The country's largest international music prize selected by approximately 5,000 musicians, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026. Under the banner of the concept “Connecting with the world, lighting the future of music,” this festival is launched with that motto, and a three-day series of special live performances is set to be held at Billboard Live. Titled “NOT A SCENE. A STATEMENT. | WaJAZZ,” a lineup of Japan’s top players who are active worldwide will gather to deliver intimate stages with different content each day. Day 1 features Shun Ishiwaka (ds), Shota Watanabe (p), Marty Horobek (ba), with special guests Takao Tajima and Ohashi Trio performing 【JAZZ NOT ONLY JAZZ in MAJ】. A special edition of a live project that has frequently drawn attention for collaborations between the next generation of rising, talented musicians and lavish guests will finally be realized here at Billboard Live Tokyo. Day 2 features Misaki Umei (p), Shutaro Matsui (tp), Takuya Kuroda (tp) appearing in their respective leader groups in 【JAZZ EXPANSION】. These three, who have continued to push jazz’s possibilities with innovative approaches, will deliver their latest performances in an intimate space—an event not to be missed. And on the final day, Day 3, titled 【WaJAZZ & BEYOND…】, Reiya Terakubo (tp, vo), Tenors In Chaos, and Iwao Moriyama (ds) will take the stage. Spanning instruments and generations, this will be an unparalleled opportunity to witness each artist’s distinctive playing up close. WaJAZZ, which has evolved in its own unique way and continues to develop without stopping today, — its symbol — will bring together artists on consecutive nights for a dense festival; immerse yourself in it to your heart’s content.