Mei Inoue, Osamu Koike, Atsushi Ikeda, Issei Igarashi and Yoshio "Chin" Suzuki

Episode 978 of Neon Jazz takes us on a deep dive into the sounds, spirit and surprises of Japanese jazz. This is a special themed Japanese Jazz Hour, inspired by the new 2026 book A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Kansas City native, author and lifelong jazz enthusiast Michael Pronko. His book opens the door to a fascinating world of clubs, musicians, traditions and cultural discoveries gathered through years of experiencing and documenting the Japanese jazz scene firsthand. So, for this hour, we follow that doorway straight into the music. We kick things off with the Junko Moriya Orchestra and then travel through a stellar collection of Japanese-based artists and ensembles, including Mei Inoue, Issei Igarashi, Osamu Koike, Atsushi Suzuki, Fukima Asari and the Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio. Each selection offers another glimpse into the incredible depth and character of Japan's jazz culture—from swinging big-band energy to intimate improvisation, sophisticated piano work and the unmistakable artistry that makes this scene so compelling. And then, to bring this special journey home, we close out the hour with the Atsushi Ikeda Quartet. One hour. A whole world of jazz. Dig this tantalizing, themed trip through Japanese jazz, my friends. Turn it up, settle in and let the music take you there.

Playlist

• Junko Moriya Orchestra "Skyscraper" Groovin' Forward (Spiral) 0:00
• Host talks 4:46
• Takeshi Shibuya "East St. Louis Noodle-O" Essential Ellington (King Music) 7:15
• Mei Inoue "Slumber" Tokyo Quartet (Reborn Wood) 12:00
• Host talks 17:03
• Issei Igarashi "Inner Bottom 4" Ballads of a Sullen Horn Man (VAA) 18:01
• Yoshio "Chin" Suzuki "Roulette" My Dear Pianists (Friends Music) 22:25
• Host talks 27:38
• Osamu Koike "Cappuccino" The New York Quartet (Aosis Records) 28:34
• Yosuke Yamashita "On the Sunny Side of the Street" Quiet Memories (JamRice) 32:47
• Host talks 35:34
• Atsushi Suzuki "Survivors of Era" Single (Charan Records) 36:32
• Fukima Asari "Thanks for Emily" Thanks for Emily (Reborn Wood) 41:13
• Host talks 46:43
• Yoshio "Chin" Suzuki and Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio "The Loving Touch" Loving Touch (Days of Delight) 47:44
• Host talks 52:55
• Atsushi Ikeda Quartet "HIs Way of Life" Free Bird (Bird Records) 54:11