Experience a groundbreaking fusion of jazz and theater in UNBREAKABLE HOPE AND RESILIENCE, a deeply moving suite based on real-life interviews with survivors and volunteers of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Created by Migiwa "Miggy" Miyajima, a New York-based award-winning composer and six-time Grammy-nominated producer, this work captures what hope and resilience look like in our real lives through the power of music and performance.

This suite brings together world-class jazz musicians from New York and accomplished actors from the city's vibrant theater scene, seamlessly connected under the Miyajima’s direction.

Selected as part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Women’s Month, this concert is one of only three performances this March to be streamed live globally.

How to Watch

Join in person on Monday, March 17 at Dizzy’s Club in Columbus Circle or watch from anywhere in the world via the online broadcast. This is a rare opportunity to witness a performance that redefines the boundaries of jazz storytelling.

To purchase tickets, please visit jazz.org/dizzys, or to watch the global live stream, subscribe and watch at jazzlive.com.

Miggy Augmented Orchestra presents UNBREAKABLE HOPE & RESILIENCE SUITE

Composer, Conductor: Migiwa “Miggy” Miyajima
Actors: Megan Masako Haley, Ashton Muñiz, Arielle Gonzalez
Trumpets: Dan Urness, David Smith, Stuart Mack, Rachel Therrien
Trombones: Ryan Keberle, Jason Jackson, Evan Amoroso, Gina Benalcazar-Lopez
Sax/Flute/Clarinet: Ben Kono, Todd Bashore, Sam Dillon, Quinsin Nachoff, Carl Maraghi
Rhythm Section: Pete McCann, Martha Kato, Jared Beckstead-Craan, Tim Horner
Production Assistant: Joseph Herbst

To learn more about Miyajima, please visit her website.

Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!

Susan McCormac 3/3/25 Susan McCormac 3/3/25

Monday Michiru Returns to Joe’s Pub

Japanese American songstress (and the daughter of legendary jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi) returns to Joe’s Pub this week for a performance. Photo by Takashi Matsuzaki

Monday Michiru

Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)

Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette Place (at Astor Place)

Admission: $36

Japanese American songstress Monday Michiru returns to Joe's Pub presenting her unique style of original music inspired by soul, jazz, Brazilian, and other urban flavors supported by some of New York's top musicians. Joining her on stage are Misha Tsiganov, Sean Harkness, Fima Ephron, Adrian Harpham, and Sumie Kaneko.

There is a two-drink or one-food item minimum per person. To purchase tickets, please go to publictheater.org.

About Monday Michiru

Named to reflect both her Japanese and American Italian heritages, Monday Michiru started her musical endeavors with studying classical flute then expanded to singing and songwriting. The daughter of famed jazz musicians Toshiko Akiyoshi and Charlie Mariano and stepdaughter of venerable flautist Lew Tabackin, Michiru easily adapted the language of jazz heard at home into her other musical influences, which range from soul to urban club to Brazilian and more.

Her 1987 debut in Japan was not in music but as an actress, which garnered her Best New Actress awards that allowed her to expand her career by acting in movies, theater, and television, as well as hosting her own video programs and modeling for major commercial ads.

Since her solo record debut in 1991, Michiru has consistently released albums as a solo artist as well as a featured guest on international projects. Her musical style runs the gamut from house to jazz to Latin to soul, an indefinable hybrid that is undeniably hers. To learn more, please visit her website.

Susan McCormac 1/6/25 Susan McCormac 1/6/25

Japanese Jazz Pianist to Perform in NYC

Japanese jazz pianist Miho Nobuzane performs at Klavierhaus in New York City as part of the series From Tokyo to Times Square by Decibel

From Tokyo to Times Square: Miho Nobuzane

Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.*

Klavierhaus – 790 11th Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets)

Admission: $30 in advance | $35 at the door | $15 Students

Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with pianist Miho Nobuzane, a versatile musician whose captivating performances blend jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and dynamic improvisations. This concert is part of the Japanese jazz piano series From Tokyo to Times Square by Decibel, a nonprofit dedicated to live music, and celebrates the rich musical and cultural connections between Japan and New York.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Decibel’s website at decibelpresents.com.

About Miho Nobuzane

Born in Osaka, Japan, Miho Nobuzane began her piano journey at the age of four. After studying classical piano, she discovered her passion for jazz and Brazilian music, which led her to New York City, where she quickly became a distinguished figure in the Brazilian jazz scene.

Nobuzane has collaborated with legendary musicians including Bernard Purdie, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Bakithi Kumalo, Filo Machado, Paula Lima, Nanny Assis, Lincoln Goines, and many more. She has performed at iconic venues like Blue Note NY, Iridium NY, Long Beach Jazz Festival, as well as in Brazil, Hawaii, and Japan.

Miho’s three albums — Make You Happy, Simple Words ~Jazz loves Brazil, and Anata Ni Deaeta — showcase her incredible talent as both a composer and performer.

About From Tokyo to Times Square

From Tokyo to Times Square is a unique concert series featuring top Japanese jazz pianists performing live in New York City. The series, which began in November 2024, spans seven months, with one pianist performing each month, showcasing the talent and creativity of Japan's jazz scene. Kyoko Oyobe and Yayoi Ikawa performed in November and December, respectively, and the series continues until May.

Upcoming Performances

All set times are at 7:00 p.m.*

Miki Hayama – February 4
Eri Yamamoto – March 4
Martha Kato – April 1
Rina Yamazaki – May 27

*The original post of this event stated that there is also a set at 8:30 p.m., but there is not. The only performances will be at 7:00 p.m. JapanCulture•NYC regrets the error.

Susan McCormac 9/13/24 Susan McCormac 9/13/24

JAPANESE JAZZ TRUMPETER TO PERFORM AT JOE’S PUB

Shunzo Ohno: EVOLUTION

Friday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.)

Joe’s Pub – 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)

Admission: $36

Celebrating 50 years in New York and his groundbreaking First Prize International Songwriting Competition Award for the iconic composition "Musashi," Shunzo Ohno brings Metamorphosis, the energetic ensemble and always riveting performance to Joe's Pub.

Making history as the first jazz composer to win this prestigious award and the first Japanese-born musician to achieve such recognition, Ohno’s celebration at Joe's Pub will be a multicultural experience, with his unique jazz and classical instrumentation. Hailing from Japan, Ohno made his mark in NYC over the last 50 years, touring with legendary masters Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Gil Evans, and more. His life story of overcoming challenges and his thrilling live performances have attracted fans of all ages.

Don't miss Grammy Award-winning artist Shunzo Ohno's fearless performance, inspiring compositions, and the Lotus Chamber Music Collective, part of his dynamic Metamorphosis Ensemble, as they return to Joe's Pub with a sonic experience evoking hope and resilience. There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person. To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website.

Featuring

Shunzo Ohno — Trumpet
Jerome Jennings — Drums
Quintin Zoto — Guitar
Noah Rott — Piano / Keys
Jeremiah Edwards — Bass
Sasha Ono — Cello
Emily Garrison — Violin
Katherine Kyu Hyeon Lim — Violin
Molly Goldman — Viola

With cinematic rhythms and inspiring melodies, Ohno captivates audiences worldwide. In his pursuit of global harmony through music, Ohno declares, "We are all Dreamers, and together, we triumph."

Susan McCormac 8/14/24 Susan McCormac 8/14/24

Akira Tana TO PERFORM AT DIZZY’S CLUB

Akira Tana’s Osaka Quartet with Atsuko Hashimoto

Thursday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Friday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Dizzy’s Club at Frederick P. Rose Hall – Broadway at 60th Street

Admission: $25-$50

Jazz at Lincoln Center Japanese jazz drummer Akira Tana for six performances.

One of the most versatile drummers on the scene, West Coast legend Akira Tana has performed with Sonny Rollins, Hubert Laws, Lena Horne, Rufus Reid, The Manhattan Transfer, and countless other iconic artists and acts. His of-the-moment ability to summon what the music requires in any context drives his evolving expression.

For this performance, Tana brings his Osaka Quartet featuring Hammond B3 master Atsuko Hashimoto from Osaka, Japan. The quartet’s performance will include music from the classic jazz organ repertoire, originals, and adaptations of material from the Great American Songbook and Japanese pop and folk traditions.

PERFORMANCE LINEUP

Akira Tana — drums
Atsuko Hashimoto — Hammond B3
Hideki Kawamura — tenor saxophone
Yutaka Hashimoto — guitar

To purchase tickets, please visit Jazz at Lincoln Center’s website. Dizzy's Club requires a minimum food and/or beverage purchase of $21 per person. Can’t make it to the venue? Watch both sets on August 15 live at JazzLive.com.

Susan McCormac 3/21/24 Susan McCormac 3/21/24

Asian Restaurant in NoMad Hortus NYC Introduces Jazz Nights

Under the direction of Executive Chef Geo Park, Hortus NYC in NoMad offers an Asian culinary journey with a European twist. Chef Park and Managing Partner Suhum Jang (Per Se, Daniel, Jungsik) have created a menu that seamlessly blends the flavors of China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Hortus NYC’s Japanese offerings include Hamachi in yuzu kosho sauce with cucumber, pickled peppers, and blood orange; and Sea Urchin Donabe, which consists of ikura and cured egg yolk over a bed of nori rice served in a clay pot topped with uni. Chef Park uses Japanese seasonal ingredients such as miso, daikon, edamame in many of his dishes. Beverages include Japanese craft beer such as Stout Echigo and Pale Ale Kanazawa, Junmai ginjo and Junmai sakeby the glass, and unfiltered rice wine. The program menu also features the Hortus Pour, a red wine, white wine, or sake that Jang has personally chosen at an approachable price point.

Hortus NYC Jazz Nights

In addition to delectable food, the stylish restaurant has a vibrant ambiance. This week they introduced Jazz Nights, a blend of delicious cuisine and soulful live jazz music, every Wednesday and Thursday evening which started March 20.

Guests can experience the harmonious performances of Japanese husband-and-wife duo Chika & Tatsuya on Wednesdays and distinguished NYC-based Asian Jazz group Jinjoo Yoo Trio every Thursday. From 7:00 p.m. until 10 p.m., Hortus NYC’s 2nd-floor lounge area will be filled with swanky music, offering guests three hours of entertainment to accompany their meal.

Upgrade your viewing experience by dining on their menu of Asian fare

Wagyu Sotbap — A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, cured egg yolk, and micro greens
King Crab Noodle — fettuccine dressed with mala cream sauce, shallots, and scallion
Truffle Donabe with wild mushrooms and cured egg yolk topped with shaved black truffle

While listening, indulge in Hortus NYC’s low-ABV cocktails

Passion on the Beach — a blend of Jinro, plum sake and rosemary
Oolong High — oolong tea, soju, lemon, and cane sugar
5th Ave — a mix of Jinro 24, Hwayo 23, tonic, mint, and lime

About Hortus NYC

The name Hortus NYC, Latin for “garden,” reflects the emphasis on freshness, and the theme of the garden runs throughout the interior. Divided into four distinct areas, the first floor is dedicated to bar dining with an open kitchen and a Chef’s Table. The second floor contains an adjoining glass-enclosed hidden garden oasis complete with lights hanging above for a warm and intimate glow in the evening as well as the main dining room, which offers exquisite views of the illuminated stained-glass windows at the Marble Collegiate Church across the street.

Plan Your Visit

Hortus NYC

Address:
271 Fifth Avenue (between 29th and 30th Streets)

Phone:
646-858-3784

Hours:
Sunday through Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Website:
hortusnyc.com

Instagram:
@hortusnyc

Susan McCormac 9/9/23 Susan McCormac 9/9/23

SHUNZO OHNO AT JOE’S PUB

Shunzo Ohno: Incite/Insight

Sunday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Joe's Pub at The Public Theater – 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place)

Admission: $30 (exclusive of service fees)

Join Shunzo Ohno's Ensemble and the Lotus Chamber Music Collective for an energetic night of soulful music, delicious food, drinks, and great company. The invigorating set list will feature crowd-pleasing hits and new compositions. Enjoy a night of jazz in NYC with Grammy Award winner Shunzo Ohno together with your friends and family!

The Musicians

Shunzo Ohno – Trumpet
Clifford Carter – Piano and Keys
French Jacob – Guitar
Thierry Arpino – Drums
Leo Traversa – Bass
Emily Garrison – Violin
Katherine Kyu Hyeon Lim – Violin
Jay Julio – Viola
Sasha Ono – Cello

There is a two-drink or one-food minimum per person. To purchase tickets, please visit Joe’s Pub’s website.

ABOUT SHUNZO OHO

Shunzo Ohno's live performances are known for their uplifting, joyful energy. His euphoric mastery creates a captivating celebration of the power of music.

He has collaborated with legendary musicians such as Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Larry Coryell, Machito, and the master arranger/composer Gil Evans, as well as international musicians across South Africa, France, Italy, and Japan.

Throughout the pandemic, Ohno remained committed to his mission of sharing a global perspective. He will present his new works of riveting Jazz and Classical String Chamber instrumentation with his distinguished Metamorphosis Ensemble.

Ohno’s story has been the subject of biographies and documentaries. The documentary short Never Defeated: The Shunzo Ohno Story highlights his remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of an auto accident, which permanently damaged his mouth, Ohno created a unique approach to his performances and trumpet skills. Diagnosed with life-threatening throat cancer, he fought relentlessly and emerged victorious. This became a turning point for Ohno, leading to the production of award-winning albums and garnering global recognition for his works.

His twelve annual visits to the communities affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster in the northeast region of Japan continues in the Fall of 2023, creating transformative healing and bonds of friendship.

Commissioned by Ushio Publishers, Shunzo continues to inspire younger generations with his book and video, You Can Do It, available on YouTube.

Through his music, Shunzo Ohno's legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of the music scene. He serves as an inspiration to people around the world. Learn more at his website.

Susan McCormac 7/24/23 Susan McCormac 7/24/23

Japanese Enka at The Red Pavilion

Tokyo Boogie Night

Thursday, July 27 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with music beginning at 7:30 p.m.)

The Red Pavilion Brooklyn – 1241 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn

Admission: $10 in advance | $15 at the door

Join the Red Pavilion for the first and only Tokyo Boogie Night in New York City dedicated to vintage Japanese enka, jazz, boogie, and blues featuring Kuni Mikami and the Tokyo Boogie Band! Celebrate Japanese culture, music, and dance with a unique, nostalgic 1960s twist.

Kuni Mikami and the Tokyo Boogie Band

Kuni Mikami – Keyboards
Asako Takasaki – Vocals
Frank Han – Vocals
Daisuke Konno – Drums
Bonz Sato – Sax
Tomoya Ogawa – Guitar

About Kuni Mikami

Japanese jazz pianist Kuni Mikami came to New York in 1975 and has performed at major jazz clubs and concert halls. Mikami toured in jazz legend Lionel Hampton’s band, and he played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Birdland. In 2003, he and mime performer Haruka Moriyama created “iMimenation.” He is the author of two jazz piano instructional books in Japanese. Learn more at his website.

This event welcomes guests 21 and older. There is a one-drink minimum for table service.

To purchase tickets, please visit Tock.com.

UNBREAKABLE HOPE AND RESILIENCE: A Special Concert from Japan Celebrating Stories of Humanity and Resilience