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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- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
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Recommendations for Wa-Jazz: Masterpieces of Japanese Jazz – One Must-Listen Pick (41–50)
Give Up on SummerJUJU
This song was performed at “Snack JuJu,” where JUJU transforms her live venue into a snack bar once a year and puts on a special show.
It features a luxurious jazz arrangement with added orchestration.
This track is included on “Snack JUJU: Night Requests.”
kick-upErikku Miyashiro
From trumpet player Eric Miyashiro—third-generation Japanese American born in Hawaii—here is “Kick Up” from his album Kick Up.
There’s no doubt you’ll be thrilled by the soaring high notes unleashed by this high-note hitter.
This is a disc that will give you goosebumps.
Moonlight LegendErikku Miyagi Supesharu Biggu Bando
The anime’s opening theme has transformed into a cool swing jazz number.
Performed by a star-studded lineup, it features a special big band led by Eric Miyashiro, one of Japan’s premier trumpeters.
It’s an absolutely lavish performance—hard to believe it’s aimed at children!
Beyond the farewellGira Jiruka
Gina Jirka, who is also active in commercials, has recently released a CD of classic Showa-era songs as part of her “Girayama Jiruko” project (with an all-star backing band).
Yuki Arimasa’s solo piano in this video is wonderful as well.
Spritual NatureTogashi Masahiko
Exactly as the title suggests, this is a masterpiece that offers a spiritual musical experience vivid enough to conjure scenes of ancient Japan.
Leading the Togashi Masahiko Quartet—often cited as Japan’s first free jazz group—and pursuing fiercely original work that deeply influenced later artists, the genius drummer and percussionist Masahiko Togashi released his leader album Spiritual Nature in 1975.
Recorded live on April 9, 1975 at the Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan Small Hall and edited for release, this large-scale suite won widespread critical acclaim, including the Gold Prize in Swing Journal’s Jazz Disc Awards that year, the Japan Jazz Award, and the Best Recording Award.
Top-tier players of the era such as Sadao Watanabe and Masahiko Satoh are assembled here, and the overwhelmingly free, cutting-edge performances by a ten-piece ensemble are, of course, not casual listening given the nature of free jazz.
While challenging, I personally feel they possess an appeal that stands apart from any lofty, self-important artistic pose.
Brimming with a sound world that fuses the soul-liberating spirit of age-old Japanese festivals with a solemn, thrilling atmosphere, this is an experience I highly recommend to listeners already somewhat accustomed to the sound of free jazz.
Doraemon SongOzone Makoto
When Makoto Ozone, one of Japan’s leading jazz pianists, plays it, even Doraemon’s theme turns into something this pop and jazzy—what an exquisite arrangement! Despite being at the forefront of the scene—recently delving into classical music and leading the big band “No Name Horses”—I’m struck by how strong Ozone’s curiosity and drive to explore music remain.
Fortune Cookie in LoveHirai Ken
A song performed at Ken Hirai’s drink-included acoustic live show, “Ken’s Bar.” It features a cool jazz arrangement, starting with a duo intro with upright bass—so stylish you’d hardly believe the original was an idol song!