Recommended Japanese jazz bands — from classic legends to rising young groups
Jazz has a wide range of subgenres—from so-called modern jazz to big band, fusion, and even free jazz—so many people may not know where to start listening.
In fact, jazz is a form of music that has influenced every genre, including the rock and pop, hip-hop, post-rock, and electronica you listen to every day.
In this article, we’ll guide you to the gateway of the vast world of jazz by carefully curating a selection of recommended Japanese jazz bands.
From classic, time-honored groups to up-and-coming artists who captivate with genre-defying styles beyond jazz, we’ve chosen a broad lineup.
Recommended Japanese Jazz Bands: From Classic Legends to Emerging Artists (1–10)
Adria Bluebohemianvoodoo
Formed in 2008, bohemianvoodoo is a four-piece band based in Tokyo and Kanagawa that has grown into one of the leading young and popular jazz bands.
Their one-man shows sell out instantly, they appear at many festivals, and in recent years they’ve even expanded overseas.
Their appeal lies in their superb songwriting—pop-leaning melodies accessible even to jazz newcomers and richly expressive band ensembles, exemplified by their signature track “Adria Blue”—and, above all, their overwhelming live performances backed by outstanding technical prowess.
If you like their music, be sure to catch them live.
Dancing in the moodH ZETTRIO
This piano trio, known for each member’s distinctive blue, red, and silver noses, enjoys high recognition and popularity not only in jazz but also across the J-pop scene.
Centered around H ZETT M (Masayuki Hiizumi), famed for his work with groups like PE’Z and Tokyo Jihen, the trio’s uniquely advanced musicianship, free-spirited experimentalism, and beautiful melodies fuse into songs and band ensembles that are truly one of a kind.
They are also renowned for their distinctive sense of humor, and their live performances—where their talent as entertainers shines through in line with their theme of “music that makes both adults and children smile and dance”—are absolutely worth seeing.
Summer GoddessSOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS
SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS is a veteran group that, by 2021, marked its 20th year of activity and stands as one of Japan’s leading jazz bands.
Renowned as one of the scene’s premier live acts, their performances blend the coolness of the club generation with dynamic playing that would send an average rock band running barefoot, resulting in a highly entertaining show that’s earned acclaim not only in Japan but around the world.
In 2007, they achieved a remarkable milestone by performing at the UK’s globally celebrated Glastonbury Festival, and as mentioned, the appeal of their self-proclaimed “death jazz” has won over music fans worldwide.
They’ve also released collaborations with prominent singers like Ringo Sheena and Daichi Miura, showcasing a versatility that extends beyond jazz.
As you can tell from the story that Gilles Peterson—the originator of “acid jazz,” often called danceable jazz—took a liking to their recordings, once you experience their music on CD, and especially live, your body will start moving to the beat almost reflexively!
Guns Of SaxophoneTRI4TH
Formed in 2018, they’re a relatively new band, but this five-piece has been drawing attention from all sides with their aggressive live performances.
Under the banner of “danceable jazz,” they craft genre-defying tracks powered by a unique sound that fuses not only jazz but also punk and ska—music that truly gets you sweating on the dance floor.
They’ve been heavily influenced by RANCID, the iconic ska-punk outfit, and their free-spirited decision to become the first jazz band to cover the classic “Time Bomb” is genuinely brilliant.
One listen will tell you: the quality is impressive enough to satisfy even die-hard RANCID fans.
Each member brings a diverse career to the table, so it’s also fun to follow their individual activities.
Autumn LeavesPE’Z
When it comes to Japan’s representative jazz bands, many would probably name PE’Z.
Formed in 1999, they were an instrumental band that used jazz as their foundation while interpreting a wide variety of music in their own unique way, and they were a rare example of achieving commercial success in the mainstream.
In 2003, they won New Artist of the Year at the 17th Japan Gold Disc Awards, and in 2005 they signed with the world-renowned label Roadrunner, influencing many subsequent bands through their worldwide activities.
Although they sadly announced their disbandment in 2015, it’s also fun to follow the members’ individual endeavors, such as H ZETTRIO, which includes three of the former members.
Asian Dancerfox capture plan
Since their formation in 2011, fox capture plan has drawn attention as a new-generation piano trio.
As their concept of a “modern jazz rock” suggests, their sound isn’t confined to orthodox jazz; alongside their inventive originals, their distinctive talent shines in many directions—including on COVERMIND, an album devoted entirely to covering classic ’90s alternative rock tunes.
They’ve scored commercials and TV dramas, and even performed at SUMMER SONIC 2017, so there’s a good chance you’ve heard their music even if you don’t recognize the band name.
Highly recommended not only for jazz fans but also for listeners who enjoy post-rock and beyond!
RISET-SQUARE
Among Japanese instrumental bands in the jazz fusion genre, one of the most famous is T-SQUARE.
Since their formation in 1976, they have remained a top band in the scene despite numerous lineup changes, and the many classic tunes they’ve produced are ones almost everyone has heard at least once.
Centered around dazzling saxophone and the wind synthesizer sound that has become their trademark, their blend of technical, hard-hitting guitars and a rhythm section capable of dynamic shifts creates a beat that even die-hard rock listeners can easily get into.
The group has at times operated more like a unit than a traditional band depending on the period, so why not start by checking out a best-of compilation to get a feel for their music?