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In May 2025 Japan welcomed an estimated 3.693 million visitors, marking a surge in global fascination with the country—up 125% (more than double!) compared to a decade ago. Many come for the exquisite Japanese cuisine, the tranquil atmosphere of temples and shrines, the ultra-modern buzz of Tokyo, or the soothing beauty of rural landscapes.

But long before this boom, our proud jazz legends—the predecessors with finely tuned ears and sensitive souls—had already fallen in love with Japan. What was it about Japan that captivated them? Was it the sushi, sake, or something else?

We musicians know the drill—touring usually means rushing from one venue to the next, squeezing in rehearsals and sound checks, with barely a moment for wandering. So what was it that truly drew them in?

In the 1960s and '70s, more and more American jazz musicians began touring Japan.

With the rise of commercial jet travel, flying from the U.S. to Japan became faster and easier.

At the same time, the U.S. government actively promoted jazz abroad as part of its cultural diplomacy during the Cold War—and Japan was one of the key destinations. Japan's rapid economic growth, modern infrastructure, and a growing middle class eager for new culture made it a warm and welcoming place for visiting jazz artists. Their music tells the story of this special bond better than words ever could.

The Tokyo Blues—Horace Silver

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