ABSTRACT
Japanese jazz has a long history and a vibrant present scene. This article examines the institutions, social conditions, and cultural forces that have contributed to jazz’s stature in contemporary Japanese culture. In addition to an historical perspective, a cultural perspective helps explain how traditional cultural beliefs and practices have contributed to jazz’s status and popularity in Japan. The importance of ongoing Japanese interest and the thriving practice of jazz in Japan expands the understanding of jazz in the larger global context of the jazz diaspora.
