Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: A Masterpiece of Japanese Jazz—One Must-Listen Album
If you’re not particularly interested in jazz as a genre, you might just think of it as music from abroad.
In fact, here in Japan, we’ve produced many world-class players, and countless remarkable classic albums have been released.
This time, we’re presenting a selection of essential “Wa-Jazz” masterpieces by Japanese musicians.
While focusing on timeless classics from the ’60s and ’70s, the lineup also turns its attention to works released in the ’90s and 2000s.
Please enjoy jazz music with a distinctly Japanese flavor—something a little different from overseas jazz!
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Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: Masterpieces of Japanese Jazz – One Must-Listen Pick (81–90)
caravanOnishi Junko
This is “Caravan” from Self Portrait: The Best of Junko Onishi, the first best-of album by jazz pianist Junko Onishi from Joyo, Kyoto Prefecture.
It’s a masterpiece that lets you enjoy Onishi’s piano in all its facets—from crisp, exhilarating performances to moodier, more languid ones.
First LoveTerai Naoko
“First Love” performed by Naoko Terai, Japan’s leading jazz violinist.
The lustrous tone of her violin is truly enchanting.
And would you believe it—blessed with such beauty, Terai celebrated the 30th anniversary of her debut in 2018!
Trinkets & ThingsKawasaki Ryo
Also featured in classic jazz-funk compilations, this track shines with an exceptional sense of balance—an acid jazz fusion that never goes overboard.
Its sophisticated guitar work and satisfying percussion made it a favorite among many DJs as a seamless bridge to Latin jazz.
Sao PauloHonda Toshiyuki
This is a signature piece by saxophonist Toshiyuki Honda.
Coming from a jazz family—his father is a jazz critic—you can sense his solid, well-grounded musicianship.
In this work, while the influence of fusion is evident, you can still savor the unmistakable strength of jazz.
Babylonia WindSugimoto Kiyoshi
This is a signature piece by Kiyoshi Sugimoto, regarded as the most important jazz guitarist of the 1970s.
He also held a pioneering position as a Japan-inspired jazz artist, and the track itself captures the raw edge that symbolized the jazz scene of that era.
It’s a deeply evocative number that lets you savor a smoky, adult, jet‑black jazz.
I want to eat ramen.Yano Akiko × Uehara Hiromi
Akiko Yano’s classic hit “Ramen Tabetai” in a luxurious version with world-renowned jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara! This is amazing.
And slipping Miles Davis’s “So What” into the intro is such a classy touch!
Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: One Essential Japanese Jazz Album (91–100)
The Future Projection IIFujimura Maki
Maki Fujimura, who is active mainly in the Kansai area, sings “Mirai Yosouzu II” in a lively bossa nova arrangement with just one guitar, unlike the original ballad.
She’s apparently doing a J-pop live show at the end of the year, so if you’re into Japanese jazz, be sure to check it out!