In addition to offering a safe haven and an enthusiastic audience for international jazz players, Japan has a vibrant local scene which features musicians that approach jazz without necessarily being encumbered by its tradition, and infuse it with their own cultural traditions and generally post-modern attitude.

So let's dive into the fun and varied universe of Japanese jazz through the work of some of its most remarkable iconoclasts.

The playlist features Suga Dairo, Shibusa Shirazu Orchestra [pictured], Koh, Masahiro Uemura, Yosuke Yamashita, Eri Yamamoto, Emi Makabe, Minoru Muraoka, Rinsyoe Kida, Akira Ishikawa & His Count Buffalos, Johnny Hartman, Masabumi Kikuchi, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Otomo Yoshihide, Sax Ruins, O.N.T.J. (Olivia New Ton John), Kaze & Ikue Mori.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/11641315/Mondo-Jazz (up to Kaze & Ikue Mori)

Happy listening!

Photo credit: Luciano Rossetti (Phocus Agency)