Japanese jazz

Japanese jazz concerns the history and form of Jazz in Japan. There is some relationship between it and Asian American jazz.

History

Jazz in Japan began with American visitors and immigrants from the US-ruled Philippines. By 1920 dance halls that played jazz began forming and in 1932 Fumio Nanri was established as a "jazz star" who toured in the United States. [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jazz1932.htm] Then in 1933 Japan had its first jazz cafe, which was called "Chigusa". The main "jazz cities" in this period were Osaka, Yokohama, and Kobe. As in Brazil and France the "Americanness" of jazz was seen as culturally worrisome and by 1928 building ordinances began to curb the "dance halls." This concern intensified during World War II as Japan was at war with the USA and in response to that jazz was banned and officially condemned. Despite that the ban was not completely successful or well-enforced and therefore jazz remained popular for a portion of Japanese youth.(source: Japan by Peter Spry-Leverton and Peter Kornicki, p. 79)

The occupation by the US after the war led to an increased exposure to jazz which increased its popularity. This increase peaked in the 1960s and 1970s. However, it still remains as popular as it is in its native USA, perhaps even more popular. In the West two women, Keiko Matsui and Toshiko Akiyoshi, might be the best known jazz musicians from Japan.

Present-day

Although it has been criticized as derivative, Japanese jazz has made efforts to differentiate itself by fusing Zen minimalism and native instrumentation. For example, jazz musician Atsuya Okuda has crossed over into Hocchiku music.

Okinawa lounge singing, which is related to Japanese jazz, is sometimes credited as an influence on Martin Denny.

Lately, club jazz or nu-jazz has become popular with a growing number of young Japanese. Native DJs such as [http://www.jazztronic/mail.htnl Ryota Nozaki] (Jazztronik), the two brothers Okino Shuya and Okino Yoshihiro of Kyoto Jazz Massive, [http://www.standard-works.com/toshio_matsuura/ Toshio Matsuura] (former member of the United Future Organization) and [http://blog.creoledj.com/ DJ Shundai Matsuo] creator of the popular monthly DJ event, [http://blog.creoledj.com/ Creole] in Beppu, Japan as well as nu-jazz artists, [http://www.sleepwalkerband.com/ Sleepwalker] , [http://www.grooveline.info/ GrooveLine] , and Soil & "Pimp" Sessions have brought great change to the traditional notions of jazz in Japan.

In addition, Jazzanova, Bugz in the Attic, Domu, Gilles Peterson and many other international DJs have created a strong fan base in Japan.

[http://www.magenta-akasaka.com/ Magenta] , a fine dining bar featuring Akasaka cuisine and the hotel [http://www.withthestyle.com/ With the Style] in Fukuoka, Japan as well as the clubs [http://www.zanzibar.jp/main.html/ Freedom] in Ōita, Japan and Studio Roots in Beppu, Japan hold monthly events where you can catch these Djs and bands.

Ringo Shiina and her band Tokyo Jihen incorporate a lot of jazz to their unique styles.

External links

* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=2213 All about Jazz discussion of the subject]
* [http://www.cjo.co.jp/club/genko.html Beppu/Oita Club Event Listing] (Japanese language only)
* [http://www.duke.edu/APSI/pdf/Atkins-TEAC.pdf "Localizing Jazz and Globalizing Identities in Japan" by E. Taylor Atkins]
*Concert on the Rock
* [http://www.concertontherock.com/ Concert on the Rock Official Homepage]