If the pop and rock of Japan's outdoor music festivals aren’t quite your jam, have no fear — various locations across the country will play host to a vibrant mix of jazz and classical events this summer.
Jazz-Fusion Summit: Tokyoites won’t have to go far to get their summer jazz fix; Tokyo Dome City Hall will host Blue Note Japan’s Jazz-Fusion Summit on July 20. This one-day event blends rock, funk and city pop, with five stellar groups on the roster. Highlights include performances by the Katsushika Trio, comprising former members of the prolific jazz fusion band Casiopea, and the Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra, directed by trumpeter Eric Miyashiro.
Yokohama Asahi Jazz Festival: Jazz enthusiasts should head to the Children’s Natural Park Baseball Field in Yokohama on July 20 for the Yokohama Asahi Jazz Festival. Celebrating over 30 years of jazz excellence, this event will feature five amateur bands who were selected through open auditions. Established musicians also fill out the roster, with noteworthy acts such as Ryota Kikuchi, Yasuko Agawa, Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring.