Yasumasa Kumagai: J-Straight Ahead
Jazz of Japan #7 — The jazz style of pianistcomposer Yasumasa Kumagai has always been pinned to the leading edge...
Jazz of Japan Indexes
Albums, musicians, articles, and audio mixes
Yasumasa Kumagai & J-Jazz Homies: Last Resort
Jazz of Japan #206 — The latest album from J Jazz pianist Yasumasa Kumagai is titled Last Resort, released in...
Kohsuke Mine Quintet: Major to Minor
Jazz of Japan #121 — Kohsuke Mine Quintet’s 1993 album Major to Minor is full of life, a straight-ahead jazz...
Yasumasa Kumagai & Ryu Kawamura: Ol’ School Jazz
Jazz of Japan #260 — In the style of classic apostrophe-bearing jazz album titles, pianist Yasumasa Kumagai and bassist Ryu...
Mabumi Yamaguchi: Viento
Jazz of Japan #271 — Like Mamoru Ishida’s Afterglow introduced previously, Mabumi Yamaguchi’s Viento is a 2023 jazz release from...
Toru Takahashi: Tokyo Groovin’ High!
Jazz of Japan #341 — Drummer Toru Takahashi’s debut album is Tokyo Groovin’ High, a 2021 release that presents addictive...
Wataru Hamasaki Meets Akane Matsumoto Trio: Big Catch
Jazz of Japan #50 — “Swing & Blues” is the name of the game with Big Catch’s jazz quartet album...
Chihiro Yamanaka: Abyss
Jazz of Japan #324 — Abyss is a 2007 studio album from pianist Chihiro Yamanaka, recorded with bandmates Vicente Archer...
Apple Jump
Jazz of Japan #264 (Premium) — Apple Jump jazz club, located near Ikebukuro station in Tokyo, Japan
Hiro Kimura Quintet: Folds
Jazz of Japan #179 — The full title of this 2023 album sets the stage: “Folds - Live at 100Ban...
Hiroyuki Yamaguchi Quintet: Mowna
Jazz of Japan #329 — Mowna is a 2024 album from bassist and composer Hiroyuki Yamaguchi. For this release, Yamaguchi...
Hikari Ichihara Group: Unity
Jazz of Japan #297 — Unity is the sixth album from trumpeter Hikari Ichihara and the second album from the...
Hara Dairiki Trio: You’ve Changed
Jazz of Japan #39 — The Hara Dairiki Trio creates a jubilant atmosphere on You’ve Changed, playing choice jazz standards...
Ayumi Koketsu: Art
Jazz of Japan #3 — Alto saxophonist Ayumi Koketsu released a sophisticated tribute to Art Pepper on her album Art...
Sohnosuke Imaizumi: Rin
Jazz of Japan #24 — Drummer Sohnosuke Imaizumi lays down impressive foundations with his debut album Rin. Having worked as...
Mamoru Ishida: Ishida Mamoru 4 feat. Mike Rivett
Jazz of Japan #203 — Pianist Mamoru Ishida’s second album is titled Ishida Mamoru 4 feat. Mike Rivett and was...
Bungalow: Unseen Scenes
Jazz of Japan #149 — Like explorers on a caravan, Bungalow produces imaginative music on their third album Unseen Scenes...
Hikari Ichihara Group: Move On
Jazz of Japan #75 — Hikari Ichihara’s fifth album Move On features the trumpeter’s quintet performing finely-tuned compositions with jazz...
Fumio Karashima Trio: It’s Just Beginning
Jazz of Japan #100 — Veteran jazz pianist Fumio Karashima was well-known in Japan for his quick, hard bop style...
Kaori Vibes Quartet: Starry Nights
Jazz of Japan #210 — Starry Nights is the latest album from the Kaori Vibes Quartet. This is leader Kaori...
Kaito Nakamura: Invisible Diary
Jazz of Japan #304 — Invisible Diary, released in March 2025, is the latest release from drummer Kaito Nakamura. On...
Harumi Nomoto Trio: Virgo
Jazz of Japan #73 — Pianist Harumi Nomoto’s 2014 release Virgo is a constellation of grooves, moods, and textures, boldly...
Routine Jazz Sextet: Routine Jazz Sextet
Jazz of Japan #91 — Routine Jazz Sextet from 2008 promotes genuine jazz from Tokyo with the flavor of 195060’s...
Daiki Yasukagawa New Trio: The Three Roses
Jazz of Japan #287 — Renowned jazz bassist Daiki Yasukagawa is actively engaged in a variety of fascinating projects within...
Setagaya Trio: Progress
Jazz of Japan #309 — Pianist Yusei Takahashi, bassist Keigo Iwami, and drummer Sota Kira are the three co-leaders of...
Fumio Karashima: Great Time
Jazz of Japan #351 — Jazz pianist Fumio Karashima’s 2006 album Great Time scratches the itch for a straight ahead...
Yasumasa Kumagai: Pray
Jazz of Japan #152 — Yasumasa Kumagai’s Pray (2010) is a stylishly straight ahead affair, a cool and groovy collection...
Yasumasa Kumagai: I Need a Change, Too
Jazz of Japan #53 — Yasumasa Kumagai’s debut album from 2008, I Need a Change, Too, establishes his J Jazz...
Motoi Kanamori: The Live
Jazz of Japan #288 — Bassist Motoi Kanamori released his third album The Live in 2023. This is a double...