'Our audiences' deep respect for artistry and our long tradition of supporting musicians make Japan not only a vital market, but also a cultural anchor for jazz worldwide.
—Mizuho Uchiyama
Landing the Gig: Building a Jazz Career in and Beyond Japan
Jazz-Con 2025 | September 16, 2025 | 8:00am – 9:00am EDT (US-NY)
Japan has long been one of the most vibrant and passionate markets for jazz, with a history of producing world-class artists and devoted fans. On Tuesday, September 16, Jazz-Con 2025 will present Landing the Gig: Building a Jazz Career in and Beyond Japan, a one-hour panel exploring how native Japanese jazz musicians maintain deep ties to their home country while pursuing careers abroad.
This candid discussion will shed light on the dual challenges—and opportunities—of working in two musical identities at once. From securing tours in Japan while based overseas, to navigating media ecosystems, venue cultures, and international business logistics, panelists will offer invaluable insights for artists looking to build sustainable cross-border careers.
Jerald Miller, Executive Director of Jazz-Con, adds: “When you look at the history of jazz careers, Japan has been a consistent partner in sustaining artists—through touring, record sales, and enthusiastic fan engagement. Understanding how to navigate Japan while building an international career is absolutely integral to success in today’s global jazz economy.”
Jazz-Con 2025 | September 16, 2025 | 8:00am – 9:00am EDT (US-NY)
Japan has long been one of the most vibrant and passionate markets for jazz, with a history of producing world-class artists and devoted fans. On Tuesday, September 16, Jazz-Con 2025 will present Landing the Gig: Building a Jazz Career in and Beyond Japan, a one-hour panel exploring how native Japanese jazz musicians maintain deep ties to their home country while pursuing careers abroad.
This candid discussion will shed light on the dual challenges—and opportunities—of working in two musical identities at once. From securing tours in Japan while based overseas, to navigating media ecosystems, venue cultures, and international business logistics, panelists will offer invaluable insights for artists looking to build sustainable cross-border careers.
The Panelists
- Mizuho Uchiyama (Moderator) – Executive Director, JazzPacific (Japan)
- Miki Hayama – Pianist and Educator (Japan)
- Haruna Fukazawa – Flutist and Educator (Japan)
- Takahiro Izumikawa – Pianist and Educator (Japan)
- Ayumi Kagitani – President, Kagitani Arts & Music Management (Switzerland)
Why Japan Matters
“Japan’s role in the global jazz landscape cannot be overstated,” says Mizuho Uchiyama, Executive Director of JazzPacific. “Our audiences’ deep respect for artistry and our long tradition of supporting musicians make Japan not only a vital market, but also a cultural anchor for jazz worldwide. For Japanese musicians abroad, maintaining this connection is both a responsibility and a source of creative strength.”Jerald Miller, Executive Director of Jazz-Con, adds: “When you look at the history of jazz careers, Japan has been a consistent partner in sustaining artists—through touring, record sales, and enthusiastic fan engagement. Understanding how to navigate Japan while building an international career is absolutely integral to success in today’s global jazz economy.”
Event Details
- Date/Time: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | 8:00am – 9:00am EDT (US-NY)
- Language: Japanese (with English translation available)
- Focus: Cross-border career building, artist perspectives
Sponsors
- AllAboutJazz/JazzNearYou continues its legacy as the leading global platform for jazz journalism, discovery, and artist promotion.
- Arkadia Records champions jazz artistry with an extensive catalog that bridges past legends and contemporary innovators.
- Highnote/Savant Records stands as one of the most respected independent labels, supporting artists with uncompromising quality and vision.
- JazzPacific fosters cultural and artistic exchange across the Pacific, strengthening ties between Japanese musicians and the global jazz community.
- NU Jazz Agency is reshaping the future of jazz representation, connecting artists to opportunities worldwide through a forward-thinking, international model.
Registration Information
For more information or to register, visit jazz-con.com. Use the promo code “JazzPacific” at checkout to receive $75.00 USD off any regularly priced event pass.For more information contact Nu Jazz Publicity.
