A roundup of instrumental fusion bands active in Japan
Fusion is a music genre that emerged around the 1970s.
Rooted in jazz, it blends elements from other genres such as rock and funk.
Its appeal is hard to sum up in a single sentence: technical guitar solos; groovy bass and drum phrases; expansive, powerful saxophone melodies; and flowing, captivating keyboards, to name just a few.
In this article, we’ll highlight instrumental bands active in Japan among the many fusion groups with such depth and allure.
In fact, Japan is home to a wealth of top-tier players that rival those overseas.
Whether you’re a longtime fusion fan or just getting into the genre, we hope you’ll enjoy this read.
- [2026] Recommended Japanese Fusion Bands Summary
- Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
- Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
- [2026] Stylish and Cool Japanese Instrumental Bands You Should Check Out [Enchanting Sounds]
- [Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
- Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.
- Ranking of popular fusion songs
- [Selected by the pros!] 10 great bassists from the jazz fusion world
- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- Band songs that get the crowd going by genre
- Hype to the max! Party songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- A bright, Japanese-style song. A roundup of J-POP with a traditional Japanese flair.
- [Western Music] Classic Jazz Fusion Masterpieces: Recommended Albums You Should Listen to at Least Once [2026]
Summary of instrumental fusion bands active in Japan (11–20)
In the SpacesupeKUTORAMU
Spectrum is known as one of Japan’s leading fusion bands.
Although their active period was relatively short—about three years from 1979 to 1981—their innovative compositions have influenced many artists.
Most of their work blends jazz as a foundation with elements of rock and funk.
While this combination can be found in other bands as well, Spectrum’s soaring vocals and distinctive lyrics come together to create a singular, unmatched sonic world.
All of youLiquid Stella
Formed in 2019, the three-piece instrumental band Liquid Stella offers a captivating fusion of jazz and pop.
The refined musicianship of its accomplished members—Sota Yamazaki, Rintaro Kondo, and Kenshin Sugimura—blossomed on their 2023 album AUTHENTIC.
The release has surpassed 900,000 streams and earned them the cover spot on Spotify’s official playlist Jazz Fusion Japan.
A track featuring ASMR artist Chelsea also drew attention, and in February 2025 they successfully celebrated their 5th anniversary with a live show at BLUES ALLEY JAPAN.
Rooted in jazz yet pursuing a soothing atmosphere and catchy melodies, their music is perfect for those seeking a calm, relaxing time.
As You LikeThe Jazz Avengers
The Jazz Avengers is a jazz instrumental band made up of eight Japanese women musicians who are world-class in their craft.
Formed in 2021 under the leadership of Senri Kawaguchi, they deliver a fresh sound that brings together exceptional skill and unique personalities across saxophone, drums, guitar, and more.
They made their major-label debut in April 2023 with the album THE JAZZ AVENGERS and have continued to stay highly active since.
One standout story speaks to their extraordinary talent: Kawaguchi, who began playing drums at age five, was selected as a top drummer on a renowned global drumming website at just thirteen.
Guided by the principles of the SDGs, the group also engages in activities beyond music, including efforts to reduce gender disparity.
If you’re looking to enjoy music grounded in jazz, funk, and fusion with a fresh sensibility, this is the band for you.
Ancient CapitalDEZOLVE
Formed in 2014, the four-piece instrumental fusion band DEZOLVE pursues new forms of expression with youthful sensibilities and exceptional musicianship.
They made their major-label debut on King Records in February 2018 with the album “PORTRAY,” drawing attention for a distinctive sound that transcends the boundaries of fusion.
Guitarist Shoya Kitagawa, who has studied piano since the age of three, released his solo album “The New Day” in 2017.
Bassist Takuma Kaneko was selected at age 17 as the youngest finalist in the Masters category of the nationwide bass audition “BIT MASTERS 2015,” among other achievements that attest to each member’s proven skill.
Incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and pop, their music lets you fully savor the allure of their instruments while leaving a pleasant afterglow—making it a perfect listen for those who want to unwind.
VaisravanaEar Candy Jazz Factory
Introducing Ear Candy Jazz Factory, a powerhouse unit that captures the full appeal of smooth jazz.
At its center is Rei Narita, renowned as one of Asia’s leading smooth jazz artists, who, together with drummer Kanade Sato and bassist Nahoko Sakurai, captivates audiences with a refined musicality.
Their comfortable rhythms and melodies, infused with elements of funk and fusion, have earned high acclaim at jazz festivals and club events both in Japan and abroad.
Narita’s compositions and arrangements—he also heads the studio luna azul label—are rich in harmony and expressive nuance, and his sessions with the highly skilled young drummer Sato and the genre-crossing Sakurai are truly not to be missed.
It’s the perfect sound for those who want to enjoy jazz in a relaxed mood or experience impeccably polished performances.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a wide range of domestically active instrumental fusion bands all at once.
From legendary groups that have been at the forefront since the 1970s to up-and-coming young bands, we hope you discovered a broad spectrum of acts.
Even within instrumental bands, the appeal varies greatly—from groups whose aggressive performances are the draw to those whose flowing, beautiful phrases are a pleasure to hear.
Take this opportunity to dive deeper into the genre of fusion!