Niseko Jazz Festival Returns Bigger and Better for Its Third Year

Niseko once again came alive with the vibrant energy of jazz as musicians and music lovers gathered for four unforgettable days of world-class performances. From the intimate courtyard of Setsu Niseko to the scenic slopes of Grand Hirafu, the third Niseko Jazz Festival transformed the village into a celebration of music, community, and summer.

Returning for its third edition, this year’s festival introduced an exciting new venue: NEST813, Grand Hirafu’s newest mountaintop restaurant at the Ace Gondola summit station, which hosted the daytime sessions. Held over the long weekend from 17–20 July, the festival featured an outstanding lineup of more than 50 musicians across 18 acts, welcoming artists from across Japan and overseas.

Day One: 17 July

The festival opened with the youthful charm of Oto no Tane, a talented three-piece band of junior high school students from Sapporo. Their fresh and spirited performance set the tone for the weekend before guitarist Toshiki Soejima took the stage, captivating audiences with his signature neo-soul sound and soothing guitar melodies that perfectly complemented the warm summer afternoon.

As evening fell, guests were treated to the unmistakable sound of TOKU, Japan’s only vocalist and flugelhorn player, whose soulful performance filled the courtyard with warmth and elegance.

Closing the opening night was the Takehiro Honda Tribute Band NATIVE SON, led by jazz drummer Tama Honda, son of the late legendary pianist Takehiro Honda. Breathing new life into his father’s celebrated compositions, the band delivered a nostalgic performance that paid homage to the jazz sounds of the 70s and 80s while offering a fresh perspective for today’s jazz scene. By the end of their set, shouts of encore could be heard from the audience who didn’t want to end the night just yet. The band went on to perform their own rendition of The Beatles’ Hey Jude – a perfect ending to the first night of Niseko Jazz Festival.

Day Two: 18 July

The second day began atop Mount Annupuri as Sakura Pro. opened the first Day Session on a high note despite the rainy weather. The vocalist’s soprano voice captivated the audience singing well-known classics like My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music. The second act to follow was Shiho with Special Friends, led by former Fried Pride vocalist Shiho, giving an exhilarating performance that had the audience clapping and dancing on their feet.

As the festival moved into its evening programme, local favourite Shigeru Shiraki Quartet opened the Night Session with smooth, sophisticated jazz, setting the stage for the Ittetsu Takemura Quartet, whose contemporary sound showcased the evolving face of modern Japanese jazz.

The spotlight then shifted to the Takeshi Ohbayashi Trio Renaissance who delivered a dynamic performance, performing original songs that highlighted each member’s instrument. The trio was also joined by special guest Tomoaki Baba, the Sapporo-born saxophonist whose memorable performance at last year’s festival had already earned him many fans in Niseko.

The rain came stronger as night descended, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the audience who were already on their feet dancing, as soon as the final act, Orquesta de la Luz started playing their first song, Salsa No Tiene Frontera. They were joined by the group’s co-founder and old friend, Gen Ogimi – who also came to perform for the festival the next day. For a whole hour, everyone was dancing and waving their arms to the infectious rhythms of Latin jazz and salsa in one of the festival’s most anticipated performances.

Day Three: 19 July

Miki Inaba Dear Friends livened up the second Day Session at NEST813, filling the mountaintop venue with their lively and electrifying performance. They were followed by the Sapporo-based Mihoko Quartet, who delighted audiences with jazz standards infused with their own distinctive style.

The final Night Session opened with the Max Jazz Quartet, whose own covers of popular songs provided the perfect introduction to the evening. They were followed by saxophonist Yucco Miller, whose signature pink hair and the band’s matching pink outfits perfectly complemented her energetic jazz fusion set which included some of her best songs like Hair Style and Miracle Shine.

Wind instruments remained centre stage as Shinpei Ruike returned to the festival, this time with his band RS5pb. Their experimental approach to the genre with their heavy, hard-hitting sound captivated audiences that showcased jazz’s limitless possibilities.

Bringing the Night Sessions to a memorable close, Andrés Barrios opened the final act with his skillful piano playing. And then soon joined by Gen Ogimi, and later on Spanish guitarist Cañizares. The trio delivered a mesmerising performance, along with a fabulous flamenco dance performance from Hiroki Sato. Their whole set was the perfect showcase of contemporary flamenco seamlessly blending with Latin grooves and jazz improvisation, creating a truly unforgettable finale.

Day Four: 20 July

The final day opened with Sapporo-based H-Organ Confusion, who showcased the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ, accompanied by bass and drums, offering audiences yet another dimension of jazz.

Closing both the Day Session and the festival was Charito with her friends, led by one of Japan’s finest jazz vocalists, Charito. The band’s heartfelt performance, complemented by Charito’s powerful voice, brought the festival to a fitting close with captivating songs, including a cover of Minnie Ripperton’s Loving You.

Beyond the music, festival-goers enjoyed a carefully curated selection of food and beverage offerings celebrating Niseko’s vibrant summer flavours. Festival classics such as yakisoba and takoyaki from Houzenji Sanpei Niseko and easy eats like AFURI’s fried potatoes and karaage on a stick, and méli mélo -Yuki No Koe-’s Tasting Plate consisting of spiced nuts, banana bread, and seafood, joined by refreshing craft beers, sodas and chilled wines, creating the perfect accompaniment to the music.

A family corner was also set up for families and kids to enjoy a variety of activities from toy fishing to colouring the NJF poster, making it the perfect family-friendly event for the summer.

Now firmly established as one of Niseko’s signature summer events, the Niseko Jazz Festival continues to grow as a celebration where music lovers, families, and friends come together to experience outstanding performances against the breathtaking backdrop of Niseko. More than just a music festival, it is a celebration of summer, community, and the enduring spirit of jazz, creating memories that will resonate long after the final note has faded.