopened in Kiyamachi in 1988.
These 45 years have been built together with countless music fans and musicians, our local community, and the many companies and shops across Japan who have supported us, along with everyone whose connections with us have brought encouragement.
We will continue to share with the world the allure of music—“a treasure of humanity” that transcends words and resonates in the heart through the body—and the wonder of the circle of human connections that music creates.
Please enjoy the stages of musicians who push one another in the pursuit of excellence—living, breathing music.
- 【2026】A Collection of Beloved Japanese Classics Worldwide【JAPAN MUSIC】
- [2026] Discover Today's Jazz! A Roundup of the Latest Spotlight and Popular Tracks
- [2026] Recommended Jazz Tracks to Enjoy in Summer: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics
- RAG FAIR Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Jazz BGM: A collection of recommended classics for work and study
- [2026] Time-Travel to Your Memories Just by Listening! Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 50s
- [2026] Tearjerker Songs That Bring the House Down at School Culture Festivals
- [May 2026] A new song by generative AI: Japan’s “Shin Music” created by AI
- [2026] Introducing recommended jazz medley videos!
- [2026] Cheer songs sung by Japanese bands. Many latest tracks introduced as well!
- [2026] Uplifting Songs for Graduation: J-POP Graduation Songs and Anthems
- [2026] Also great for celebrations! Enka songs for special occasions
- [2026] A Fresh Start! J-POP Masterpieces That Accompany New Beginnings
[2026] RAG 45th Anniversary Festival (21–30)
Imasawa Kagerou 24th album “2245” Release Commemoration “BASSNINJA 2026”NEW!Imazawa Kagerou (B, Vo, Insect art)
Kagero Imazawa, a bassist who masterfully wields the six-string fretless bass and is known worldwide as “BASSNINJA,” is also a multifaceted artist, including as an insect artist.
With overwhelming technique and an original sensibility, he has established a one-of-a-kind musical genre.
In this solo live performance, he will present on stage the world of his latest album, where the calls of periodical cicadas merge with bass.
The ensemble featuring a single bass and insect calls co-starring creates an unprecedented, unpredictable soundscape.
His energetic improvisations—driven by ultra-fast tapping and looping—have a groove that makes your body sway naturally just by listening.
It’s a dramatic performance brimming with vitality, where a massive yet delicate sonic image blends with the voices of the natural world!
Naomi Tamura THANK YOU FESTIVAL!! -Jump on the Electric Red Miso Bandwagon Tour 2nd-Tamura Naomi (Vo) Grace (Ds) Chii Toko (G) Yamada Naoko (B)
Vocalist Naomi Tamura, who has made a powerful mark on Japan’s rock scene.
She is currently active in a band called Denki Akamiso with drummer GRACE, guitarist Toko Chii, and bassist Naoko Yamada.
A seasoned performer, she expresses everything from hefty rock sounds to supple grooves with rich nuance.
On stage, Tamura’s resolute vocals intersect passionately with the band’s dynamic performance.
The intuitive chemistry forged by former bandmates Toko Chii and Naoko Yamada is bolstered by GRACE’s commanding beat, amplifying the music’s conviction.
Each member brings masterful technique without losing their forward-leaning edge, responding to one another’s playing and building intensity—a thrilling ensemble you can fully savor.
Pingtong Xiang Electone LiveKubota Hiroshi (Electone), yaSya (Electone), Takano Masashi (Electone)
A unit that goes all out playing Electone with three members: Hiroshi Kubota, who leads Japan’s Electone scene; Masashi Takano, who paints a grand, cinematic soundscape; and yaSya (Yasuya Tomioka), who delivers a modern, lively groove—their name is “Pintongxiang (Pintonshan).” You’ll get to fully enjoy the superb sounds of top Electone players, nonstop laugh-out-loud talk, and the explosive charm of three distinct personalities on stage!
Mitsuru Sudo 2026 GW Special 3 Days: 1 ‘KOREKATA SOUL BALLAD’Korekata Hirokuni (G) Murai Hidekiyo (P) Niimura Yasufumi (Ds) Sudou Mitsuru (B)
This is exquisite fusion centered around bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, formerly of T-Square, joined by guitarist Hirokuni Korekata, pianist Hidekazu Murai—who also works in film music—and drummer Yasufumi Niimura! The worlds of KORENOS and Shukei Mitsuru, both bands featuring Sutoh, intersect to create a gently paced set focused on original ballads by Korekata and Murai.
Though Korekata often carries a fiery image, his lyrical guitar—stretching phrases as if singing—feels wonderfully soothing and truly resonates.
The ensemble with Murai’s expansive piano is also superb.
Niimura’s delicate rhythms intertwine with Sutoh’s warmly embracing bass, cherishing the spaces between sounds as they weave a storytelling dialogue.
Immerse yourself in this heartwarming musical conversation.
Mitsuru Sudou 2026 Golden Week Special 3 Days: 2 – “Korekata + Sudou + Bando TRIO”Korekata Hirokuni (G) Bando Satoshi (Ds) Sudo Mitsuru (B)
This trio brings together a legend who has led Japan’s fusion scene and today’s top players.
It features Hirokuni Korekata on guitar, Mitsuru Sutoh on bass, and Satoshi Bandoh on drums.
The sound—where Korekata, who traverses a wide range of music, and former T-SQUARE member Sutoh draw on years of intuitive interplay, supercharged by current T-SQUARE member Bandoh’s razor-sharp beat—is absolutely breathtaking.
The greatest appeal may lie in the exquisite balance between the guitar’s singing melodies and the rhythm section’s driving propulsion.
With thrilling solo exchanges and a white-hot ensemble that reacts to each other’s every note, you can feel music’s explosive power in your bones.
Alongside Sutoh’s humor-filled talk, I hope you’ll fully savor this intense cross-generational dialogue as the three spark off one another!
Mitsuru Sutoh 2026 Golden Week Special 3 Days: 3 ‘Precious gig’Ōtake Yoshimi (Org) Bandō Satoshi (Ds) Sudō Mitsuru (B)
This powerhouse trio represents the pinnacle of Japan’s fusion scene: bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, renowned for his work with T-SQUARE; organist Kiyomi Otaka of CASIOPEA 3rd; and drummer Satoshi Bandoh from T-SQUARE.
Their greatest appeal lies in a mature ensemble sound only possible because these three have been performing together consistently.
Otaka’s richly layered organ envelops the space, while Sutoh’s aggressive bass and Bandoh’s dynamic drums intertwine vividly.
With the fluid division of roles unique to an organ trio, they pull you into an unpredictable journey—at times colliding with intensity, at times blending with gentle harmony.
Their stage brims with exceptional musicianship and an elevating sense of showmanship, making it a truly special musical experience.
FlaRypadd Special Band LiveFurarii Paddo with Shimizu Koh (B) Nagao Takuto (Ds)
Furaripad is an acoustic duo from Kyoto.
Their charm lies in their approachable “singable instrumentals,” created by Daisuke Maeda on ukulele and vocals and Hideyuki Shimizu on guitar.
Their gentle sound—flexibly blending pop, jazz, and fusion—is widely loved.
This live show features a special band lineup with bassist Okoshi Shimizu, a leading figure in the fusion scene, and drummer Takuto Nagao.
The set list moves from a delicate acoustic performance in the first half to a full band setup in the second, which is exciting.
The warm tones interlace with a supple rhythm section, unlocking a vibrant sense of drive in the songs—what a wonderful ensemble.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy dynamic music!