~TOKU, Kenji Hino (JINO), Takashi Numazawa, Yosuke Onuma and other top of the line artists are coming back to Hakuba in addition to the legendary vocalist Marlene celebrating her 45th anniversary!
Five Topics of HJF2024
1. Hakuba Jazz®︎: Born for artists
2. Promoting a new international jazz festival for the new era
3. Stay-based event tourism in the middle of nature
4. Legendary bassist Nathan East appointed as ambassador
5. Branding designed by top design studio, Peter Schmidt Group
Hakuba Jazz®︎ 2024 Festival Event Overview
Dates: Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th, 2024
Venue: Hakuba Wing 21 Cultural Hall and others
Organizer/Planning/Production: Hakuba Productions Inc.
Sponsored by Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau, Hakuba Valley Tourism
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakubajazz
Scheduled artists (in no particular order):
• TOKU (Vo, Flg)
• Takashi Numazawa (Dr)
• Yosuke Onuma (G)
• Kai Pettit (G)
• Kenji Hino (JINO) (B)
• David Bryant (P)
• MARLENE (Vo)
• FUYU (Dr)
• Jiro Yoshida (G)
• Mana Iwanaga (B)
• Alto Sato (Keys)
• Hinata Miyamura (B)
• Yu Isa (Dr)
• Masa Kohama (G)
History of Hakuba Jazz®︎
Hakuba Jazz®︎ was founded in 2020 by Itta Tsunoda, who invited prominent jazz artists like TOKU, Kenji Hino (JINO), Tony Suggs, and Chloe Kibble to experience Hakuba’s natural beauty and warm community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initial visit sparked the creation of a cultural community where music and nature coexist.
Building on these early exchanges, Hakuba Jazz®︎ Festival was officially launched in 2022, co-hosted with Hakuba Village. The festival aims to promote a new international jazz festival for the modern era.
In a significant step towards global recognition, legendary bass guitarist Nathan East accepted the role of Hakuba Jazz®︎ Ambassador, helping to elevate the festival’s international profile. Held every two years, the festival enriches the Hakuba Valley by merging music with tourism, fostering cultural value, and revitalizing the local economy.
Heritage , Optimism , Playfulness , Experience
These initials form “HOPE,” capturing the spirit of Hakuba Jazz®︎ and its mission to deliver hope through music.
Program Details
<Saturday, September 28, 2024>
[Marche] 10AM~ 3PM - Free concerts held outside the main concert venue and
Market. Anyone is welcome to participate (Venue: Hakuba Wing 21 Cultural Hall outdoor area. Admission: Free)
[Main Concert] 1PM start ~ 4PM (scheduled) - HJF2024 Main Concert (Venue: Hakuba
21 Cultural Hall (paid event)
[After Party] 7PM ~ Another HJF2024 event where you can enjoy music in a homely atmosphere
Main events (venue: “The Pub” @ Hakuba Mominoki Hotel, paid event) <Sunday, September 29, 2024>
[Workshop]
12PM~2:30PM - Panel discussion and workshop with some of Japan's leading artists.
Anyone is welcome to participate (Venue: Hakuba Wing 21 Cultural Hall, Admission: Free)
Ticket Information
<Saturday, September 28th Main Concert> Venue: Hakuba Wing 21 Cultural Hall
・General tickets: 5,000 yen (Online purchase only)
You can purchase it online here on our website.
・Hakuba Valley Discount: 3,000 yen (for residents of Omachi City, Hakuba Village, and Otari Village - Address verification required when purchasing)
Hakuba Tourism Information Counter - (Located inside Snow Peak Land Station Hakuba)
・Kids invitation ticket: Free (distributed only on the day - limited to 50 for elementary school students/first come, first served)
*Distribution location: Hakuba Wing 21 Cultural Hall outdoor area Distribution start: Saturday, September 28th, 12:00
<After Party on Saturday, September 28th> Venue: Hakuba Mominoki Hotel "The Pub"
Admission Fee: 3,000 yen (same-day tickets only - please come directly to the venue)
<Workshop on Sunday, September 29th> Venue: Hakuba Wing 21 Cultural Hall
Admission: Free (Please come to the venue by 12:00. Maximum 500 people)
<HJF2024 Stay Package>
Enjoy convenient pick-up from Hakuba Station and a comfortable 2-day, 1-night stay at one of Hakuba’s premier hotels, with breakfast included. The package also offers transportation between your hotel and the festival venue, along with tickets to the HJF2024 Main Event and the exclusive afterparty. Additional perks are also included, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free festival experience.
HJF2024 Accommodation Package Contents (Example)
Package Includes:
•Pick-up from Hakuba Station
• 2-day, 1-night accommodation at one of Hakuba's leading hotels (breakfast and dinner included)
•Transportation between hotel and venue
•HJF2024 Main Event Ticket
•Afterparty tickets
•Other benefits
For the accomodation package, please visit here
<Hakuba Jazz®︎ Ambassador Natahn East>
Nathan East is one of the world’s most renowned bass guitarists, with a career spanning over four decades. He has played alongside music legends such as Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Michael Jackson, contributing to countless hits across various genres. Known for his smooth and versatile playing style, Nathan has performed on more than 2,000 recordings, earning him a place as one of the most recorded bassists in history. In addition to his impressive session work, he is a founding member of the jazz group Fourplay and continues to influence and inspire musicians worldwide. (*Mr. East is not scheduled to participate in HJF2024.)
A message from Nathan East.
"The heart of the world’s greatest jazz festivals lies in the people. In Hakuba, Japan’s unique environment provides a rare and vibrant blend of cultures, creating a magical setting where artists and audiences unite in a shared celebration of music. This festival is a remarkable initiative, especially in today’s world. I sincerely invite everyone to experience the newly emerging culture of the Hakuba Jazz® Festival and show your support!"
< About branding>
This design is the symbol of Hakuba Jazz®︎ and the symbol of HOP E.
We began our activities with the aim of becoming one of the hopes of the European design industry.
The Peter Schmidt Group has kindly agreed to produce and donate the exhibit.
The motif icon represents a horse, which is formed by combining various elements.
It represents the essence of jazz, where diversity comes together to create harmony.
<Sponsorship and Support> Hakuba Jazz®︎ is looking for partners to join us in creating a new music culture.
The operation of HJF2024 is made possible thanks to your generous support and donations.We accept support from individuals, organizations, and corporations. Detailed information on sponsors are also available, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
For general inquiries regarding the Hakuba Jazz®︎ 2024 Festival and sponsorship, please contact: Hakuba Jazz®︎ Secretariat (Hakuba Productions Inc.) Email: info@hakuba-productions.com
Appendix
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References
<Hakuba Jazz®︎の歩み 参考動画>
[May 2021] Hakuba Jazz Experience Vol.1@Snow Peak Land Station
The pandemic that began in 2020 brought the global entertainment scene to a complete halt. It all began when we invited artists who were forced to stay at home to the open, natural surroundings of Hakuba.
[December 2021] Hakuba Jazz Experience Vol.2
In December 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the future was uncertain and anxiety was in the air. Artists active in Japan and abroad came together to play heartwarming Christmas music. A winter memory that will be passed down in Hakuba was born.
[December 2022] Hakuba Jazz®︎ 2022 Festival
Hakuba Jazz®︎ 2022 Festival, which claims to be the international jazz festival of the future, will be held in Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture.This is the first time that the festival has been held in collaboration with the village. With the cooperation of a world-famous bassist and Europe's leading design studios, a festival with new values has been born.
Participating artist profiles (in no particular order)
TOKU (Vo, Flg)
TOKU is Japan's only vocalist and flugelhorn player. Influenced by his father, he developed a love for music across various genres and began playing the cornet in middle school. He debuted in 2000 with the album Everything She Said and quickly performed at Blue Note Tokyo. His music, which transcends jazz, has led to collaborations with artists like m-flo, Ken Hirai, Skoop On Somebody, Miki Imai, and Maki Ohguro. In 2015, he released a cover album celebrating Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday. In 2022, he released his first career-spanning compilation, BESTOKU. Currently residing in France, he continues to perform between Japan and France.
Takashi Numazawa (Dr)
After graduating from university in 1983, Takashi Numazawa studied at P.I.T. in LA under Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey, eventually becoming an instructor there. He lived in LA until 2000, touring with artists like Chaka Khan, Bobby Womack, Al McKay & L.A. All Stars, Ned Doheny, and Sheila E. Upon returning to Japan, he has been active in various scenes with bands like Theater Brook, blues.the-butcher-590213, OKI DUB AINU BAND, NOTHING BUT THE FUNK, and Suga Shikao.
Yosuke Onuma (G)
Born in Akita in 1974, Onuma started playing guitar at 14 and studied jazz guitar. He represented Japan in the Heritage Jazz Guitar Competition, placing third worldwide in 1995, and won the Gibson Jazz Guitar Contest in 1999. He debuted with his album nu jazz in 2001 and has since collaborated with artists across R&B, Hip-Hop, and J-Pop. In 2004, he released The Three Primary Colors with Richard Bona, establishing himself as a leading Japanese guitarist.
Kai Petite (G, Vo)
Kai Petite was born to an American father and Japanese mother and raised in Kamakura. He began playing guitar at 14 and started performing in Tokyo bars at 17. He attended Berklee College of Music in 2001 and won the Gibson Jazz Guitar Contest's band category in 2002. His debut album Harbor Lights was released in 2009, followed by Feelin’ This Way in 2010, which topped the iTunes World Album Chart. He released his third album, A Night Flight, in 2011.
Kenji Hino (JINO) (B)
JINO moved to New York with his father, Terumasa Hino, at a young age. He started playing trumpet at 9 and switched to bass at 16, studying under Jaco Pastorius at 17. By 19, he began his professional career as a player and music director, joining the Apollo Theater house band in 1989. He later moved to Japan, where he continues to excel across various genres.
Marine (Vocals)
Marlene came to Japan in 1978 and debuted the following year. Transitioning from an idol singer to a jazz vocalist, she released hits like "Déjà Vu" and "IT'S MAGIC." In 1986, her song "Left Alone" topped the international music charts. In 2013, she released the album Marlene SINGS DONNA SUMMER. She celebrated her 45th anniversary as a singer in 2024 and remains active both domestically and internationally.
FUYU (Dr)
FUYU began drumming at age 2 and joined jazz sessions in Harlem at 9 after moving to New York. He formed the band Standpipe Siamese in 1995, performing at venues like CBGB and Knitting Factory. He has played with Shania Twain and at Madison Square Garden, debuting with Warner Music Japan. Since 2004, he has been the main drummer at Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan and moved to Tokyo in 2009, collaborating with various artists and performing with RED DIAMOND DOGS led by EXILE ATSUSHI.
Jiro Yoshida (G)
Born in Fukuoka in 1958, Yoshida started playing piano at 5 and classical guitar at 6. He moved to Tokyo at 18 to become a studio musician and studied at Berklee College of Music in 1983. Since 1990, he has been based in New York, collaborating with artists like Oliver Lake and Joe Sample. As a producer, he has performed at festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival and released the album a pastel shade with Sony Music in 2015. Mana Iwanaga (B)
Born on December 23, 1989, Iwanaga is a rising female bassist known for her five- and six-string bass style and solid technique. She is active in live performances, sessions, and recordings across genres, blending rock and fusion with R&B grooves. She has collaborated with renowned players and participated in projects like "Sword Of The Far East" produced by D.A.I and the musical "Samurai Rock Orchestra."
Masa Kohama (G)
Born in Maebashi, Gunma, Kohama began playing guitar at 11. After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, he moved to LA in 1991 and graduated from the Musicians Institute. He was a house guitarist at LA's largest black church, City of Refuge, for nine years and performed across the US with R&B and soul singers like Billy Preston, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Khan. Recently, his guitar work has been featured on Grammy-winning projects. He returned to Japan in 2006 and has been active with top domestic artists like EXILE, Ryuji Imaichi, JUJU, and Superfly.
<主催: 株式会社Hakuba Productions Inc.について> Captures the natural environment of Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture from a new angle,
We aim to contribute to a sustainable future where culture and nature coexist in harmony.
[Company Information]
Company name: Hakuba Productions Inc.
Address: 3476 Kitajo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture
Date of establishment: October 30, 2020
Email: info@hakuba-productions.com
Representative Director: Ichita Tsunoda
[Business Description]
Hakuba Jazz®︎ - Event Business
Hakuba Channel®︎ - Media Business
exdr.®︎ - Travel industry ( www.exdr.jp )
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