Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: A Masterpiece of Japanese Jazz—One Must-Listen Album

MiyaginoJazztronik

09 – Miyagino

This is a classic jazz album from Ryota Nozaki’s project, Jazztronik.

It features a track characterized by a sultry violin timbre and a noble performance on the upright bass.

Within the jazz lineage it stands out with an adult, subculture-like quality, skillfully expressing the world of Miyagino.

Wine Red HeartKEIKO LEE

Keiko Lee “Wine Red no Kokoro” Short PV

Sung by Keiko Lee, a jazz vocalist who needs no introduction and is one of Japan’s foremost, this song is a mellow classic by Anzen Chitai.

It seems Keiko Lee released a J-pop cover album in September 2017, and it’s definitely one I’d love to listen to.

Water Ways Flow Backward AgainKylyn

Water Ways Flow Backward Again – KYLYN

One of Kazumi Watanabe’s signature songs, its especially catchy melody and structure draw you into a deep, underwater world.

It gained renewed attention after being sampled by the Japanese trackmaker Punpee.

With Watanabe’s close friendship with Ryuichi Sakamoto, the track’s rich, refined texture is guaranteed.

Yura YuraOvall feat. Aoba Ichiko

Ovall – Wavering ・ feat Ichiko Aoba

This is a classic track by Ovall, a jazz and post-rock unit centered around Mabanua, a master of jazz sampling.

While this piece leans heavily into pop elements, its solid composition—honed through jazz—imbues it with a deep, jazz-inflected texture.

Ichiko Aoba’s whispery vocals shine, creating a soundscape that lets you feel the profound depth of jazz.

It’s MagicT-Square feat. Marlene

It’s Magic – Marlene / THE SQUARE (cover)

This is a collaborative track by T-Square, one of Japan’s premier jazz fusion artists, and singer Marine from Manila, Philippines, who has a deep connection with Japan.

Featuring chanson-like vocals that are familiar to Japanese listeners and backed by assured musicianship, the song is also known for bringing a fresh breeze to the history of Japanese jazz.

Grandfather’s Clockkuriya makoto

Grandfather's Clock / Makoto Kuriya Trio: Ookina Furudokei (The Grandfather's Clock) - Kuriya Makoto Trio

A track included on an album by the mainstream jazz piano trio led by jazz pianist Makoto Kuriya.

It has a soothing sound.

The composition itself is great, of course, but the tight, well-synchronized performance by the three musicians is outstanding.

Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Ryuichi Sakamoto – Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Among the works of the master Ryuichi Sakamoto, this is a particularly famous jazz masterpiece that enjoys great popularity abroad as well.

Crafted as a quiet piano solo, it evokes a deep sense of melancholy and sorrow.

It is also often performed on a grand scale and is frequently played by orchestras.