MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, the nation’s largest international music prize, chosen by some 5,000 musicians.

Under the banner of this festival, with the concept “Connecting the world and lighting the future of music,” three days of special live performances will be held at Billboard Live Tokyo.

Titled “NOT A SCENE. A STATEMENT. | WaJAZZ,” top domestic players active worldwide will gather to deliver intimate stages with different programs each day.

Day 1 features Shun Ishiwaki (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 the live project, which has repeatedly drawn attention for collaborations between the next generation of rising, capable musicians and a lineup of glamorous guests, is finally realized here at Billboard Live Tokyo.

Day 2 features Misaki Umei (p), Hidetaro Matsui (tp), Takuya Kuroda (tp) appearing as leaders of their respective groups in [JAZZ EXPANSION]. These three, who have continually expanded jazz’s possibilities with innovative approaches, will deliver their latest intimate performances—unmissable.

And on Day 3, titled WaJAZZ & BEYOND…, Reiya Terakubo (vo, tp), Tenors In Chaos, Iwao Moriyama (ds) will be on stage. Crossing instruments and generations, audiences will witness each artist’s distinctive playing up close—an unparalleled opportunity.

Wa Jazz has evolved in its own distinctive way and continues to develop without stopping today. The artists who symbolize this will gather night after night; please enjoy this dense festival to your heart’s content.