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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- Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
- Jazz commercial songs. Popular commercial songs.
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- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- [Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in the Fall
- Today's Jazz: Tunes for today! A selection of timeless classics and contemporary jazz
- Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners
- A roundup of famous jazz standards featured in the hugely popular jazz manga BLUE GIANT
- Start here first! Classic jazz-rock masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: Masterpieces of Japanese Jazz – One Must-Listen Pick (51–60)
SunnyAyado Chie
Chie Ayado is probably one of the most famous female jazz singers in Japan.
Beyond her musical career, she’s also well known to the general public for her wide-ranging activities, including acting in dramas and serving as a TV commentator.
When she made her album debut as a jazz singer in 1998 with “For All We Know,” she was 40 years old—a decidedly late bloomer.
The album featured here, “Your Songs,” is her second overall, released in 1998 under the name Chie Ayade.
Even before her debut, Ayado was renowned in live houses for her overwhelming talent, and on this album she delivers exquisite performances of everything from jazz standards to classics by rock and pop artists such as the Beatles and Elton John.
For those who want to savor Ayado’s allure both as a pure jazz singer and as a singularly gifted vocalist, this work can surely be counted among the very best.
Find Your WayBlu-Swing
While rooted in orthodox jazz, this Blu-Swing masterpiece delivers greater accessibility and a refined sound.
Though uptempo, it maintains a gentle touch and soft vocals that leave a smooth impression.
Overall, it’s polished, with a flowing elegance that resonates well with Japanese listeners.
Love AddictNakajima Mika
With Shinichi Osawa of MONDO GROSSO brought on as producer, this track takes on urban club jazz.
The horn arrangement in the background really works.
It’s Mika Nakashima from over a decade ago, but the PV still conveys plenty of mature allure.
Memories of LyllyanNakamura Hachidai
Hachidai Nakamura, known as a composer and jazz pianist, was a key figure in Japan’s music scene who was active on the jazz circuit from the 1950s and later produced numerous classics such as “Ue o Muite Arukō” (“Sukiyaki”).
Released in 1961, Memories of Lillian is an excellent piano trio album featuring Hachiro Kurita and Jimmy Takeuchi.
Comprising all original compositions, it captures exquisite performances that incorporate elements of modern jazz while showcasing a uniquely Japanese, delicate sensibility.
In June 2023, an analog LP reissue using the latest remastering technology made it possible to enjoy the original sound with high fidelity.
Celebrated as a historically important masterpiece of “Wa-jazz,” this album is recommended not only for jazz fans but also for those who appreciate innovative expression revealed within a calm, refined atmosphere.
Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: Masterpieces of Japanese Jazz — One Must-Listen Pick (61–70)
Heavenly Rock CaveSuzuki Hiromasa
Hiromasa Suzuki, who devoted himself to jazz piano while still a student at Keio University, has long demonstrated his extraordinary talent.
As a composer and arranger, he has also been active across a wide range of fields—anime scores, television soundtracks, and more—leaving a profound mark on Japan’s music scene.
Rock Joint Biwa, released on the RCA label in 1972, is an ambitious work inspired by Japan’s classical literature, the Kojiki.
Featuring leading figures of the Japanese jazz world at the time, including Kunikazu Inaba and Kiyoshi Sugimoto, and welcoming biwa player Fumihisa Miyake, the album achieves an innovative fusion of traditional instruments with jazz-rock.
Its psychedelic, ethereal tracks retain an undimmed allure even today and are highly regarded as a landmark of Wa-jazz.
It is a must-hear for those interested in encounters between Japanese tradition and contemporary music, and for listeners seeking truly original musical expression.
Mrs. RobinsonHiroki Miyano & Earl Klugh
This is a signature piece by Hiroki Miyano, who gained popularity in the fusion and light jazz scenes with the innovative “Sazanami technique,” a guitar playing method.
He has actively taken on features both in Japan and abroad, resulting in a composition brimming with lyricism.
MiyaginoJazztronik
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.