Discover the next generation of Japan’s thriving jazz scene with Japan Jazz Nights, a large-scale touring performance series that will take place across seven Australian cities in October 2026: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Presented by The Japan Foundation (JF) and Eight Islands Co., Japan Jazz Nights is being held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia. This exciting lineup features four groundbreaking Japanese artists at the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene: BIGYUKI, STEREO CHAMP, Tenors In Chaos and Misaki UMEI.
Japanese jazz has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity worldwide, with growing attention being paid to its contemporary scene. Starting with BIGYUKI’s performance at Melbourne International Jazz Festival, this extensive national tour gives Australians the rare chance to experience firsthand the creativity, diversity and vitality of contemporary Japanese Jazz.
Japan Jazz Nights will also include exciting collaborations with local Australian artists at performances throughout the tour. Through the universal language of music, this initiative aims to foster meaningful connections between Japan and Australia and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
For both longtime jazz lovers and newcomers to the genre, Japan Jazz Nights is an unmissable opportunity to experience these musical icons, as they showcase the beauty of their craft and shape the future sound of modern jazz.
Japan Jazz Nights Touring Schedule
Date: October 16, 2026 (Fri), Doors 8pm
Venue: Max Watt’s (Melbourne)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Event Website / Tickets: BIGYUKI – Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Date: October 17, 2026 (Sat), 1pm – 5pm
Venue: Fed Square (Melbourne)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Event Website: Free Jazz at Fed Square – Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Admission: Free
Date: October 18, 2026 (Sun), 7pm
Venue: Oddio (Adelaide)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Adelaide International Jazz Festival
Event Website: TBA
Tickets: AIJF Presents: Japan Jazz Nights – BIGYUKI
Date: October 19, 2026 (Mon)
City: Sydney
Details: TBA
Date: October 22, 2026 (Thur), 7pm
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel (Melbourne)
Performers: Tenors In Chaos, STEREO CHAMP, Misaki UMEI
Event: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Event Website / Tickets: Tenors in Chaos + Stereo Champ + Misaki Umei – Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Date: October 23, 2026 (Fri) 10pm
Venue: Liberty Theatre (Perth)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Perth International Jazz Festival
Event Website: BIGYUKI (JPN) • Perth International Jazz Festival
Tickets: Megatix – BIGYUKI (JPN)
Date: October 23, 2026 (Fri)
City: Brisbane
Details: TBA
Date: October 23, 2026 (Fri)
Venue: Molly (Canberra)
Performers: STEREO CHAMP
Details: TBA
Date: October 24, 2026 (Sat)
Venue: Canberra Nara Peace Park (Canberra)
Performers: STEREO CHAMP
Event: Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Event Website: Canberra Nara Candle Festival | Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Admission: Free
Date: October 25, 2026 (Sun), 7pm
Venue: Liberty Theatre (Perth)
Performers: Tenors In Chaos, UMEI Misaki
Event: Perth International Jazz Festival
Event Website: Japan Jazz Nights • Perth International Jazz Festival
Tickets: Megatix – Japan Jazz Nights
Date: October 25, 2026 (Sun), 7pm – 8:30pm
Venue: The Barn (Hobart)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: CJF Presents
Event Website: BIGYUKI (JPN/USA) – Rosny Farm
Tickets: Tickets for CJF Presents 2026
Date: October 29, 2026 (Thur) 7pm – 10pm
Venue: Heaps Normal Health Club (Sydney)
Performers: UMEI Misaki, Cracked Suzies
Event: Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival
Event Website: Misaki Umei x Cracked Suzies | SIMA
Tickets: Tickets for Misaki Umei & Cracked Suzies + Dorka
