Is 'jazz = adult music' true? We asked young people dedicated in Kobe about their appeal
Kobe is said to be the birthplace of jazz in Japan.
It is said to originate from the fact that in 1923, the first Japanese professional jazz band performed jazz at the former Kobe Oriental Hotel.
In this column, I have published several articles related to jazz so far.
The more I have covered jazz in my articles, the more I feel now, but now the simple question of "What kind of music is jazz in the first place?" has arisen in my mind.
I understand that it's different from classical music. But it's hard to put into words....... While researching, I met young people in Kobe who devoted themselves to jazz.
What kind of music is 'jazz'?
If you search for "What is jazz" on the internet, you'll find answers like this.
Hmm....... That might be the definition, but it doesn't quite quite click. I want a more convincing answer!
So, we asked Mr. Takanashi of the 'Kobe Jazz City' Promotion Council, which promotes jazz in 'All Kobe,' where both the public and private sectors unite.
— Takanashi-san, what kind of music do you think jazz is?
Takanashi Even without special knowledge, I believe it's music that naturally makes you feel your body sway when you hear the performance.
Last year, at a jazz event held at Higashi Yuenchi, a small child was wagging their butt in time with the music. Seeing that, I was so moved I thought, 'This is jazz!'
Moreover, jazz is characterized by its freedom and live performance, where music is shaped spontaneously by the atmosphere and communication among performers, even though it shares a common foundation through sheet music.
—Indeed, I often hear that improvisation is a hallmark.
Takanashi Even when talking with people in the jazz industry, they all say, "You should just enjoy it more freely." I feel it's music that doesn't have to be formal, or rather, it's music you can enjoy without feeling pressured.
Is jazz for mature adults?
—So you also have a side where you can enjoy things without pressure. Jazz is mostly played and listened to by middle-aged or older adults, so I kind of thought it was music that only mature adults could understand.
Takanashi I understand. Until I was in charge for work, that image was very strong. But actually, there are many young people who are passionate about jazz.
Every August, Kobe Cultural Hall hosts the Japan Student Jazz Festival, a jazz contest for junior and senior high school students, and in 2025, it will celebrate its 40th edition. In other words, it's the "Koshien of jazz."
Currently, jazz trumpet player Mirai Hirose and jazz saxophonist Tomocho Takahashi also met when they attended this jazz festival in high school.
The excitement from that time is shared on Kobe Bunka Hall's 50th anniversary program "Tomoshibi Radio."
—Takahashi, who came out of Hiroshima, saw Hirose from Kobe and said, "It's Hirose! (It's Hirose-kun!) )" — it really feels like the youth of high school students, and just listening to it is exciting.
Takanashi Right? In fact, the 'Kobe Jazz City' Promotion Council has formed the 'Kobe Youth Jazz Orchestra' to support young people dedicating themselves to jazz.
Just as the next concert is approaching, junior and senior high school students are practicing at the Chuo Ward Cultural Center, so be sure to check it out.
What is the Kobe Youth Jazz Orchestra?
So, I came to the practice venue of the Kobe Youth Jazz Orchestra, which Mr. Takanashi had taught me about.
The Kobe Youth Jazz Orchestra is a band aimed at fifth graders ~ third graders of high school living in the Kobe area. Under the guidance of professionals such as Hirose and Takahashi, I actively participate in jazz events in Kobe and its surrounding areas.
Currently, there are 21 members, but more than 10 instructors take turns working, and on this day, six instructors were teaching each instrument separately.
With a monthly lesson fee of 5,000 yen, this comprehensive system! I was deeply impressed by the "All Kobe" attitude of wanting to energize jazz.
We asked two third-year junior high school members of the Youth Jazz Club about what inspired them to start jazz and what it appeals to.
■ How I Started Jazz
Mr. Mori When I was in elementary school, I lived in Kyoto and was a 'chasing fan' in the fire department band. From that time, I admired the saxophone, and someone recommended it to me, so I started playing it.
When I was in sixth grade, my mother told me about the Kobe Youth Jazz recruitment program, and I joined. At first, I thought, 'What is jazz?' but once I tried it, I found it really fun.
Mr. Hokama I started playing percussion when I was in elementary school, inspired by the game 'Taiko no Tatsujin.' During the COVID-19 pandemic, I didn't have the chance to play instruments with others, so I saw a recruitment for youth jazz and wanted to join. I started jazz because I joined the band.
■ The Appeal and Fun of Jazz
Mr. Mori I like how every performance doesn't follow the sheet music but instead adds improvisation midway, which is improvisational.
Mr. Hokama All the members work together to create a song.
■ Favorite jazz number
Mr. Mori After You’ve Gone
Mr. Hokama Swingin’ At The Haven
The two of them started playing jazz after joining the band, but now they thoroughly enjoy both listening to jazz and performing. Even after entering high school, he wants to continue jazz!
*The Kobe Youth Jazz OrchestraRecruiting membersThat's it!
Spring towns with lively music
Jazz is music that not only mature and cool adults but also young people can freely enjoy! Now that you know that, I'll introduce you to an event where you can easily experience jazz.
On the afternoon of Sunday, April 5th, KOBE JAZZ DAY 2026 will be held in front of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Kobe Sales Office in the former foreign settlement!
Starting with the Kobe Youth Jazz Orchestra introduced above, four bands play jazz from 13:00 to 17:00.
You don't have to go out of your way to go to concerts or live houses; you can easily enjoy jazz while shopping or passing by.
After listening to jazz during the day, how about spending your evening at a bar? At that time,KOBE BAR MAPand previous articles in this column as well.
I remember what Mr. Takanashi from the 'Kobe, the Jazz City' Promotion Council said:
"To pass on not only jazz but culture to the next generation, I feel it's important to support not only the players but also the performance venue and the presence of the listeners in a comprehensive way."
I feel like I realized that the greatest support is that we, as 'recipients of culture,' fully enjoy jazz to the fullest. On April 5th, why not take a leisurely walk through the former foreign settlement, drawn by the spring breeze?
INFORMATIONInformation
| "Kobe, the City of Jazz" Promotion Council | |
|---|---|
| KOBE JAZZ DAY 2026 | https://event.city.kobe.lg.jp/event/9n5yS0GjlQYsOcqcxgc5 April 5 (Sun) 13:00~17:00 @三井住友銀行神戸営業部前 |
[Writer Profile]
Hitomi Goraku
A writer from and living in Kobe. Active in economic media outlets such as NewsPicks.
Until March 2025, he served as a writer for Kobe City's official note.
I'm not a big drinker but enjoy the atmosphere of bars, and I've been hooked on bar hopping for years.
My dream is to live in a house with a veranda and a view of the sea.